Vitamin B 12 Deficiency and Metformin Usage Trigger Peripheral Neuropathy
- From: rpautrey2 <rpautrey2@xxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sun, 2 Aug 2009 11:54:03 -0700 (PDT)
http://www.naturalnews.com/z026718_Metformin_vitamin_B12_vitamin_B.html
NaturalNews.com printable article
Originally published July 29 2009
Vitamin B 12 Deficiency and Metformin Usage Trigger Peripheral
Neuropathy
by Melanie Grimes, citizen journalist
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(NaturalNews) Vitamin B12 is an important nutrient used in the nerves
and the blood. Deficiency has now been shown to trigger peripheral
neuropathy in diabetes patients who take the drug Metformin. Because
B12 is difficult to absorb, many people have 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 peripheral 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.
B12 deficiency can cause fatigue, low blood pressure, dementia,
depression, muscle weakness, hallucinations and vision problems, and
tingling in the limbs. Some forms of dementia and Alzheimer`s disease
are reversible with proper B12 supplementation. Levels of vitamin B12
just under normal can cause symptoms, even before symptoms of anemia
are observed.
To properly digest vitamin B12, stomach acid is required. Stomach acid
decreases with aging, and it is estimated that as much as 30% of the
population over the age of 50 lacks enough stomach acid to properly
digest B12 from food. Gastric cells secrete a substance called
intrinsic factor. This substance binds to the B12 to absorb it. If the
body doesn`t produce enough intrinsic factor, vitamin B12 deficiency
can result.
Toxic colon can also prevent absorption of vitamin B12. Overgrowth of
unfriendly intestinal bacteria can cause a B12 deficiency, and a third
of adults over the age of 50 are presumed to have this condition as
well. Antibiotics can disrupt intestinal flora and trigger an
overgrowth. Probiotics in products such a yogurt can help restore a
proper digestive environment that would be more conducive to vitamin
B12 absorption.
Some people require higher doses of vitamin B12 than others. This
group includes pregnant and nursing mothers, people on ulcer
medication or those who have pernicious anemia or digestive disorders.
B12 supplements can be given orally or by injection. Recommended
dosage is 500 mcg. per day. A simple blood test can be used to
diagnose a B12 deficiency. Those taking Metformin are advised to have
their B12 levels checked.
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutriti...
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/...
http://www.labtestsonline.org/under...
http://diabetes.webmd.com/news/2009...
Buzz up!vote now
About the author
Melanie Grimes is a writer, screenwriter, journal editor, and adjunct
faculty member at Bastyr University.She has written an eBook on
natural treatments for the flu, available at her blog.
A trained homeopath, she also raises alpacas and is an avid spinner.
She is the editor of the homeopathic journal, Simillimum, has been a
medical editor for 15 years, won awards as a screenwriter, taught
creative writing, founded the first Birkenstock store in the USA
(www.mjfeet.com) and authored medical textbooks.
Her ebook on Natural Remedies for the Flu is available at:
http://melanie-grimes.blogspot.com/...
Follow her blog at
http://melanie-grimes.blogspot.com/.
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