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.
No interactions were found between metformin and Vitamin C.
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.
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.
Metformin treatment is associated with an early risk of anemia for patients with type 2 diabetes. The odds of developing anemia are more significant with the use of metformin than with other diabetes medications.
Metformin has also been found to interfere with calcium metabolism, which can affect B12 absorption, so calcium supplements are also recommended for metformin patients.
Your healthcare provider should monitor your vitamin B12 levels if you are taking metformin. You don't always need to take a vitamin B12 supplement if you're taking metformin. But if your healthcare provider prescribes vitamin B12 for you, they can help ensure you get the right product.
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.
As much as possible, avoid white bread, white rice, white pasta, candy, soda, desserts, and snacks like chips or crackers. Eating foods that can spike your blood sugar will not necessarily make the metformin not work, however, it will increase the burden it has to work against.
People taking metformin should supplement vitamin B12 and folic acid or ask their doctor to monitor folic acid and vitamin B12 levels.
Taking metformin long-term may increase the risk of vitamin B-12 deficiency, which can sometimes cause hair loss. However, it is also possible that hair loss in people taking metformin is a result of a health condition rather than the medication.
Take metformin with food to reduce the chances of feeling sick. It may also help to slowly increase your dose over several weeks. Ask a pharmacist or your doctor for advice. Take small, frequent sips of water or squash to avoid dehydration.
It could be that you are not following dietary guidelines, have stopped exercising, or have gained excessive weight. Or, it could be that you're not taking the drug as prescribed. Whatever the reason, the very first indication that metformin is not working is when your blood glucose levels are high.
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. Vitamin C and E supplements won't ward off diabetes and diabetes complications.
As a cofactor for enzymatic activities in glycolysis and insulin regulation, magnesium plays a vital role in protecting against and reversing type 2 diabetes.
Recently, researchers have found that vitamin D and magnesium play different roles in diabetes; thus, a combination of adequate vitamin D and magnesium is most likely required to enhance insulin secretion and action and promote glycemic control.
Magnesium taurate may be the best form of the mineral for managing high blood sugar, according to Healthline. The manufacturer of these capsules claims that this form is also easier on the stomach, and can help with stress, anxiety, and maintaining a healthy heart rate.
Calcium supplementation should not be prescribed for the prevention or treatment of metformin-induced vitamin B12 deficiency until further elucidated. We recommend that oral vitamin B12 be the treatment of choice in the majority of patients with vitamin B12 deficiency.
Digestive diseases: Diseases that affect the digestive system, like Crohn's disease and celiac disease, can prevent your body from fully absorbing vitamin B12. Surgery: People who have gastrointestinal surgery, such as a gastric bypass (weight loss surgery), can have difficulty absorbing vitamin B12.
Vitamin B12
It also plays an integral part in the synthesis of DNA and promotes the ability of your digestive system to maintain steady glucose blood levels.
Taking vitamin B-12 with vitamin C might reduce the available amount of vitamin B-12 in your body. To avoid this interaction, take vitamin C two or more hours after taking a vitamin B-12 supplement.