Older people with unexplained fatigue or mental health problems should be offered a vitamin B12 test, according to our latest guidance. Our draft publication offers evidence-based recommendations on how to diagnose vitamin B12 deficiency and which treatment option to use. It recommends that patients should be offered a blood test if they have 1 symptom and at least 1 risk factor. One in 10 people over the age of 75 have a vitamin B12 deficiency, which can lead to anaemia, blurred vision, impaired balance and delirium. Up to 46,000 people could benefit from being diagnosed.
Consultation on our draft guideline is open until 5pm on Tuesday 22 August 2023.
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/GID-NG10176/documents/draft-guidelinedraft-guideline (nice.org.uk)