Another Look at Metformin and Vitamin B12 Deficiency

A study with as long as 13 years of follow-up supports this link.

Several studies have linked metformin to development of vitamin B₁₂ deficiency (NEJM JW Gen Med Jul 1 2010 and BMJ 2010; 340:c2181). Now, researchers provide additional data on this potential complication.

In the randomized Diabetes Prevention Program, 3200 adults at high risk for diabetes received metformin, placebo, or intensive lifestyle modification for 3 years (NEJM JW Gen Med Mar 15 2002 and N Engl J Med 2002; 346:393). After the trial was completed in 2002, participants were invited to a follow-up study in which the metformin group was offered open-label metformin. Among 1700 participants with 5-year follow-up, prevalence of vitamin B₁₂ deficiency (≤203 pg/mL) at year 5 was significantly higher in the metformin group than in the place…

Reviewing Author

Allan S. Brett, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Allan S. Brett, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Another Look at Metformin and Vitamin B₁₂ Deficiency

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Reviewing Author