Yasmin, also known as ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone, is an oral contraceptive drug which may effect the absorption of dietary vitamins -- including vitamin B-12. While this is not always the case, vegetarian or vegan women are particularly at risk of developing vitamin deficiencies. Vitamin B-12 is an important nutrient for energy levels, cardiovascular health, nervous system functioning and for preventing anemia. If you are concerned about supplementing with B-12 while taking Yasmin, contact your health care professional for advice.
Interactions
Women taking Yasmin may have to supplement with B-12 or make significant dietary changes, in order to avoid conditions such as pernicious anemia, which stems directly from a B-12 deficiency. In a clinical study published in the "European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology" in 2003, researchers from the University of Wurzburg in Germany studied the effects of Yasmin on women and their nutrition. Women taking the oral contraceptive had significantly lower blood levels of vitamin B-12, and the effect was so strong, that up to nine participants were diagnosed with a B-12 deficiency.
Vitamin Deficiency
Yasmin reduces the absorption of vitamin B-12 in food and oral supplements, and after an extended period of time when B-12 supplies in the body are used up, a B-12 deficiency may begin. Signs and symptoms of a vitamin B-12 deficiency include weakness, fatigue, numbness, anemia, constipation, and a loss of coordination and cognitive ability. A diagnosis of B-12 deficiency will most likely require treatment by injecting B-12 directly into the body or taking B-12 as a tablet that dissolves under the tongue and is absorbed from there into the bloodstream.
Side Effects
While no research has yet been done on the effects of combining vitamin B-12 supplements with the drug Yasmin, both chemicals are associated with a number of side effects on their own, ranging from mild to severe in nature. Side effects of vitamin B-12 supplementation includes temporary high blood pressure, skin conditions, nausea, digestive problems, urine discoloration and an increase in red blood cell counts. Yasmin's side effects include chest pain, numbness, weakness, digestive problems, depression, sleep problems, breast tenderness or pain, breast lumps, weight changes, vaginal itching, and changes in menstrual cycle.
Safety
When taking prescription medications, you should always contact your physician before purchasing vitamin supplements. Many women who take Yasmin may develop low levels of vitamin B-12 -- however, vitamin B-12 supplementation is not necessary for everyone and should be decided on a case-by-case basis. As Yasmin may effect the digestion and assimilation of nutrients, it may be necessary to take B-12 as a sub-lingual tablet or as a prescribed injection.
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