Vitamin B3 - Niacin - Impact on BG levels

[evilcat]

Hi all,

I've been taking vitamin B complex after reading that metformin could reduce the levels of some vitamins.

My BG levels have dropped down since diagnosis and average 6-8 2 hrs after eating - still some work to do...

Well today I was in a rush and didn't take my vit B pill and lo and behold, 2 hours after eating I was at 4.8. I had roast beef for dinner, just one roastie, but I did have a yorkshire pudding so I was expecting to be higher.

I had a search on Google and found a couple of sites that state some B vitamins help BG but that B3 actually increases it Does anyone else take vitamin B complex and if so have you noticed any impact on your levels?

Many thanks!

 

[Robster65]

Hi evilcat.

I've just done a quick read via google and it seems that Metformin may reduce vit B12, which can be restored to normal levels via food intake.

It does also seem that B3 (niacin) raises BG so they advise to take just the B12 supplement if you are diagnosed as deficient, but better to eat foods rich in B12.🙂

ALso, I wouldn't have expected one roastie and yorkshire pud to raise your BG by much, except maybe after several hours as the fat would delay any spike, and there wouldn't be much carb I wouldn't have thought.🙂

ROb

 

[Vicsetter]

I tried Niacin for a while to reduce cholesterol, no effect on BG and you can't take one incident as proof that the vit B had a certain effect, you would have to do it over a number of tests. Unless you are on a very restricted you should get all you need from your food. Keep eating roast beef

 

[margie]

Hi evilcat.

I've just done a quick read via google and it seems that Metformin may reduce vit B12, which can be restored to normal levels via food intake.

ROb

Not sure about this. My GP said supplements don't help where B12 deficiency is caused by Metformin. I took Metformin for a while and asked because of this potential side-effect.

It seems that the Metformin does not affect the B12 as such but rather "intrinisic factor" which is required by the body in order to absorb the B12 via the gastric system.

In cases when Metformin is the reason for the deficiency B12 injections will be required rather than supplements.

If any one is concerned they may wish to discuss with their GP.

 

[evilcat]

Thanks everyone for your comments. I was at 5.3 this morning which is actually pretty good for me.

I think I'll try a small experiment and stay off the vitamins for a week to see what (if any) changes there are to my levels...