Vitamin B12 Deficiency and Use of Metformin Can Trigger Peripheral Neuropathy
(The Best Years in Life) Vitamin B12 is an important nutrient used in the nerves and the blood. But because it is difficult to absorb, many people have B12 deficiencies and are not aware of its effect on their health. B12 is not prevalent in the diet and most people need additional supplementation. The only sources of vitamin B12 are in animal and dairy products. For the over seven million vegetarians, adding B12 to their diet is a necessity.
Metformin, a popular drug given to treat diabetes and insulin resistance, can also cause a B12 deficiency. A recent survey found that 40% of metformin users were deficient in vitamin B12. Three-quarters of those metformin users also displayed the peripheral neuropathy typically found in diabetics. These findings were reported at the American Diabetes Association’s 69th Annual Scientific Sessions in June, 2009. This prompted a recommendation that anyone using metformin who has periferal neuropathy be screened for vitamin B12 deficiency.
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble nutrient. One of its most important functions is to build the red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body. Another function is in the nerves, where B12 assists in the firing of nerves, sending important messages from the brain to the body. Read More.
Metformin, a popular drug given to treat diabetes and insulin resistance, can also cause a B12 deficiency. A recent survey found that 40% of metformin users were deficient in vitamin B12. Three-quarters of those metformin users also displayed the peripheral neuropathy typically found in diabetics. These findings were reported at the American Diabetes Association’s 69th Annual Scientific Sessions in June, 2009. This prompted a recommendation that anyone using metformin who has periferal neuropathy be screened for vitamin B12 deficiency.
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble nutrient. One of its most important functions is to build the red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body. Another function is in the nerves, where B12 assists in the firing of nerves, sending important messages from the brain to the body. Read More.
No comments:
Post a Comment