Abstract
BackgroundOral contraceptives (OCs) may affect oxidative stress status. We aimed to assess whether supplementation with vitamins E and C reduced this OC effect. Study DesignOne hundred twenty healthy female individuals were divided into three groups: A, control; B, untreated OCU (OC users); and C, treated OCU (OC users with vitamin E and C supplementation). In all cases, plasma glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR) activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) level were determined. ResultsSignificant increases were found in the plasma MDA level, and activities of GPx and GR in plasma were decreased in Group B compared to the control group. Supplementation with vitamin C and E significantly increased the activity of GPx and GR activity, and reduced plasma MDA levels in Group C (p<.05). ConclusionsThese data suggest that low-dose OCs, by enhancing the stress oxidative and lipid peroxidation, may represent a potential cardiovascular risk factor, and the use of vitamins E and C may be beneficial in ameliorating this side effect of OCs.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
