Important Update on Vitamin B12 Treatment

We are making an important change in how we manage Vitamin B12 deficiency, following the latest guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

Recent evidence shows that oral Vitamin B12 supplements (cyanocobalamin) are highly effective in maintaining healthy B12 levels for most patients, without the need for regular injections. As a result, we will be transitioning suitable patients from B12 injections to oral B12 tablets.

You may receive a letter to say that we are changing your B12 treatment from injections to oral Vitamin B12 suppliments.

What This Means for those patients

You will receive your next scheduled B12 injection as planned.

After this injection, you will begin taking oral cyanocobalamin B12 tablets at a dose of 1mg (1000mcg) per day. These can be purchased over the counter from pharmacies, health food stores, or online retailers.

We will continue to monitor your B12 levels with an annual blood test to ensure you maintain sufficient levels.

Benefits of Moving to Oral B12

No more injections – Avoiding the discomfort and inconvenience of regular injections.

More flexibility – You can take your daily B12 at a time that suits you.

Proven effectiveness – Studies show that oral B12 at this dose is just as effective as injections for maintaining healthy B12 levels.

We understand that this is a change from current treatment, and we want to reassure patients that oral B12 is a safe, effective, and convenient alternative.

If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact the practice.

Published: Jun 19, 2025