Hormonal Contraceptive Use Is Associated With Higher Total but Unaltered Free 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Serum Concentrations

authored by: S. Pilz, R. Obeid, V. Schwetz, C. Trummer, M. Pandis, E. Lerchbaum, T.R. Pieber, B. Obermayer-Pietsch, M. Wilhelm, Andreas Hahn, C. Schön
Abstract: Context Intake of hormonal contraceptives (HC) is associated with higher total 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations, but the effect of HC on free 25(OH)D is unclear. Objective We investigated whether free 25(OH)D concentrations differ according to use of HC. Design This is a post hoc analysis of a randomized open trial. Setting This study was conducted from 13 January to 9 May, 2016, at a clinical research organization in Esslingen, Germany. Participants We included 201 apparently healthy women of childbearing age. Intervention Participants were randomly assigned to receive a daily multimicronutrient supplement for 8 weeks; the supplement contained 200 IU (n =100) or 800 IU (n = 101) of vitamin D3. Main Outcome Measures Primary outcome was the difference in free 25(OH)D between users and nonusers of HC. Results Overall, 176 participants [median (25th to 75th percentiles) age: 25 (22 to 29) years] with available free 25(OH)D were included in the present analysis. At baseline, total 25(OH)D was significantly higher in users (n = 110) than in nonusers (n = 66) of HC [49.2 (33.4 to 63.4) vs 39.1 (23.8 to 52.5) nmol/L; P < 0.001], whereas there was no difference in free 25(OH)D [7.87 (6.50 to 10.11) vs 7.88 (6.35 to 10.12) pmol/L; P = 0.923]. These results were confirmed after multimicronutrient supplementation and in subgroups according to treatment allocation. Conclusions Use of HC was associated with, on average, 26% higher total 25(OH)D, whereas free 25(OH)D values did not differ according to use of HC. These findings are relevant for epidemiological studies, but the physiological implications remain to be clarified.
Organisation(s): Institute of Food Science and Human Nutrition
Nutrition Physiology and Human Nutrition Section
External Organisation(s): University of Graz
Uniklinikum Saarland
Ulm University of Applied Sciences
Type: Article
Journal: Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
Volume: 103
Pages: 2385-2391
No. of pages: 7
ISSN: 0021-972X
Publication date: 06.2018
Publication status: Published
Peer reviewed: Yes
ASJC Scopus subject areas: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Biochemistry, Endocrinology, Clinical Biochemistry, Biochemistry, medical
Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
Electronic version(s): https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2018-00336 (Access: Closed)