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Comparison of the effect of parenteral with oral biguanide therapy on vitamin B12 and bile acid absorption

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Summary

The present investigation was carried out to ascertain whether parenteral biguanides cause vitamin B12 malabsorption. Secondly, to evaluate whether the biguanides, either orally or parenterally, cause bile acid malabsorption. Five groups of guinea pigs were given either saline, phenformin or metformin subcutaneously or orally. At intervals, the dosage was changed and B12 absorption was estimated using Co58B12. Bile acid excretion was estimated using C14 cholic acid. The results suggest that parenteral and oral biguanides cause both B12 and bile acid malabsorption.

These results have been discussed in relation to the mechanism of action of the biguanides. The implications on the formation of lithogenic bile and gallstones and the effect on cholesterol metabolism appear to need further evaluation.

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  1. Gerald H. Tomkin

    Present address: The Adelaide Hospital, Dublin 8

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Dudley Road Hospital, Birmingham, England

    Gerald H. Tomkin

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  1. Gerald H. Tomkin
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Tomkin, G.H. Comparison of the effect of parenteral with oral biguanide therapy on vitamin B12 and bile acid absorption. IJMS 145, 340–347 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02938968

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02938968

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