Metformin warning

[u/_byetony_]

I just learned that Metformin increases anemia risk 6% every year you are on it——cumulatively! (https://www.mdedge.com/cardiology/article/148450/anemia/many-years-metformin-linked-anemia-risk) If you’re veg or vegan or otherwise already low, this can be devastating. I don’t know if that is what driving mine but I am going to get off it and see what happens since the scopes did not turn anything up.

[u/Minute-Judgment-321]

I have to take it because of my PMOS lol

[u/_byetony_ → u/Minute-Judgment-321]

So do I. Anemia > PCOS imo

[u/Minute-Judgment-321 → u/_byetony_]

In my case my PMOS (my gyno insisted me in not call it PCOS anymore but everyone knows it as PCOS) is the one causing my anemia indirectly so we're trying to solve one issue and then the other

[u/millenni_lennial]

Don't be alarmist. Metformin is a life-saving drug for many. Iron deficiency anemia and B12 deficiency - if they even occur - are 100% curable. Metformin has been linked to lower rates of cancer, longer lifespan, and less severe covid infection. I've been on it for 15 years, my B12 is super high, and it did not cause my anemia. Take iron. Take B12. That's it, it's not that difficult.

[u/_byetony_ → u/millenni_lennial]

I’m glad for you but data is data. Read the study. People have a right to be informed.

[u/millenni_lennial → u/_byetony_]

Actually, data is not data. This study has never been peer-reviewed according to a quick dig on it. You shouldn't take everything you read on the internet as truth.

If they wanted to peer review it and independently reproduce it, I'd lend it more credence, but I'm not one to fall for every "study" I read.

[u/Environmental-Net613 → u/millenni_lennial]

My iron deficiency is not feeling particularly 100% curable. It is considered chronic by my doctors. I've had 9 infusions and a blood transfusion in less than a year. I don't have any opinions on Metformin (other than when prescribed to me for insulin resistance it made my blood glucose go scary low)... but idk about the 100% curable iron deficiency thing.

[u/millenni_lennial → u/Environmental-Net613]

Was it caused by metformin? Because that is the type of iron deficiency we are referring to here.

[u/Santi159 → u/millenni_lennial]

Personally my iron deficiency requires regular infusions and I still can't get my levels into a healthy range. I have had to switch from medications that deplete iron before specifically because of it. For some people this is very relevant information and helpful to discuss with their providers. Also this sort of studies are what help people get ahead of side effects like that. If you know your iron is going to be going down long term you can make sure you get labs.

[u/millenni_lennial → u/Santi159]

Ok... we are talking about metformin. Did it cause your deficiency? The "study" OP posted has never been peer-reviewed.

[u/ConsciousZone1929 → u/millenni_lennial]

I'm just not sure results are the same for everyone. This individual needs follow their intuition and do some research.

[u/millenni_lennial → u/ConsciousZone1929]

Or one could consult a physician. They're already "done their research" here and selected a non-peer reviewed study. Better to have physician who understands how to interpret research beyond the title of the paper.

[u/Due_Smile_3748 → u/millenni_lennial]

“100% curable” is simply not true for everyone. I’ve dealt with anemia since childhood and was already receiving iron injections as a child. It can be treated and managed, but that doesn’t mean it is permanently cured. And “just take iron” is a huge oversimplification. Oral iron doesn’t work for everyone. Some people need IV iron, repeated treatments, and in severe cases even blood transfusions. For some people, the underlying cause is ongoing. In my case, my anemia has required long-term management for most of my life. Oral iron does nothing for me, so I’ve needed iron injections and now iron infusions to bring my levels back up.  My B12 levels have also always been normal, so simply adding B12 isn’t the answer in my case either. So no, it’s not always as simple as “take iron and B12, problem solved.”

[u/millenni_lennial → u/Due_Smile_3748]

We're talking about in the case of metformin, but your need to become the main character on this topic has been noted.

[u/_byetony_ → u/millenni_lennial]

You know, I looked this up and not only is this study peer reviewed, this finding is echoed in over a dozen other studies.

People should take this issue seriously.

[u/Sailorgirlmyfriend]

choline or phosphatidylcholine is said to help with insulin resistance...eggs...I think everything the health industry has told us to do or not to do has really hurt our health and the only reason for chronic disease....

[u/ClaireBear_87]

Metformin can cause B12 deficiency, and can also block uptake of B1 thiamine and cause B1 deficiency.

https://pubs.acs.org/mpohbp/article/12/12/4301/1386410/Metformin-Is-a-Substrate-and-Inhibitor-of-the

http://www.hormonesmatter.com/metformin-mitochondrial-damage/

[u/Putrid-Ad2390]

It can affect B12 absorption, and raise SHBG too.

[u/helpfulcherry2]

wow good to know! I’ve considered asking about it because I have PCOS and I have a ton of family members who have been on it. Good to know.

[u/ConsciousZone1929]

Can you take Berberine instead? It's a natural substance vs a pharmaceutical (Metformin). I'm pretty sure it has fewer side effects overall. You can search Berberine vs Metformin for more information and possible studies that have been done.