[e-drug] Oral vitamin B12

["Leo Offerhaus" <offerhausl@euronet.nl>]

E-DRUG: Oral vitamin B12
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Dear E-druggers,

I agree with most what has been said by our Indian colleagues, but there is one exception: 

Some years ago there have been a number of publications about the incidence and treatment of macrocytic anaemia in Indian vegans in London and the Midlands. 

"Pure" vegans run a real risk of nutritional B12-deficiency, which can easily be prevented and/or cured with ORAL vitamin B12. 

Unfortunately most such preparations are no longer available because both cyanocobalamin (now largely replaced by hydroxycobalamin) are only used parenterally for the treatment and prevention of pernicious anaemia, and in such patients the oral bioavailability of vitamin B12 is very low or nil. 

Generic oral (tablets and liquid) cyanocobalamin is available in the UK exclusivey for use in vegans on special prescription (SLS). I don't know about other countries. A combination product of vitamins B1 and B12 was many years ago removed from the Dutch market, particularly because its prolonged use may mask folic acid deficiency anaemia. That is also the main argument against adding vitamin B12 to combination preparations. 

So: Oral B12 preparations should be available for use in vegans who do not want to abandon their dietary habits on religious grounds. For the rest: NJET.

Best wishes,

Leo Offerhaus, 
Bussum, 
the Netherlands.
offerhausl@euronet.nl