Concomitant metformin, GERD meds up vitamin B12 depletion

(HealthDay)—Concomitant use of metformin and histamine H2-receptor antagonists or proton pump inhibitors has the potential to induce vitamin B₁₂ depletion and neuropathy, according to research published in the April issue of Clinical Diabetes.

Matthew J. Zdilla, from West Liberty University in West Virginia, examined the potential for vitamin B₁₂ depletion induced by concomitant use of metformin and acid-suppressing medications, as well as their contribution to neuropathy among patients with diabetes.

Zdilla notes that among individuals with diabetes, 40.7 percent have gastroesophageal reflux disease and 70 percent of those take oral antidiabetic agents. Individuals treated with metformin have lower B₁₂ levels and worse diabetic neuropathy than those managed with other medications. Metformin-induced B₁₂ depletion is likely due to a decrease in bile acid secretion, decreased intrinsic factor secretion, and decreased intestinal absorption. Histamine H2-receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors interfere with B₁₂ absorption and result in B₁₂ depletion, with reports attributing depletion to decreased gastric acid, pepsin, and intrinsic factor output. Concomitant therapy is likely to have an additive effect on B₁₂ levels and the potential for neuropathy.

"Pharmacists, clinicians, and patients need to be aware of the potential for polypharmacy-induced B₁₂ depletion and the potential for subsequent neuropathy," Zdilla writes. "Awareness is particularly important because metformin and acid-suppressing medications are commonly used in the diabetic population, which has a high prevalence of neuropathy."