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Published on: 11/10/2025
Can metformin cause vitamin deficiency?
Metformin, a common diabetes medication, can sometimes lead to a deficiency in vitamin B12, especially with long-term use. See below to understand more.
Questions about metformin and vitamin deficiency?
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Metformin is a medication often used to help control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. However, using it for a long time can sometimes cause a decrease in vitamin B12 levels in the body.
How Does This Happen?
- Vitamin B12 Absorption: Metformin can affect how the body absorbs vitamin B12 from food. Over time, this may lead to lower levels of this important vitamin.
Why Is Vitamin B12 Important?
- Nerve Health: Vitamin B12 is crucial for keeping nerves healthy.
- Blood Health: It also helps in making healthy blood cells.
What Can Be Done?
- Monitoring: People taking metformin, especially for a long time, should have their vitamin B12 levels checked regularly.
- Supplements: If levels are low, doctors might suggest vitamin B12 supplements.
By keeping an eye on vitamin B12 levels, people on metformin can help prevent problems related to vitamin deficiency.
(References)
- Bell DSH. (2022). Metformin-induced vitamin B12 deficiency can cause or .... Diabetes, obesity & metabolism, 35491956.
- Infante M, Leoni M, Caprio M, & Fabbri A. (2021). Long-term metformin therapy and vitamin B12 deficiency. World journal of diabetes, 34326945.
- Niafar M, Hai F, Porhomayon J, & Nader ND. (2015). The role of metformin on vitamin B12 deficiency: a meta- .... Internal and emergency medicine, 25502588.
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