[science4life (OP)]

Is it true that women who take the contraceptive pill are more likely to suffer from a vitamin deficiency?

[Bored chemist]

How would you find out?

[Halc]

Apparently regular usage depletes B6, B9, B12, and some others.
It also increases the level of some vitamins and nutrients such as iron.

This is relative to somebody not taking the pill and still not being pregnant.  Pregnancy itself depletes one of several vitamins, which is why prenatal vitamins are usually prescribed.

[science4life (OP)]

Very interesting, thanks for your answer.

Would you advise against a vegan diet during pregnancy?
As a vegan you are also affected by an increased vitamin deficiency, just like pregnant women?

[Halc]

Would you advise against a vegan diet during pregnancy?
As a vegan you are also affected by an increased vitamin deficiency, just like pregnant women?

Just existing from day to day creates a vitamin deficiency. Vitamins are a consumable and must be replaced in theory by a balanced diet. A vegan diet (like an Atkins diet) isn't necessarily unbalanced, but care must be taken. I live near a hive of aging rich hippies many of whom lead vegan/organic lives. Their doctors don't urge that they not be vegan during pregnancies. On the other hand, most all of them take supplements to make up for the deficiencies, and if you have that resource available, one is less encumbered by worrying about nutritional deficiencies due to your habits.

My wife takes pretty heavy calcium supplements since she's on other stuff that reduces absorption rates of the stuff at normal concentrations.

[science4life (OP)]

Thanks for the answer. I had read that people advise against vegan nutrition during pregnancy. But with vitamin supplementation it seems to be possible.