Abstract

Vitamin B₁₂ deficiency is common, becoming more so with age, and estimates of its population prevalence have ranged from 1.5% to 15%.1^,2 If untreated, it can lead to megaloblastic anaemia and irreversible neurological complications. In the UK, the usual treatment is regular intramuscular injections of hydroxocobalamin.3^,4 High-dose oral vitamin B₁₂ replacement is standard practice in some other countries5 and less costly.6 Here we review issues around adopting an oral vitamin B₁₂ replacement regimen more widely in the UK.