The headline “Cardiologist warns: NEVER take B12 with these 2 common medications after 60!” is misleading. There is no general medical recommendation that people over 60 should never take vitamin B12 with two common medications.
In fact, many older adults need vitamin B12 because absorption can decrease with age.
Medications that can affect vitamin B12
Rather than B12 being dangerous with these medications, the concern is often that the medications can lower B12 levels over time:
- Metformin
- Used to treat type 2 diabetes.
- Long-term use can reduce vitamin B12 absorption in some people.
- Healthcare professionals may recommend periodic B12 testing or supplementation if levels are low.
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
- Examples include omeprazole, esomeprazole, and pantoprazole.
- Long-term use can reduce stomach acid, making it harder to absorb B12 from food.
- This does not mean B12 should be avoided—it may actually be more important to monitor B12 status.
Other medications
Some medicines can interact with high-dose vitamin supplements, but for most people, standard vitamin B12 supplements are considered safe and have few significant drug interactions.
Before taking B12 supplements
Talk to your healthcare professional if you:
- Have symptoms of B12 deficiency (fatigue, numbness or tingling, balance problems, memory changes)
- Take metformin or long-term acid-reducing medication
- Have kidney disease or another chronic medical condition
Bottom line: There is no evidence-based rule that people over 60 should “never” take vitamin B12 with two common medications. If anything, certain medications can make B12 deficiency more likely, making monitoring or supplementation appropriate under medical guidance.
