[Update of oral vitamin B12].

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this review is to evaluate the usefulness of oral cobalamin (vitamin B12) treatment.

MATERIAL AND METHOD: PubMed was systematically searched for English and French articles published from January 1990 to January 2007.

RESULTS

Prospective randomized studies (n = 3), a systematic review by the Cochrane group (n = 1) and prospective studies in well-determined population (n = 5) provide evidence that oral cyanocobalamin therapy may adequately treat cobalamin deficiency in elderly patients. However, the current literature may not suggest a strategy in terms of the form (hydroxy- or cyanocobalamin), frequency and duration of the treatment.

CONCLUSION

This present review confirms the previously reported efficacy of oral cyanocobalamin treatment in elderly patients.