STUDY OF EFFECTS OF ORAL CONTRACEPTIVE PILL ON ZINC AND SELENIUM LEVELS

There are clear evidences that zinc and selenium trace elements are required for maintenance of normal metabolic and physiologic activities. Over 300 zinc methaloenzyme have been described to date. Selenium is essential in a number of important metaloenzyme. They are necessary for efficient scavenging of peroxides and for protection of the cell impairment and immunodeficiency. Numerous Iranian women use oral contraceptive pill (OCP) therefore, the study of possible alteration in their blood biochemical markers is important A cross sectional study of the effects of OCP on zinc and selenium levels was performed. The study group consisted of 50 women (22-37 aged) using OCP and 50 women not using OCP as control. Serum zinc and selenium levels were estimated by using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer Use of OCP resulted in significant decrease in serum zinc level but no statistical differences were found in serum selenium of the OCP user as compared whit control group. As might be expected from the multiple biochemical function of zinc therefore, it s supplementation in OCP user might be of clinical benefit. It is expected that no significant decrease in serum selenium of contraceptive user (LD) arose from its protective effects against properties of oral contraceptive pill.