Recommending OTC vitamin B12

Many clinical trials have proven that oral supplementation of vitamin B12 provides adequate replacement for deficiencies. Despite the consideration of poor absorption of the oral form due to lack of intrinsic factor or gastric acidity, oral supplementation may be preferred in most patients.1 Pharmacists should feel confident recommending oral supplementation of vitamin B12 to elderly patients for mild to moderate deficiencies and prevention or treatment of pernicious anemia.