Metformin Linked To Vitamin B12 Deficiency

By Dr. Carrie Jones Expert HERWriter

Rate This

If you are taking the medication metformin for diabetes, pre-diabetes, insulin resistance, or polycystic ovaries then you need to get tested for your vitamin B12 levels. Dutch researchers found that women who took metformin for at least four years had a 19 percent reduction in their levels.

Vitamin B12 is a water soluble vitamin important in brain function, the nervous system and blood formation. It is also important for the metabolism of every cell in the body and fatty acid synthesis. Typical symptoms of low B12 include fatigue, depression, poor memory, impaired perception of touch/vibration/pressure, decreased reflexes, focus problems, and nerve problems.

Vitamin B12 is found in fish, shellfish, red meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy. There are fortified foods such as fortified cereals, power bars, soy products, and nutritional yeast.

There are a few forms of vitamin B12 which include the synthetic cyanocobalamin which turns into hydroxycobalamin in the body, and then methylcobalamin or adenoslycobalamin. I recommend methylcobalamin so that the body doesn’t have to undergo all of the conversion processes.

It is important when testing for vitamin B12 that you have your folate levels checked as deficiencies in one may look like deficiencies in the other.

If you are taking metformin, make sure your healthcare provider tests your vitamin B12 levels or talk with them about taking a good quality B-complex or Vitamin B12 itself.

Artificial Sweeteners Linked to Risks for Diabetes and Obesity

Diabetes Drug May Reduce Risks of Alzheimer’s Disease

Why Am I Sleepy After Meals?

Full-fat Dairy May Reduce Risk for Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity

Add a CommentComments

There are no comments yet. Be the first one and get the conversation started!

Dr. Carrie Jones Expert HERWriter View Profile Send Message

We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.