“Never Take B12 With These 2 Medications After 60” — The Claim Is Misleading
There aren’t two common medications that make vitamin B12 unsafe simply because you’re over 60. In fact, vitamin B12 is generally considered safe even at high doses, and older adults can be at increased risk of B12 deficiency.
The medications most often being referred to in headlines like this are metformin and acid-suppressing medicines such as proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs).
💊 1. Metformin
Metformin can reduce vitamin B12 absorption and lower blood B12 levels, particularly with prolonged use. That doesn’t mean you should avoid B12—it means your B12 status may need to be monitored.
💊 2. Proton-pump inhibitors
PPIs such as omeprazole, pantoprazole, and lansoprazole reduce stomach acid. Long-term use, particularly at higher doses, has been associated with reduced B12 status because stomach acid helps release B12 from food.
Interestingly, supplemental B12 isn’t necessarily affected in the same way as B12 from food, because supplemental B12 is not bound to food proteins.
🧠 Why this matters after 60
B12 deficiency can cause anemia, fatigue, numbness or tingling, and neurological problems. Untreated deficiency can become serious, so assuming that B12 supplements are dangerous with these medications could actually be counterproductive.
🩺 What should you do?
If you’re over 60 and take metformin or a PPI regularly, ask your doctor or pharmacist whether your B12 level should be checked.
