PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Shojania, A. M.
TI  - Oral contraceptives: effect of folate and vitamin B12 metabolism
DP  - 1982 Feb 01
TA  - Canadian Medical Association Journal
PG  - 244--247
VI  - 126
IP  - 3
4099  - http://www.cmaj.ca/content/126/3/244.short
4100  - http://www.cmaj.ca/content/126/3/244.full
SO  - CMAJ1982 Feb 01; 126
AB  - Women who use oral contraceptives have impaired folate metabolism as shown by slightly but significantly lower levels of folate in the serum and the erythrocytes and an increased urinary excretion of formiminoglutamic acid. The vitamin B12 level in their serum is also significantly lower than that of control groups. However, there is no evidence of tissue depletion of vitamin B12 associated with the use of oral contraceptives. The causes and clinical significance of the impairment of folate and vitamin B12 metabolism in these women is discussed in this review of the literature. Clinicians are advised to ensure that women who shop taking "the pill" because they wish to conceive have adequate folate stores before becoming pregnant.