If you’re taking Metformin, have MTHFR, and are having some issues, read on.
Metformin, especially when combined with the C677T MTHFR mutation, may increase homocysteine levels due to the decreased amounts of vitamin B12 and folate.1
Why does this happen?
Metformin interferes with the absorption of vitamin B12. This interference may happen by blocking the normal process of vitamin B12 binding to something called "intrinsic factor." Intrinsic factor helps with B12 absorption in the ileum part of the small intestine.2
Metformin also increases histamine in the gut
Approximately 75% of patients taking metformin report experiencing side effects.3
Many of those are related to high histamine because it blocks the DAO enzyme, which is responsible for breaking down histamine in your gut.4
The resulting increase in histamine can amplify inflammation, putting additional strain on the body, increasing nutrient demands, and aggravating methylation issues.5,6
Measuring your B12 levels
To effectively evaluate your B12 levels, your healthcare practitioner may perform specific tests that examine B12 levels and its metabolism. These assessments are complemented by observing other clinical findings, including physical symptoms like numbness, burning, or tingling in the arms or legs:7
- Holotranscobalamin Test: Assesses the active form of vitamin B12 that is readily available for absorption by the body's cells.
- Total serum vitamin B12: Measures the overall concentration of vitamin B12 in the blood. However, this test may not always accurately indicate a deficiency, as individuals can have normal levels while still experiencing a functional deficiency.
- Urinary Methylmalonic Acid: Examines methylmalonic acid levels in your urine. Elevated levels can be a sign of a B12 deficiency.
- Serum Homocysteine: High homocysteine levels may suggest a vitamin B12 deficiency, as vitamin B12 is essential for proper homocysteine metabolism.
Your healthcare practitioner may also perform routine blood tests that could provide additional information, such as:
- MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume): This test measures the size of your red blood cells. Abnormal cell size can indicate a B12 deficiency.
- MCH (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin): Measures the amount of hemoglobin in your red blood cells. Low MCH levels may suggest a B12 deficiency.
- WBC (White Blood Cell) Count: Measures the number of white blood cells in your blood. Abnormal levels may indicate an underlying B12 deficiency.
Take Home Points:
- Blood sugar issues are mainly caused by poor dietary and lifestyle choices. Address these areas to control your blood sugar effectively.
- Metformin increases vitamin B12 and folate deficiency, potentially increasing homocysteine.
- The combination of MTHFR C677T mutation and metformin can greatly reduce your body’s ability to adequately methylate.
- Evaluate your ability to methylate by measuring your fasting homocysteine levels.
- When taking metformin, supplement with vitamin B12 and folate if needed, especially if you also have the C677T MTHFR variant.†
Health Strategies to manage your blood sugar
- Start your day with protein meals, not carbs or caffeine. Protein supports healthy blood sugar levels and sustains them compared to carbohydrates.8
- Eat meals and limit snacking. Snacking frequently, especially on carbohydrates, keeps insulin levels elevated all day long. This is very inflammatory. Have three meals a day and only snack if really hungry. Some great low-carb snack options include hard-boiled eggs, avocado, plain yogurt, or cheese.9
- Enjoy your dinner before 7 p.m. and avoid late-night snacking. Eating earlier in the evening can help regulate the body's insulin levels, as the body tends to be more insulin-resistant later in the day.10
- Walk 5 to 10 minutes after each meal. Simply taking short, brisk walks after each meal will quickly drop your blood sugar to a healthy level.1
- Address neurotransmitter deficiencies and high cortisol. If you’re bingeing on carbs and sweets, then you’re likely low in dopamine and high in cortisol.12,13 Support healthy levels of dopamine with Dopamine Nutrients after breakfast and healthy cortisol levels with Stress Nutrients.†
Remember, it's essential to consult with your healthcare provider before making any significant changes to your diabetes management routine.
† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
References:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17908667/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35491956/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33986581/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4656030/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7463562/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14530789/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27169753/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7956086/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7838472/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5001513/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10036272/
- https://jnm.snmjournals.org/content/54/supplement_2/29
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23083917/