metformin can commonly reduce vitamin B12 levels in patients, which may lead to vitamin B12 deficiency. the risk of low vitamin B12 levels increases with higher metformin dose, longer treatment duration, and in patients with risk factors for vitamin B12 deficiency.
Long-term therapy with metformin is known to reduce intestinal absorption of vitamin B12 and folate. one study reports a highly significant inverse correlation between the dose and duration of metformin treatment and reduced serum levels of vitamin B12, with 33% of study participants affected.
Metformin may cause vitamin B12 deficiency through one or more of the following mechanisms: (1) Interference with the calcium-dependent binding of the intrinsic factor (IF)-vitamin B12 complex to the cubilin receptor on enterocytes at the ileum level and/or interaction with the cubilin endocytic receptor; (2) ...
Approximately 30% of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) have hypomagnesemia (blood magnesium (Mg2+) concentration <0.7 mmol/L). In T2D patients, treatment with metformin is associated with reduced blood Mg2+ levels.
Although deficiency has been thought of as rare, our refined western diet that is high in sugar, caffeine and sometimes alcohol, can lead to a thiamine deficiency. Add on to that common medications such as lasix, metformin and pepcid, and the risk for deficiency goes up.
“Our results show that metformin doesn't lead to vitamin D deficiency.”
Scientific studies have highlighted that vitamin B1 can also help to support individuals with diabetes. In fact, a deficiency in the essential vitamin has been linked to the condition.
Metformin Reduces Potassium Currents and Prolongs Repolarization in Non-Diabetic Heart. Int J Mol Sci.
Metformin blocks the absorption of vitamin B12 through a mechanism that has not been established but could be because of interference with the calcium-dependent binding of the intrinsic factor vitamin B12 complex to the cubam receptor in the terminal ileum.
People taking metformin should supplement vitamin B12 and folic acid or ask their doctor to monitor folic acid and vitamin B12 levels. Metformin therapy has been shown to deplete vitamin B12, and sometimes, but not always, folic acid as well.
Metformin use was associated with higher risk of deficiency of vitamin B12 (combined B12 index ≤−1; OR 1.45; 95% CI, 1.03 to 2.02) and vitamin B6 (plasma pyridoxal 5-phosphate <30.0 nmol/L; OR 1.48; 95% CI, 1.02 to 2.15).
No interactions were found between metformin and Vitamin D3.
Metformin is associated with maternal vitamin B12 deficiency and antifolate like activity. Vitamin B12 and folate balance is vital for one carbon metabolism, which is essential for DNA methylation and purine/pyrimidine synthesis of nucleic acids.
Metformin may have an adverse effect on renal function in patients with type 2 DM and moderate CKD.
This results from several mechanisms. Drugs used to treat diabetes can cause electrolyte and acid-base disturbances, including mainstays of therapy like metformin and sulfonylureas, along with tricyclic antidepressants used to treat neuropathy.
Metformin can cause serum vitamin B12 deficiency, but studies on the influence of its duration and dose are lacking. We investigated vitamin B12 deficiency in patients with type 2 diabetes using metformin, in conjunction with other related factors.
Magnesium deficiency is diagnosed via a blood test and sometimes a urine test. Your doctor may order the blood test if you have symptoms such as weakness, irritability, abnormal heart rhythm, nausea and/or diarrhoea, or if you have abnormal calcium or potassium levels.
A B12 supplement can be helpful if you have type 2 diabetes and are deficient in the vitamin. People who take metformin for type 2 diabetes have lower levels of vitamin B12. If you're on metformin, talk to your health care provider about periodically being tested for a B12 deficiency.
Many studies have looked at the role of vitamin D in diabetes and have shown an association between low levels of vitamin D and increased risk for type 2 diabetes and its complications.