• Metformin
  

Several studies have shown reduced absorption of vitamin B12 in approximately 1/3 of patients treated with biguanides or other medications that are part of this class of compounds (Adams et al. 1983; Berger 1985; Rieder et al. 1980). In another trial, metformin treatment significantly decreased levels of vitamin B12 and folate and increased homocysteine levels as well (Carlsen et al. 1997).

Vitamin B9: Low levels of folate have been linked to colon cancer, heart disease, cognitive deficits, and birth defects, specifically neural tube defects (Ames 2000; Covington 1999). Deficiency increases chromosome breakage and elevates serum homocysteine. Vitamin B9 deficiency may also lead to megaloblastic anemia.

Vitamin B12: Symptomatic vitamin B12 deficiency is rare because complications of vitamin B12 deficiency may appear only after the deficiency has existed for 10 to 15 years (Berger 1985; Carpentier et al. 1976). Low vitamin B12 levels could increase the risk of colon cancer, heart disease, brain dysfunction, birth defects, and irreversible neuropathy (Ames 2000; Covington 1999). Irritability, weakness, numbness, fatigue, glossitis, anorexia, headache, palpitations, and altered mental status, including personality and behavioral changes, are some of the signs and symptoms of vitamin B12 depletion (Covington 1999). Prolonged deficiency leads to pernicious or megaloblastic anemia that may be associated with leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. Only five cases of megaloblastic anemia associated with metformin therapy have been reported; no increased incidence of neuropathy has been observed (Hines Burnham et al. 2000).

Vitamin B9: The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for adults is 300 to 600 mcg/day (Covington 1999). However, recommendations of doses of folic acid as high as 2000 mcg/day have been reported in the literature (Mayer et al. 1996). For replacement therapy, doses should be based upon the patient's individual needs, considering the clinical presentation, age, gender, dietary habits, and medication regimen.

Vitamin B12: Doses of 25 to 250 mcg/day of vitamin B12 have been used to correct nutritional deficiency (Covington 1999). Oral doses between 500 to 1000 mcg/day have been recommended for the treatment of pernicious anemia (Carmel 2000). Replacement therapy should be based on the patient's individual needs, considering the clinical presentation, serum B12 levels, age, gender, dietary habits, and medication regimen.

This information is intended to serve as a concise reference for healthcare professionals to identify substances that may be depleted by many commonly prescribed medications. Depletion of these substances depends upon a number of factors including medical history, lifestyle, dietary habits, and duration of treatment with a particular medication. The signs and symptoms associated with deficiency may be nonspecific and could be indicative of clinical conditions other than deficiency. The material presented in these monographs should not in any event be construed as specific instructions for individual patients.

Adams JF, Clark JS, Ireland JT, et al. Malabsorption of vitamin B12 and intrinsic factor secretion during biguanide therapy. Diabetologia. 1983;24(1):16-18.

Ames BN. Micronutrient deficiencies: A major cause of DNA damage. Ann NY Acad Sci. 2000;889:87-106.

Berger W. Incidence of severe side effects during therapy with sulfonylureas and biguanides. Horm Metab Res Suppl. 1985;15:111-115.

Carlsen SM, Folling I, Grill V, et al. Metformin increases total and serum homocysteine levels in non-diabetic male patients with coronary heart disease. Scand J Clin Lab Invest. 1997;57(6):521-527.

Carmel R. Current concepts in cobalamin deficiency. Ann Rev Med. 2000;51:357-375.

Carpentier JL, Bury J, Luyckx A, Lefebvre P. Vitamin B12 and folic acid serum levels in diabetics under various therapeutic regimens. Diabetes Metab. 1976;2(4):187-190.

Covington T, ed. Nonprescription Drug Therapy Guiding Patient Self-Care. St Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons; 1999:467-545.

Hines Burnham T, et al, eds. Drug Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO:Facts and Comparisons; 2000.

Mayer EL, Jacobsen DW, Robinson K. Homocysteine and coronary atherosclerosis. J Am Coll Cardiol. 1996;27(3):517-527.

Rieder HP, Berger W, Fridrich R. [Vitamin status in diabetic neuropathy]. Z Ernahrungswiss. 1980;19(1):1-13.