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  • Title: Effect of oral contraceptive usage on zinc and copper in serum and hair.
    Author: Vir SC, Love AH.
    Journal: Int J Vitam Nutr Res; 1979; 49(3):330-5. PubMed ID: 528161.
    Abstract:
    Zinc and copper concentration in serum and hair were determined in 12 women before the initiation of oral contraceptive therapy and after a period of 3 months and 6 months. A significant elevation in serum copper occured after the usage of oral contraceptive for 3 months. The taking of oral contraceptive agent (OCA) for a subsequent 3 month period caused no further significant increase in serum copper concentration. No significant effect of OCA on serum zinc and on hair concentration of these trace elements was noted. Further study is indicated to establish the significance of these on overall metabolism and on clinical consequences. A study of oral contraceptive side effects was conducted, using 12 apparently healthy young women 18 years of age who wanted to start oral contraceptive usage. Biochemical investigation was done on the 12 subjects before initiation of oral contraceptive therapy and at 3 months and 6 months posttherapy. The laboratory procedures are explained. Details of the subjects, type of oral contraceptive used, and zinc and copper concentration in hair and serum are tabulated. A significant elevation of serum copper occurred after 3 months of oral contraceptive usage. This result occurred in every subject. Further elevations from 3-6 months were slight but not significant. Individual hair copper concentration was lower after oral contraceptive usage, but the difference was not significant at either 3 or 6 months. Mean serum zinc concentration exhibited a tendency towards decrease which was not significant. Mean hair zinc levels did not change significantly. Further studies, probably longitudinal studies, will be needed to assess the importance of these overall metabolic changes due to oral contraceptives.
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