Mg and B6

Oral contraceptives (also known as birth control pills) deplete our levels of vitamin B6 and magnesium. Therefore, most naturopathic doctors recommend supplementing these two nutrients in females taking oral contraceptives long-term. A long-term user of oral contraceptives may need to take a vitamin B-complex (a supplement containing all of the B vitamins) to account for long-term B-vitamin depletion due to oral contraceptive-use. 

Another fun fact: why do women often crave chocolate and carbs around their period/menses? Because the menstrual cycle processes use-up magnesium and vitamin B6 (they are metabolic co-factors), and these foods are high in magnesium (chocolate) and vitamin B6 (carbohydrate-rich foods), respectively. Also, pre-menstrual symptoms (PMS) and menstrual cramps are physical signs that a women is low in these nutrients (magnesium and B6). 

Food as Medicine: Chocolate Tofu Pie to cure PMS symptoms (recipe here). 

*This article is not meant to diagnose or give nutritional advice; it's just some 'food for thought'! Please consult your healthcare provider to discuss your own health needs. Thanks!