Thousands to be offered simpler alternative to B12 injections under new NHS guidance

People who receive regular vitamin B12 injections across the North East and North Cumbria could soon be offered a simpler alternative.

NHS leaders say many people with low vitamin B12 could safely manage their condition with simple changes to their diet and vitamin B12 tablets bought from local pharmacies and supermarkets, helping them avoid repeated trips to their GP surgery.

Vitamin B12 helps keep nerves healthy, supports memory and concentration, and helps the body make red blood cells. Low levels can leave people feeling tired, weak and lacking energy.

NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) is currently the fourth highest prescriber of injectable vitamin B12 in England, with more than 50,000 people across the region currently receiving prescribed injections. 

Health experts say many injections are being given to people who could be treated just as effectively with simple diet changes and over the counter bought vitamin B12 tablets.

Professor Ewan Maule, director of medicines, NHS North East and North Cumbria ICB, said: "Many people are surprised to learn that diet changes and vitamin B12 tablets can work just as well as injections for people whose bodies can absorb vitamin B12 normally.

"For suitable patients, switching to tablets can be much easier, more convenient and means fewer trips to the GP surgery. It also helps us make sure NHS appointments are available for patients who need them most."

GP practices across the region currently spend around 85,000 hours each year giving vitamin B12 injections. 

Switching just one in four people, who no longer need injections, to pharmacy or supermarket bought vitamin tablets and simple dietary changes, could free up more than 21,000 hours of practice time each year.

This could support the equivalent of 25,000 GP appointments and allow practice staff to spend more time caring for patients with greater clinical need.

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance supports the use of vitamin B12 tablets for many patients, particularly where low vitamin B12 is linked to diet or where the body can still absorb the vitamin properly.

Professor Maule added: "This isn't about stopping treatment. It's about making sure people receive the right treatment.

"People with conditions such as pernicious anaemia, or other problems that stop the body absorbing vitamin B12, will continue to receive B12 injections and monitoring, but for many others, diet changes and vitamin tablets are a safe and effective option."

GP practices across the region will review patients currently receiving vitamin B12 injections and contact them if a different treatment may be more appropriate.

People are also being encouraged to speak to their local pharmacist for advice about vitamin B12 supplements and ways to increase vitamin B12 through their diet. 

Vitamin B12 is found naturally in foods such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy products. People who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet can get vitamin B12 from foods that have been fortified including breakfast cereals, plant-based milks such as soya, oat and almond, nutritional yeast, some meat-free products and dairy-free alternatives.

For more information on vitamin B12, speak to your GP practice or local pharmacist.