Long-term Metformin Use and Vitamin B12 Deficiency in the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study
Aroda VR, Edelstein SL, Goldberg RB, Knowler WC, Marcovina SM, Orchard TJ, Bray GA, Schade DS, Temprosa MG, White NH, Crandall JP
Published in Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism
Methodology
Long-term follow-up of a randomised prevention trial measuring serum B12 in metformin-treated versus placebo participants at 5 and 13 years.
Key Findings
Low serum B12 was significantly more common with long-term metformin use than placebo at both 5 and 13 years, and low B12 was associated with worse peripheral neuropathy scores.
Conclusions
Long-term metformin therapy is a clinically meaningful cause of B12 depletion and warrants periodic screening or supplementation.
Limitations
Observational analysis within a trial; B12 measured at limited timepoints; no randomisation to supplementation.
Supplements Studied
Long-term use of metformin was associated with biochemical B12 deficiency and anemia, supporting the need for routine measurement of B12 levels during long-term metformin treatment.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
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