Metformin shown to reduce long covid symptoms by 42%

[Amity Island]

Metformin, taken by around 20million type 2 diabetics in the US, decreased the risk of a person developing long Covid by 42 percent if used while infected.

Incidentally though, metformin is known to reduce the uptake of vitamin B12. Patients with a vitamin B12 deficiency can be asymptomatic or they can present with symptoms of megaloblastic anaemia or neuropathy or both. The current literature suggest that the frequency of this adverse drug reaction is higher than previously thought

Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms can include fatigue, lethargy, shortness of breath, pale skin (possible with a pale yellow tinge), mouth ulcers, sensations of 'pins and needles', disturbed vision, impaired mental function and depression.

20c diabetes drug slashed long Covid symptoms by 42% in clinical trial

Metformin - the world's most common treatment for type 2 diabetes - is thought to suppress the production of the virus or reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which contribute to long Covid.

www.dailymail.co.uk

Metformin and reduced vitamin B12 levels: new advice for monitoring patients at risk

Decreased vitamin B12 levels, or vitamin B12 deficiency, is now considered to be a common side effect in patients on metformin treatment, especially in those receiving a higher dose or longer treatment duration and in those with existing risk factors. We are therefore advising checking vitamin...

www.gov.uk

What is vitamin B12 good for?

What does vitamin B12 do and which foods are a good source? Should you consider a B12 supplement? Nutritionist Jo Lewin has the answers.

www.bbcgoodfood.com