Effects of oral contraceptive steroids on vitamin and lipid levels in serum.

The results of a comprehensive study to determine the effects of oral contraceptive agents on nutrient metabolism have been reported. The group of women using oral contraceptive agents was found to have significantly higher levels of hemoglobin, packed cell volume, serum vitamin A, total lipids, triglycerides, vitamin E, and alpha1-protein and significantly lower levels of serum and red cell folacin, vitamin B12 and albumin. The biological significance of many of these differences has not been elucidated satisfactorily.