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Metformin and Vitamin B12: Why Levels Can Drop
Metformin and vitamin B12 are linked: metformin can reduce B12 absorption and lower serum B12, according to the NIH fact sheet. Low B12 can cause numbness and tingling that looks like diabetic neuropathy. If you take metformin and feel it in your feet, ask for a B12 test before buying any supplement.
Written by the SciatiEase label deskUpdated · 4 min read
The link01
Does metformin lower vitamin B12?
It can. The NIH says metformin can reduce B12 absorption and lower serum B12 (NIH ODS, Vitamin B12).
The same fact sheet lists two other drug groups, proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers, that impair absorption of food-bound B12 (NIH ODS, Vitamin B12).
Low B12 can cause numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, sometimes without anemia (NIH ODS, Vitamin B12). That overlaps with diabetic neuropathy, which affects up to half of people with diabetes (NIDDK, Peripheral Neuropathy). The two can look alike.
Tingling feet on metformin might come from diabetes, from low B12, or both. Only tests separate them.
SciatiEase02
Does SciatiEase have enough B12 for metformin users?
It holds 1,000 mcg per serving, but absorption is low and the label makes no metformin claim.
About 1.3% of a 1,000 mcg oral dose is absorbed (NIH ODS, Vitamin B12), roughly 13 mcg. The RDA is 2.4 mcg (NIH ODS, Vitamin B12).
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Adult RDA (NIH ODS, Vitamin B12) | 2.4 mcg |
| SciatiEase, 4 capsules | 1,000 mcg methylcobalamin |
| Share absorbed from 1,000 mcg (NIH ODS, Vitamin B12) | about 1.3% |
We cannot say that is enough for you. Your own level decides.
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What else in SciatiEase matters if you have diabetes?
Alpha lipoic acid may lower blood sugar.
R-ALA is the line to flag, since lipoic acid may lower blood sugar, and rare cases of insulin autoimmune syndrome with recurrent lows are reported (Linus Pauling Institute, Lipoic Acid) (Vallianou et al., Metabol Open 2026). A diabetes medicine plus R-ALA could stack that effect.
- Tell your prescriber about every supplement
- Watch for low blood sugar signs
- Do not change diabetes medicine on your own
SciatiEase: from $49.99 a bottle120 capsules · 1, 3 or 6 bottles · free US shipping on 3 or 6 · 180-day guarantee
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What should metformin users do about B12?
Ask for a B12 level, especially if your feet tingle.
Keep taking prescribed medicine. Never stop metformin because of a supplement.
See B12 deficiency nerve symptoms and alpha lipoic acid and blood sugar. Our medicines guide has the full medicine list.
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Metformin and B12: specific questions
How common is low B12 with metformin?
We found no rate in our sources, only that metformin can reduce absorption and lower serum B12 (NIH ODS, Vitamin B12). Ask your clinician how often to test.
Can low B12 from metformin cause neuropathy?
Low B12 can cause numbness and tingling in the hands and feet (NIH ODS, Vitamin B12). Diabetes itself can also cause neuropathy (NIDDK, Peripheral Neuropathy), so both need checking.
Should I take B12 with metformin?
Ask first. Some people need more B12, and a blood test shows who. Only about 1.3% of a 1,000 mcg oral dose is absorbed (NIH ODS, Vitamin B12), so dose is not the full story.
Do acid reflux medicines also lower B12?
Yes. Proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers can impair absorption of food-bound B12 (NIH ODS, Vitamin B12). Do not stop them without your prescriber.
Is the B12 in SciatiEase a treatment for diabetic neuropathy?
No. A Cochrane review found vitamin B evidence insufficient for neuropathy (Ang et al., Cochrane 2008). SciatiEase has not been tested on it either.
Who wrote this06
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Pages built from the label, the brand pages and linked NIH, FDA, FTC, NICE and peer-reviewed sources.
Last updated . How we work: editorial standards and how we check reviews. This website is run by a licensed SciatiEase retailer, not by the manufacturer, SciatiEase Labs. We earn money when you buy through our order links.
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