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Avoiding the Risk of Developing a Metformin-Induced Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Vitamin B12

Metformin is one of the most common drugs prescribed to help manage type 2 diabetes. It acts to decrease absorption of glucose from the digestive tract, to reduce the amount of glucose produced by the liver, and to increase insulin sensitivity in tissues throughout the body. While it is generally well-tolerated and most users don’t experience any troublesome side effects, it has long been known that metformin can lead to very low vitamin B12 levels. Although the exact mechanism is unknown, it is thought that metformin inhibits absorption of vitamin B12 from the digestive tract.

What is Vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 is a very important vitamin. It cannot be synthesized by the body, so it needs to be consumed on a regular basis in the diet. It is essential for the production of red blood cells, the synthesis of DNA, and the proper functioning of the nervous system. Individuals deficient in B12 develop problems with the myelin that wraps around the nerves and insulates them. If there is a problem with myelin, conditions like peripheral neuropathy can develop. In severe cases of a B12 deficiency, cognitive impairment and even overt dementia can manifest. Initial symptoms of a deficiency include fatigue, pale skin, numbness or tingling sensations, and difficulty walking or using the hands.

What Food Sources Provide Vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 is readily available from foods that come from animal sources. Most people are not at risk of developing a vitamin B12 deficiency unless they follow a strict vegan diet, have some kind of malabsorption syndrome, or chronically take certain medications, like metformin or some proton pump/H2 blocking medications used to treat heartburn.

How to Reduce Your Risk While Taking Metformin

Since metformin seems to inhibit but not completely block the absorption of vitamin B12 from the digestive tract, one approach is to adjust the diet to include a lot of animal-based foods. Taking proton pump/H2 blocking medications to treat heartburn should be avoided if possible because reducing the amount of acid the stomach produces makes it difficult for the digestive tract to release vitamin B12 from food in order to allow it to be absorbed.

Learn More

In 2018, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and the American College of Endocrinology released a guideline encouraging clinicians to institute routine testing of patients taking metformin for vitamin B12 levels and adding a supplement (either oral or by injection) to anyone testing low. Although most of the symptoms of a deficiency can be rapidly reversed with injections, once peripheral neuropathy develops, it may become permanent even after correction of the vitamin deficiency.

You can learn more by reading this helpful article Endocrinology Advisor article. If you are currently taking metformin, consider making an appointment at Quench Wellness to discuss your diet, medication, and testing regimen in order to reduce your risk of developing a vitamin B12 deficiency. Contact us today to book your consultation at our office in Chicago.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Deficiency, Metformin, vitamin B12

Getting Started with Vitamin B12 Injections

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient in your body that ensures you remain healthy. If you have a B12 deficiency, you are at risk of experiencing various health problems. But you can supplement it by receiving vitamin B12 injections. This shot can help to deal with a couple of health issues such as:

  • B12 deficiency
  • Pernicious anemia
  • Fatigue
  • Myalgic encephalomyelitis (chronic fatigue syndrome)
  • General health

B12 happens to be an essential water-soluble vitamin that helps in energy production, DNA synthesis, nerve cell health, neurological function, and red blood cell formation. Its deficiency is most likely to occur on vegetarians, the elderly, and those who take stomach acid-altering meds and antibiotics regularly.

Vitamin B12 is mostly present in animal-based foods, and those who don’t consume such foods will most likely have a B12 deficiency. Fortunately, you can restore your health by receiving B12 injections.

Besides sourcing B12 from food sources, you can also get the nutrient via a man-made version called cyanocobalamin. The vitamin B12 injections that you receive contain high levels of cyanocobalamin, and the help to boost B12 levels in your body, restoring your general health.

Sometimes, the food you eat may not be enough to supplement the required levels of B12 in your body. At times, various genetic conditions can prevent the body from properly using vitamin B12. And it is such people that need B12 injections to stay healthy.

Those who are at a higher risk of having this deficiency than others should consult their doctor to establish if they should get these injections.

Health Benefits of B12 Injections

There exists a couple of advantages of receiving vitamin B12 injections such as.

  1. Improved brain function

Low levels of B12 are associated with reduced brain function, but that can be resolved with these injections.

  1. Reduce depression

Some studies indicate that supplementing the body with B12, especially in older people, could help prevent depression and promote better mood control.

  1. Reduces fatigue

B12 injections can also help lower fatigue because it helps in the conversion of macronutrients, which minimize muscle weakness.

  1. Improved metabolism

You can also opt for a vitamin B12 shot to improve metabolism and reduce weight loss. It could also help to regulate hormone production

Conclusion

Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient in your body. Its deficiency could lead to a series of health issues, but you could avoid them by receiving B12 injections. They work effectively in supplementing the nutrient, and they have a lot of health benefits. To find out if you could benefit from these injections, feel free to visit Quench Wellness in Chicago. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: vitamin B12

Helpful Things to Know About Vitamin B12 Energy Boost Shots

vitamin B12

Everyone knows that vitamin B12 gives you energy, but most people don’t know that most of the nutrition is lost when vitamin B12 pills are taken. That’s why the daily percentage is so high with these tablets. If you want to get the most out of your vitamins, this may be the answer for you. You get more of the vitamins your body needs, and you will be left feeling energetic and refreshed after every single injection.

The Benefits of Vitamin B12 Shots

There are many benefits to these shots. Below are just a few of those benefits:

  • Prevents Anemia – B12 has been shown to help prevent anemia by assisting with red blood cell formation.
  • Bone Health – B12 is able to reduce the chances of developing osteoporosis. This is extremely important to women because they are more likely to develop the bone disorder than men.
  • Improve Heart Health – B12 helps reduce the level of homocysteine in the body. This means it is good for the heart.
  • Energy Boost – This is why most people have these energy shots in the first place. There is a reason energy drinks use vitamin B12 – it works.

Who is a Good Candidate?

Many scientists say that B12 only provides energy to those who have a deficiency in the vitamin. This means that if you already consume enough B12, you may not see any results. Vitamin B12 shots are for those who are suffering from a deficiency. However, vitamin B12 is a relatively harmless vitamin. There is no harm from having the shot and seeing if it works. The best way to know if you will benefit from this option is to contact a specialist and get tested for a deficiency.

Seek a Consultation

If you are interested in being tested for a vitamin B12 deficiency, please feel free to make an appointment with Quench Wellness! At our convenient location in Chicago, you can discuss your options in person and move forward with your vitamin B12 energy boost shots. Contact us today to set up your consultation – we look forward to speaking with you!

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: vitamin B12

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