A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of oral vitamin B12 supplementation in older patients with subnormal or borderline serum vitamin B12 concentrations

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of small doses of oral cyanocobalamin supplements in older patients with low or borderline serum vitamin B12 concentrations but no otherevidence of pernicious anemia (PA). DESIGN: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study assessing the efficacy of oral cyanocobalamin 10 μg and 50 μg daily for 1 month. SETTING: Two geriatric hospitals in the North Western Health Care Network, Melbourne, Australia. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-one inpatients with serum vitamin B12 levels between 100 and 150 pmol/L, without PA, other malabsorption disorders, or progressive neurological or terminal illness. The mean age was 81.4 years. INTERVENTION: After informed consent, a ..