Depletes Folic Acid. This medication is commonly used for Diabetes
Research has shown that anti-diabetic Biguanide drugs may reduce folic acid absorption. Folic acid is a powerful antioxidant and low levels make the body more susceptible to oxidative stress, which can damage enzymes involved in homocysteine metabolism, and subsequently increase its accumulation. Elevated levels of homocysteine (hyperhomocysteinemia) are a risk factor for various health problems including cardiovascular diseases, neurological problems, osteoporosis, and vision problems.
Aarsand AK, Carlsen SM. Folate administration reduces circulating homocysteine levels in NIDDM patients on long term Metformin Treatment. J Intern Med. 1998 Aug;244 (2) :169-74. Ting RZ, Szeto CC, Chan MH, et al. Risk factors of vitamin B12 deficiency in patients receiving metformin. Arch Intern Med. 2006;166:1975-1979. Carlsen SM, et al. Metformin increases total serum homocysteine levels in non-diabetic male patients with coronary heart disease. Scand J Clin Lab Invest 1997;57:521–7. Carpentier JL, Bury J, Luyckx A, Lefebvre P. Vitamin B 12 and folic acid serum levels in diabetics under various therapeutic regimens. Diabete Metab 1976;2:187–90. Wulffele HG, et al. Effects of short-term treatment with metformin on serum concentrations of homocysteine, folate and vitamin B12 in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. J Intern Med. 2003 Nov;254 (5) :455-63.
Folate L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate Calcium — 200 mcg