Are vitamin B12 injections better than tablets? What a randomised trial found

What question did the researchers ask?

Adults aged 65 or over with confirmed vitamin B12 deficiency were randomised to oral or intramuscular B12 and followed for one year. The main outcome was normalisation of blood B12 levels.

What did they actually find?

More than 90% in both groups reached normal levels by eight weeks. At 52 weeks, normal levels were recorded in 73.6% of the oral group and 80.4% of the injection group; quality of life and adverse effects were similar, and most participants preferred tablets.

What should you keep in mind?

This evidence concerns treatment of confirmed deficiency in older adults. It does not support routine injections for energy or wellbeing without clinical assessment and does not mean injection is automatically superior to oral treatment.

What does this mean for a Highfield consultation?

This applies to confirmed B12 deficiency; injections are not automatically better or appropriate without an indication. We consider that finding alongside independent guidance, your medical history, examination and priorities. It can support a better-informed decision, but it cannot promise a personal result or decide whether treatment is suitable.