Metformin (Glucophage), a medication prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes and PCOS can cause deficiencies in B12 and Folic Acid. An increase in homocysteine, a toxic metabolite, may occur in those people taking this medication.

Animals given homocysteine develop atherosclerosis and humans who have a genetic defect preventing the metabolism of homocysteine die from early development of atherosclerosis. Supplementation with B12 and folate can reduce homocysteine levels.

Symptoms of B12 and folic acid deficiency include fatigue, depression, memory loss, nerve pain and anemia. Because Glucophage interferes with B12 absorption a sublingual supplement may be required.

Your naturopathic doctor can test for B12/ folate deficiency and high homocysteine levels and make specific supplementation recommendations based on the results.