Colchicine

• Vitamin B12

Although primarily used on a short-term basis to treat attacks of gout, colchicine is increasingly being prescribed for longer periods as a gout preventive. This practice may heighten the chance of developing the nutritional deficiency discussed here.

Colchicine can impair intestinal absorption of vitamin B ₁₂ , so taking a B ₁₂ supplement during extended colchicine therapy may be warranted. 1

References

REF1
Webb DI, Chodos RB, Mahar CQ, et al. Mechanism of vitamin B12 malabsorption in patients receiving colchicine. N Engl J Med 279: 845850, 1968.

• EBSCO CAM Review Board
• 201512
• 20151215