The Vital Importance of Vitamin B12 for Metformin Users
Introduction
Hello, this is Dr. Berry. Today, we’re going to discuss a vital supplement that’s essential for anyone taking Metformin or Glucophage. This supplement is a crucial mineral and vitamin, and without it, you could suffer severe, long-term, or even permanent consequences.
Why Metformin Users Need Vitamin B12
Metformin, also known as Glucophage, is a safe, inexpensive medication that’s often the first-line treatment for conditions like pre-diabetes, insulin resistance, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and infertility issues. It works by decreasing your liver’s production of glucose and increasing your body’s sensitivity to insulin.
However, due to its mechanism of action, up to a third of people who take Metformin or Glucophage can become vitamin B12 deficient if they’re not taking a supplement. This deficiency can lead to severe long-term or even permanent consequences.
The Risks of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
A deficiency in vitamin B12 can cause some pretty disastrous symptoms. One of the first things most people notice when they’re B12 deficient is a peripheral neuropathy, described as a pins and needles kind of feeling in the feet or hands. Other problems that vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to include worsening memory, a certain type of dementia, and decreased cardiac output. If left untreated, the damage can become permanent.
The Solution: Methylated B12 Supplements
There are multiple different B12 supplements you can buy on the market, but what I recommend you take is a methylated B12. This is because millions of people out there have an MTHFR gene mutation and can’t methylate B vitamins. So, even if you’re taking a good B12 supplement, if the B12 is not already methylated and you have an MTHFR gene mutation, you can’t utilize that vitamin B12 nearly as well as if it were methylated.
Conclusion
If you’re on Metformin or Glucophage for any medical reason, you absolutely must take a B12 supplement, and I recommend you take a methylated B12 supplement. Remember, your health is your wealth, and taking the right supplements can make a world of difference.