Metformin Linked to B12 Deficiency

Metformin Linked to B12 Deficiency
Peripheral Neuropathy Patients Who Take Diabetes Drug May Have Vitamin
B12 Deficiency
By Jennifer Warner
WebMD Health News
Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

June 8, 2009 -- The popular diabetes drug metformin may contribute to
vitamin B12 deficiency, according to a new study.

Researchers found that 40% of type 2 diabetes patients using metformin
had vitamin B12 deficiency or were in the low-normal range for the
essential vitamin. And 77% of metformin users with vitamin B12
deficiency also had peripheral neuropathy, a common form of nerve damage
associated with type 2 diabetes.

Peripheral neuropathy is a type of nerve damage most often characterized
by pain, tingling, and numbness in the hands and feet.

Because peripheral neuropathy is such a major complication of diabetes,
researchers say the results suggest that people using metformin be
screened for vitamin B12 deficiency or supplemented with vitamin B12.
Also, anyone already diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy who uses
metformin should be screened for vitamin B12 deficiency.

Vitamin B12 is primarily found in meat and dairy products. In the body,
it plays a critical role in making red blood cells and keeping the
nervous system functioning properly. Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency
include anemia (low red blood cell count), depression, or dementia; but
often there are no symptoms if the vitamin levels are just a little low.
B12 deficiency can lead to nerve symptoms similar to that of diabetic
peripheral neuropathy, although the researchers note that they cannot be
certain that B12 deficiency contributed to the peripheral neuropathy
seen in their study.

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