In reviewing medical literature, I discovered that metformin interferes with vitamin B-12. I started oral vitamin B-12, and within a week I noticed a sharpening of my mental capacity. I stopped having any trouble walking, and my foot numbness has decreased.
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Thank you for pointing out that metformin (Glucophage) can deplete the body of vitamin B-12. This can lead to serious neurological symptoms if not corrected promptly.
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I take fish oil to lower triglycerides. I recently found that it also helps with dry eyes.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (October 2005) suggests that dry eye syndrome is less common in women who get more omega-3 fats. Fish oil is rich in these fatty acids. Women who consumed more tuna were less likely to complain of dry eyes.
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Is there a self-test for checking your cholesterol? I am trying to get my cholesterol under control with diet, and I want to track my progress.
Over-the-counter cholesterol tests for home use have been around since 1993. But according to Consumer Reports (August 2003), they don't provide enough information to be very helpful.
Joe Graedon, a pharmacologist, and Teresa Graedon, an expert in medical anthropology and nutrition, can be reached at http://www.peoplespharmacy.comor care of this newspaper.
