Replacement therapy for vitamin B12 deficiency: comparison between the sublingual and oral route.
Sharabi, A., Cohen, E., Sulkes, J., and Garty, M.Br J Clin Pharmacol – 01-DEC-2003; 56(6): 635-8.
Objectives: Sublingual and oral administration of 500mcg of Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) were compared in cobalamin deficient patients.
Methods: 30 cobalamin deficient patients were randomized into 3 groups: sublingual B12, oral B12 and B-complex vitamin treatment. Serum levels of cobalamin were measured at the beginning of the study and at 4 weeks. Each group received 500 mcg of cobalamin or its equivalent, daily.
Results: All three groups exhibited a significant and similar increase in serum cobalamin levels at the end of the 4 week period. (P<0.0001, 95% CI)
Conclusions: Serum cobalamin deficiency may be corrected by 500 mcg daily of sublingual B12, oral B12 or B-complex vitamin equivalent. No significant difference in the three groups was noted.