Metformin causes vitamin B12 deficiency

Article

Metformin, which is being used increasingly to treat polycystic ovary syndrome, significantly increases the likelihood of vitamin B12 deficiency, according to the results of a nested case–control study.

Metformin, which is being used increasingly to treat polycystic ovary syndrome, significantly increases the likelihood of vitamin B12 deficiency, according to the results of a nested case–control study.

Researchers from China found that as dose and treatment duration of metformin increase, so does the risk of the vitamin shortage. They calculated that each 1-g/d increase of metformin almost triples the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency (OR 2.88; 95% CI; 2.15–3.87; P<0.001). Those using metformin for 3 years or more were almost two-and-a-half times as likely to develop the deficiency as those receiving the agent for less than 3 years (OR 2.39; 95% CI; 1.46–3.91; P=0.001).

The researchers admit that a shortcoming of the study was the use of serum B12 concentrations alone to define the vitamin's deficiency without metabolite measurements for confirmation. Nevertheless, they believe the findings have important screening, monitoring, and prevention implications for patients taking the drug.

Recent Videos
Devon Ramaeker, MD
Elizabeth Gandee, APRN-CNP, highlights gaps in women's menopause knowledge | Image Credit: wexnermedical.osu.edu
Doula highlights how postpartum care is failing new mothers | Image Credit: linkedin.com
Nicky Herrick MD; and Anushree Agarwal, MD, MBBS, highlight their study on cardiac arrhythmias in pregnancy | Image Credit: © Igor Borodin - stock.adobe.com.
Lisa Becht, MD, FACOG, sheds light on fertility awareness | Image Credit: havingbabies.com.
First US national HPV conference highlights advances in cancer prevention | Image Credit: uchealth.com.
Mitchell Creinin, MD, reports estetrol pill eases menstrual symptoms | Image Credit: health.ucdavis.edu
1 expert is featured in this series.
Susanna Mitro, PhD, reveals ethnic disparities in uterine fibroid diagnosis | Image Credit: divisionofresearch.kaiserpermanente.org.
Shayna Mancuso, DO, highlights the real impact of menopause | Image Credit: linkedin.com.
Related Content
© 2025 MJH Life Sciences

All rights reserved.