Metformin is a drug for people with type 2 diabetes; it was originally sold as Glucphage. Research appearing in Revista da Associação Médica Brasileira (2011 Jan-Feb; 57(1): 46-9) looked at 144 diabetic patients who were being treated with Metformin. Serum B12 levels were below 125 pmol/L in nearly 7% of the patients. Levels in nearly 37% of the patients were between 125 and 250 pmol/L. Furthermore, B12 levels were negatively associated with the age of the patient and the length of time the patient had been taking Metformin. The authors felt that these results suggest that B12 supplementation may be needed by diabetic patients who are taking Metformin. This may be especially true considering that the serum B12 test is inadequate and misses many patients with poor B12 status.
Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include fatigue, poor cognition, and can eventually lead to Pernicious Anemia. If the deficiency is severe enough, the memory loss and confusion can mimic Alzheimer’s disease.
