FEMTABS™ Provides Nutritional Support to Women on Oral Contraceptives



ST. LOUIS, MO, December 29, 2003 -- While women seem to tolerate oral contraceptives well, it is not unusual for women to experience difficulty adjusting to hormone therapy. Long term users of oral contraceptives frequently experience side effects consistent with research showing that birth control pills can affect a number of metabolic and nutritional processes. Over the years, studies have reported drug-nutrient interactions between oral contraceptives and certain vitamins and minerals. Oral contraceptives have been shown to decrease the levels of key vitamins and minerals and potentially increase the demands of important nutrients.



The use of birth control pills is more common in young women, which adds uncertainty regarding the nutritional effects of these drugs. A healthy diet, high in nutrients, is the best protection against nutrition related problems from oral contraceptives. Unfortunately, young women are at high risk for improper diet. Fad diets, fast food, and increased carbonated soda intake is common with these groups. Nutritional experts recommend that women on OCs, especially young women, take supportive nutritional supplements.



Given that one quarter of all women who smoke cigarettes also take birth control pills, and over half of those smoke heavily, oral contraceptive patients are at additional risk of deficiencies due to reduced nutrient levels from oxidative stress and free radical formation. A major source of free radicals is cigarette smoke. Cigarette smoke is a complex mixture of approximately 5,000 chemicals, including high concentrations of free radicals and reactive oxygen species. To compound the problem, antioxidant deficiency in smokers may be enhanced by their generally lower intake of both supplemental and dietary antioxidants. Several reports provide compelling evidence for a beneficial role of specific antioxidants in the prevention of smoking-related oxidative damage.



FEMTABS is designed to provide specific micronutrients that are tied to reported nutritional deficiencies and increased nutrient needs of oral contraceptive patients. FEMTABS is formulated with selective nutrients that address known OC patient concerns. Vitamin B6 is provided to help prevent deficiencies associated with mood changes/depression that can emerge during early and sustained use of birth control pills. Vitamin B6 can also help minimize amplified PMS that can accompany OC use. Folic Acid is included to help prevent documented deficiencies noted in OC prescribing information that can result in cervical abnormalities and anemia. Moreover, a major B complex component consisting of B1, B2, B6, B12, Biotin and Folic Acid combined with vitamins C and E and Magnesium help support heart and vascular health. Key antioxidants help protect the estimated 27% of OC users that smoke from increased oxidative stress and free radical damage. Zinc is also provided for its antioxidant properties and to help reduce increased copper levels tied to oral contraceptive use. Overall, the critical nutrients and antioxidants supplied by FEMTABS have been shown to help reduce the potential toxicity of oral contraceptives.



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