Metformin — Nutrient Associations & Health Patterns

Also known as: Metformin hydrochloride

Drug Class: Diabetes medication

Biguanide medication that reduces glucose production and improves insulin sensitivity. This is a documented medication-related B12 risk, not proof that your B12 is low. Folate depletion is not established as a universal metformin effect. Continue prescribed treatment while discussing assessment and correction with your clinician.

Medication and Nutrition Context

This is a documented medication-related B12 risk, not proof that your B12 is low. Folate depletion is not established as a universal metformin effect. Continue prescribed treatment while discussing assessment and correction with your clinician.

Reviewed source

Reported Nutrient Associations for Metformin

These relationships do not establish personal deficiency, symptom causation or supplement benefit.

Vitamin B12: Metformin can reduce B12 levels and increase deficiency risk, especially with higher doses, longer use or other risk factors. Check B12 when symptoms suggest deficiency; periodic monitoring may be appropriate for people at risk.

Common Side Effects of Metformin

Digestive issues
Lactic acidosis (rare)
B12 deficiency
Metallic taste

Key Drug Interactions — Metformin

Metformin has 3 documented drug-drug interactions in WePattern's Pattern Health Intelligence database. Key interactions include:

Alcohol
Contrast dyes
Cimetidine

Frequently Asked Questions

What nutrient associations are reported for Metformin?

Metformin has reported nutrient associations involving Vitamin B12 in clinical research. This does not establish that every person will become deficient or that the medication caused an individual result.

Which nutrient relationships are mapped for Metformin?

WePattern maps reported associations involving: Vitamin B12. The strength, mechanism, dose, duration, and clinical relevance vary, so a clinician or pharmacist should interpret them in context.

What are the side effects of Metformin?

Common side effects associated with Metformin include: Digestive issues; Lactic acidosis (rare); B12 deficiency; Metallic taste.