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Metformin

Metformin & Vitamin B12

Depletes Vitamin B12. This medication is commonly used for Diabetes

Why Metformin affects Vitamin B12

Long term treatment with Biguanides, such as Metformin or Metformin combinations with other drugs, are found in research to reduce vitamin B12 absorption due to it hindering the activity of a calcium-dependent mechanism. Insufficient levels of vitamin B12 can lead to higher circulating homocysteine levels and the elevated risk of neurological problems and cardiovascular diseases.

Clinical Evidence

Pongchaidecha M, Srikusalanukul V, Chattananon A, Tanjariyaporn S. Effect of metformin on plasma homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folic acid: a cross-sectional study in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. J Med Assoc Thai. 2004 Jul;87(7):780-7. PMID: 15521233.de Jager J, Kooy A, Lehert P, et al. Long term treatment with metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes and risk of vitamin B-12 deficiency: randomised placebo controlled trial. BMJ. 2010;340:c2181. Published 2010 May 20. doi:10.1136/bmj.c2181. Sato Y, Ouchi K, Funase Y, Yamauchi K, Aizawa T. Relationship between metformin use, vitamin B12 deficiency, hyperhomocysteinemia and vascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes. Endocr J. 2013;60(12):1275-80. doi: 10.1507/endocrj.ej13-0332. Epub 2013 Sep 8. PMID: 24018893. 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 Dec;2(4):187-90. PMID: 1017538.

Recommended Replacement

Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin)100mcg

Supplement Recommendation

Vitamin B12 Methylcobalamin by Pure Encapsulations0.2 mg

Other Nutrients Affected by Metformin

Next Steps
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