NutriStack
Combined Oral Contraceptive and Vitamin E, a synergy.
Combined oral contraceptives reduce serum levels of lipid-soluble antioxidants including alpha-tocopherol and coenzyme Q10. In a controlled study of premenopausal women, OC use significantly lowered both. Replenishing vitamin E helps offset COC-associated oxidative stress.
One pair, every claim cited. The two substances, the type, the mechanism, the recommendation, and the primary literature.
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What the row says.
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At a glance
- Substances
- Combined Oral Contraceptive and Vitamin E
- Pair type
- Synergy
- Evidence (highest tier)
- Moderate
- Source citations
- 2 sources
- Stack Score effect
- +2 to your Stack Score (per scored synergy row).
- Scope
- Supplement × Prescription
- Last verified
- May 30, 2026
Synergy · Moderate evidence
Synergy
What is happening. Combined oral contraceptives reduce serum levels of lipid-soluble antioxidants including alpha-tocopherol and coenzyme Q10. In a controlled study of premenopausal women, OC use significantly lowered both. Replenishing vitamin E helps offset COC-associated oxidative stress.
Mechanism. Estrogen-induced changes in lipid metabolism and antioxidant turnover lower circulating tocopherol levels. Lower alpha-tocopherol may contribute to the increased oxidative stress and inflammatory markers seen with COC use.
Recommendation. A daily multivitamin or 100-200 IU of mixed tocopherols is reasonable for women on combined oral contraception. Take with food containing fat for absorption.
Sources (2)
- Palan PR, Magneson AT, Castillo M, Dunne J, Mikhail MS. Effects of menstrual cycle and oral contraceptive use on serum levels of lipid-soluble antioxidants. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2006;194(5):e35-8. PMID 16647895
- Palmery M, Saraceno A, Vaiarelli A, Carlomagno G. Oral contraceptives and changes in nutritional requirements. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2013;17(13):1804-13. PMID 23852908
Stack Score
How this pair moves the number.
Effect on the composite score
If both Combined Oral Contraceptive and Vitamin E are in the same stack, this pair applies +2 to your Stack Score (per scored synergy row).
The full algorithm, the clamping rules, and four worked stacks are documented at /methodology/stack-score.
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