Understanding the Trends and Implications of Vitamin B12 Supplementation in Lahore, Pakistan: An Exploratory Study

Vitamin B12 plays a critical role in building muscle strength, the nervous system and general healthiness. But over the past few years, it has been overused and, in some cases, abused due to self-medication, being prescribed to too many people, and being marketed too aggressively by drug companies. Objectives: To explore how both healthcare professionals and patients in Pakistan perceive and use vitamin B12 supplements, with a specific focus on understanding the factors contributing to their overuse and related health concerns. Methods: In a qualitative explorative research design, 20 healthcare professionals of 5 different medical disciplines and 17 patients who have taken vitamin B12 supplements within the last year were interviewed in-depth. Key patterns in knowledge, prescribing behaviours, self-medication practices, and awareness of safety were identified by means of thematic analysis. Results: Vitamin B12 was deemed safe by both doctors and patients in general. The doctors acknowledged giving prescriptions under patient pressure or being influenced by pharma, whereas the patients mentioned social media, peer recommendation, and availability of supplements as major contributors. There was little information on how much could be taken and of the side effects and risks, and little follow-up was done following its intake. Conclusions: The popularity and generally non-regulated spread of vitamin B12 use in Pakistan suggest incomplete awareness, clinical practice and policy. The national guidelines, improved education to prescribers, popularization of mass awareness, and regulation of supplement marketing are urgently needed to make their use responsible and safe.