Biomaterial Database

Malabsorption of vitamin B12 in diabetic patients treated with phenformin: a comparison with metformin. 1973

G H Tomkin

An investigation into B(12) absorption in diabetic patients on long-term phenformin therapy was undertaken and the results were compared to a similar investigation previously reported in diabetics on long-term metformin. Forty-six per cent of patients were found to have B(12) malabsorption as shown by abnormal results of Schilling tests.The mechanism of B(12) malabsorption is unknown but it is suggested that all patients on long-term phenformin therapy should, like the patients on metformin, have annual serum B(12) estimations until the results of a longer follow-up series are known.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007408	Intestinal Absorption	Uptake of substances through the lining of the INTESTINES.	Absorption, Intestinal
D008297	Male		Males
D008687	Metformin	A biguanide hypoglycemic agent used in the treatment of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus not responding to dietary modification. Metformin improves glycemic control by improving insulin sensitivity and decreasing intestinal absorption of glucose. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p289)	Dimethylguanylguanidine,Dimethylbiguanidine,Glucophage,Metformin HCl,Metformin Hydrochloride,HCl, Metformin,Hydrochloride, Metformin
D008875	Middle Aged	An adult aged 45 - 64 years.	Middle Age
D010629	Phenformin	A biguanide hypoglycemic agent with actions and uses similar to those of METFORMIN. Although it is generally considered to be associated with an unacceptably high incidence of lactic acidosis, often fatal, it is still available in some countries. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p290)	Fenformin,Phenylethylbiguanide
D003036	Cobalt Isotopes	Stable cobalt atoms that have the same atomic number as the element cobalt, but differ in atomic weight. Co-59 is a stable cobalt isotope.	Isotopes, Cobalt
D003920	Diabetes Mellitus	A heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by HYPERGLYCEMIA and GLUCOSE INTOLERANCE.
D005260	Female		Females
D005492	Folic Acid	A member of the vitamin B family that stimulates the hematopoietic system. It is present in the liver and kidney and is found in mushrooms, spinach, yeast, green leaves, and grasses (POACEAE). Folic acid is used in the treatment and prevention of folate deficiencies and megaloblastic anemia.	Pteroylglutamic Acid,Vitamin M,Folacin,Folate,Folic Acid, (D)-Isomer,Folic Acid, (DL)-Isomer,Folic Acid, Calcium Salt (1:1),Folic Acid, Monopotassium Salt,Folic Acid, Monosodium Salt,Folic Acid, Potassium Salt,Folic Acid, Sodium Salt,Folvite,Vitamin B9,B9, Vitamin
D006452	Hemoglobinometry	Measurement of hemoglobin concentration in blood.	Hemoglobinometries