Long-term Metformin

[micox]

Hi I recently read a report (I forget where, sorry) that long term Metformin diminishes vitamin B12 supplies and there was a recommendation that B12 levels should be routinely checked at diabetes reviews. Has anyone else heard about this?

[Catmad10]

I haven’t heard about this but I will do some research. Thanks for letting us know.

[Gambit62]

yes, its well known

this is an article which discusses the potential need for B12 testing in diabetic patients

link.springer.com/article/1...

metformin is a key driver of B12 deficiency in type 2 patients

for type 1 patients Pernicious Anaemia - another autoimmune disorder is a key correlation.

[Gambit62 in reply to Gambit62]

serum B12 isn't an absolute test for b12 deficiency - it has a huge range and different people are okay at different points in that range - a significant downward trend is the best way of spotting a B12 absorption problem