Ulipristal Acetate & Nutrient Depletion
Also searched as Ella. What the clinical evidence reports, what it may mean, and what to discuss with your pharmacist.
Ulipristal Acetate has been associated with depletion of THIAMINE and VITAMIN B12. This does not mean a deficiency will occur — it means these are worth knowing about and, if you take Ulipristal Acetate long-term, worth raising with your pharmacist or healthcare provider.
Take more than one medication? Open the checker with Ulipristal Acetate pre-loaded and add the rest to see overlapping nutrient signals.
Reported nutrient depletions with Ulipristal Acetate
Each record below is shown as published in our licensed clinical database, with its evidence rating and citations. Expand a section for food sources and talking points.
THIAMINE
Insignificant DepletionCONTRACEPTIVE DRUGS
Some studies have reported a small reduction in activity of the thiamine-dependent enzyme erythrocyte transketolase in females taking oral contraceptives, suggesting mild thiamine deficiency. However, other studies have found no effect. Routine use of thiamine supplements with oral contraceptives isn't necessary.
Thiamine is a B vitamin your body uses to convert food into energy and keep nerves working properly. Ulipristal acetate, like other hormonal contraceptives, has been theorized to slightly reduce how well the gut absorbs thiamine, though research on this has been mixed and no clear, meaningful effect has been established. Given that this is rated as insignificant, most people taking ulipristal acetate have nothing to worry about here. No routine supplementation is needed, but if you have questions about your diet or any symptoms, it is always fine to bring them up with your pharmacist.
What Vitamin B1 (thiamine) does & food sources
Thiamine helps convert food into energy and is essential for nerve and heart function.
Common food sources:
- Whole grains and fortified cereals
- Pork
- Beans and lentils
- Nuts and seeds
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
What to discuss with your clinician
Ask about thiamine if you take an associated medication (for example, a long-term loop diuretic in heart failure) and have symptoms like fatigue or worsening heart failure control — this is an area your care team can weigh.
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
Supplement considerations
Thiamine is water-soluble and generally low-risk, but supplementing to treat a suspected problem should still be clinician-guided so the real cause is not missed.
Do not start or stop medications or supplements without professional guidance — supplements can interact with prescription medications.
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
Learn more about this nutrient: Thiamine — uses, safety & interactions
References (4)
- Thorp VJ. Effect of oral contraceptive agents on vitamin and mineral requirements. J Am Diet Assoc 1980;76:581-4.. DOI
- Briggs MH, Briggs M. Thiamine status and oral contraceptives. Contraception 1975;11:151-4. PubMed
- Lewis CM, King JC. Effect of oral contraceptive agents on thiamin, riboflavin, and pantothenic acid status in young women. Am J Clin Nutr 1980;33:832-8..
- Vir SC, Love AH. Effect of oral contraceptive agents on thiamin status. Int J Vit Nutr Res 1979;49:291-5.
VITAMIN B12
Insignificant DepletionCONTRACEPTIVE DRUGS
The data regarding the effects of oral contraceptives on vitamin B12 serum levels are conflicting. Some studies have found reduced serum levels in oral contraceptive users, but others have found no effect despite use of oral contraceptives for up to 6 months. When reduced serum levels are detected, vitamin B12 absorption, urinary excretion, tissue and erythrocyte levels, methylmalonic acid levels, and homocysteine are normal. When oral contraceptive use is stopped, normalization of vitamin B12 levels usually occurs. It's suggested that oral contraceptives reduce production of transcobalamin I, the protein which transports vitamin B12 in the blood. Thus, more of the vitamin is available for tissue uptake and serum levels may be reduced. Vitamin B12 supplements don't seem to increase serum levels of vitamin B12. Lower vitamin B12 serum levels seen with oral contraceptives probably aren't clinically significant.
Vitamin B12 is something your nerves and red blood cells depend on to work properly. Some research has found that hormonal contraceptives like ulipristal acetate may lower the protein that carries B12 through your bloodstream, which can make serum levels look a bit lower on a lab test. The good news is that studies suggest the vitamin still reaches your tissues normally, levels return to baseline once the medication is stopped, and taking a B12 supplement does not even appear to raise those numbers back up. For most people this is considered insignificant, but if you have any concerns about your B12 status, it is worth a quick conversation with your pharmacist or doctor.
What Vitamin B12 does & food sources
Vitamin B12 supports red blood cell formation, nerve function, and DNA synthesis.
Common food sources:
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Eggs and dairy products
- Fortified cereals and nutritional yeast
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
What to discuss with your clinician
If you take an associated medication long-term, ask your healthcare provider whether checking a vitamin B12 level (sometimes with methylmalonic acid) is appropriate — especially if you notice fatigue, numbness, tingling, or memory changes.
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
Supplement considerations
B12 status is easy to check and low levels are usually straightforward to address, so testing before supplementing is often the sensible order. High-dose folic acid can mask a B12 deficiency, which is one reason B12 and folate questions are best sorted out together with your provider.
Do not start or stop medications or supplements without professional guidance — supplements can interact with prescription medications.
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
Caution: B12 deficiency can look like other conditions — do not self-diagnose from symptoms alone.
Learn more about this nutrient: Vitamin B12 — uses, safety & interactions
References (8)
- Hielt K, Brynskov J, Hippe E, et al. Oral contraceptives and the cobalamin (vitamin B12) metabolism. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 1985;64:59-63.
- Shojania AM. Oral contraceptives: effect on folate and vitamin B12 metabolism. Can Med Assoc J 1982;126:244-7.
- Mooij PN, Thomas CM, Doesburg WH, Eskes TK. Multivitamin supplementation in oral contraceptive users. Contraception 1991;44:277-88. PubMed
- Tyrer LB. Nutrition and the pill. J Reprod Med 1984;29:547-50..
- Prasad AS, Lei KY, Moghissi KS, et al. Effect of oral contraceptives on nutrients. III. Vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1976;125:1063-9. PubMed
- Grace E, Emans SJ, Drum DE. Hematologic abnormalities in adolescents who take oral contraceptive pills. J Pediatrics 1982;101:771-4. PubMed
- Barone C, Bartoloni C, Ghirlanda G, Gentiloni N. Megaloblastic anemia due to folic acid deficiency after oral contraceptives. Haematologica 1979;64:190-5.
- Gardyn J, Mittelman M, Zlotnik J, et al. Oral contraceptives can cause falsely low vitamin B12 levels. Acta Haematol 2000;104:22-4.
This tool is educational and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. An association is not a diagnosis and does not mean a deficiency will occur. Always talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication or supplement.
Disclaimer: This checker finds which nutrients might be depleted by prescription or over-the-counter medications. Each nutrient depletion issue is rated based on clinical significance. Use your own professional judgment prior to making clinical decisions.© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center Licensed records refresh weekly · last updated July 3, 2026.
More about Ulipristal Acetate
What drug-induced nutrient depletion means
Some medications can, over time, lower the levels of certain vitamins, minerals, or other nutrients — through reduced absorption, increased loss, or changes in how the body uses them.
Association is not deficiency
An entry here means a depletion has been reported or studied — not that it happens to everyone, or that you are deficient. Dose, duration, diet, and your own health all matter.
Evidence varies by pair
Some drug–nutrient links (like metformin and vitamin B12) are well studied; others rest on limited or preliminary research. Each entry shows the evidence rating from our licensed clinical database.
When to ask about labs
If you take an associated medication long-term, ask your healthcare provider whether monitoring is appropriate for you. Not everyone needs testing — your provider can weigh your dose, duration, and symptoms.
Don't self-supplement blindly
Supplements are not risk-free: some can interact with medications, and some (like potassium or magnesium) can be risky with kidney disease. Talk to your pharmacist before adding anything.
Never stop a medication over this
These medications are prescribed for good reasons, and the benefit usually far outweighs a manageable nutrient consideration. Any change belongs in a conversation with your prescriber.
Food first, usually
For many nutrients, a varied diet covers the gap. Each entry lists common food sources; a supplement is a decision to make with your pharmacist or provider, not a default.
Ulipristal Acetate & nutrients: FAQs
Does Ulipristal Acetate deplete THIAMINE?
Should I take a supplement because I take Ulipristal Acetate?
Should I stop taking Ulipristal Acetate?
Where does this information come from?
Questions about Ulipristal Acetate and your nutrition?
Ask a licensed pharmacist — free, no appointment needed.
Sources & How We Checked
Nutrient depletion records for Ulipristal Acetate are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database, and are displayed as published with their citations.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference for drug-induced nutrient depletions, supplements, and interactions — the basis for this page.
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine — NIH consumer drug information, used for medication overviews across the site.
Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.