Comparative Analysis of Oral and Parenteral Routes of Vitamin B12 Administration

Abstract

Vitamin B12 is essential for the neurological system, and erythropoiesis among other important functions. Malnutrition, malabsorption such as in a case of atrophic gastritis and certain drugs like Metformin, can cause B12 deficiency. B12 can be administered both orally and parenterally. The rout of administration of B12 has been subject to extensive research regarding efficacy. The focus of this review was to investigate whether one route of administration is superior to the other. Only randomized trials were included and studies about B12 administration for purposes other than pure deficiency, were excluded. Three studies were included. In conclusion, the published data suggested that oral and parenteral both are equally efficient with little controversy. Further research with better study design and larger sample size is mandatory. Keywords: Vitamin B12 administration, Oral, parenteral