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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
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