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Class landing · Metformin

Supplements and metformin.

Glucose-lowering supplements, B12 depletion, and the additive-effect pairs to watch.

Metformin is the first-line oral diabetes drug and the most-cited example of medication-induced nutrient depletion. After a year or more of daily use, vitamin B12 levels fall in roughly 10 to 30 per cent of patients. Annual B12 monitoring is sensible; supplementation is straightforward if needed.

Several supplements have their own glucose-lowering effect and stack additively with metformin: berberine, alpha-lipoic acid, inositol, chromium, and bitter melon all have evidence here. Adding any of these without monitoring fasting glucose carries hypoglycaemia risk. None of them are excluded; they are pairs where home glucose monitoring at the start makes sense.

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For adults over 18. This tool gives evidence-graded information, not medical advice. Always discuss changes with your GP, especially if you take any medication, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a serious health condition.
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If a supplement or medication you take isn't in our autocomplete, tell us and we'll add it in the next quarterly update.

Distil's interactions database is reviewed and updated every quarter. We grade evidence transparently and publish our methodology, including every database change, at /about/methodology. This tool is information, not a substitute for clinical judgement. If you take medication and supplements together, your GP or pharmacist can review your full regimen against your medical history.