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Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Covid-19 prompted the British Society of Haematology to issue pandemic B12 guidance and this outlines some of the principles for moving to oral B12 preparations.

vitamin b12 chart
NHS Lothian

Download PDF chart Vitamin-B12-flowchart.pdf

C.M & A.K. 01-08-25

This document outlines appropriate referrals to the haematology department.

Who to refer:

Patients:

  • with symptoms suggestive of either a spinal cord lesion (subacute combined degeneration or peripheral neuropathy) or visual (optic neuropathy) – same day emergency admission
  • not responding haematologically to B12 replacement therapy (where folate and iron stores have been checked and are normal)
  • with suspected malabsorption or disease of the terminal ileum should be referred to Gastroenterology
  • with neurological symptoms should be discussed with Neurology if advice required.

Who not to refer:

Uncomplicated B12 deficiency

How to refer:


SCI Gateway Haematology at RIE, WGH or SJH.

Primary care investigations

See flow chart on the main welcome page for full detail. Initial tests include:

  • FBC and film
  • Serum ferritin
  • Serum folate
  • Reticulocyte count if anaemia or macrocytosis
  • Intrinsic factor antibodies (lab will reflexly test if low B12 levels).

Please also see macrocytosis / macrocytic anaemia / cytopenia guidelines, if relevant.

Thanks to the Vegan Society for allowing us to link to their website: https://www.vegansociety.com/resources/nutrition-and-health/nutrients/vitamin-b12

Devalia V et al (2014) Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of cobalamin and folate disorders https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/bjh.12959 [Accessed 29.11.19]

Linnebank et al (2011) Antiepileptic drugs interact with folate and vitamin B12 serum levels https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/ana.22229 [Accessed 22.10.19]

Sukumar and Saravanan (2019) Investigating Vitamin B12 deficiency https://www.bmj.com/content/365/bmj.l1865 [Accessed 29.11.19]