Vitamin B6 deficiency
Women taking oral contraceptives during the premenstrual period have an increased need for vitamin B6. Insufficient intake can easily lead to restlessness, hyperreflexia, and peripheral neuritis, as well as headaches, irritability, fatigue, and even depression. Vitamin B6 is found in high amounts in the outer layers of grains and cabbage; those with mild symptoms can increase their intake of these foods.
Vitamin B12 deficiency
Vitamin B12 is most abundant in liver and lean meat. Deficiency can cause glossitis, diarrhea, and megaloblastic anemia, often accompanied by neurological symptoms such as sensory dullness and motor incoordination. Women who take oral contraceptives long-term or consume little meat are more prone to vitamin B12 deficiency. Foods rich in vitamin B12 include animal organs, shellfish, fish, and egg yolks. Tea is also rich in vitamin B12 and can be consumed regularly.
Vitamin B1 deficiency
Vitamin B1 deficiency can cause beriberi, neuritis, and even affect the heart. It can also lead to irritability, fatigue, nervousness, and mood swings. Alcohol can interfere with vitamin B1 absorption, and the presence of highly refined foods and long-term use of birth control pills further increases the risk of deficiency. Therefore, to prevent vitamin B1 deficiency, it is important to avoid overly refined foods, abstain from alcohol, and consume more legumes and peanuts, which are rich in vitamin B1.
Iron deficiency
Women with irregular menstrual cycles, heavy periods, or short cycles are prone to iron deficiency due to greater iron loss during menstruation. Some women dislike eating meat and fresh vegetables, preferring sweets and pastries; this dietary habit can also lead to insufficient iron intake. Not using iron cookware deprives the body of a source of iron. Iron deficiency can affect the activity of various iron-containing enzymes, impacting the formation of erythroglobin and myoglobin, causing fatigue, poor concentration, mood swings, irritability, emotional instability, and decreased libido. Foods rich in iron include seaweed, black sesame seeds, jellyfish skin, dried shrimp, and daylily.
Zinc deficiency
Zinc participates in more than 80 activities in the human body, affecting the synthesis of proteins and nucleic acids, and is also an essential trace element for the reproductive system. Zinc is abundant in animal-based foods and is easily absorbed. Foods rich in zinc include fish, chicken liver, eggs, and various seafood. Consuming sugar and drinking alcohol can increase the body's zinc consumption, so women who don't like to eat animal-based foods, love sweets and pastries, or are fond of alcohol are more prone to zinc deficiency.
