Introduction
Vitamin B12 deficiency affects 5% of patients aged 65-75 and more than 10% of patients aged 75 and over. Currently, there is an inconsistent approach in treating Vitamin B12 deficiency in the practice. The aim of this Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is to standardise the management of Vitamin B12 deficiency in patients in the practice following NICE Guidance: NG239, 2024, as well as local guidance shared within Remedy.
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency can be a serious condition and a potentially reversible cause of bone marrow failure and demyelination. Early identification and treatment can avoid permanent neurological disability.
Vitamin B12 is a co-factor for two enzymes in the body required for:
- Normal bone marrow function and red blood cell production
- Development and myelination of the nervous system and its maintenance