Controversies Around Vitamin B12 in Sweden

Over a five-year period, 1991-1995, the vitamin B12 market in Sweden increased three-fold, from approximately 2 million U.S. dollars to approximately 6 million U.S. dollars. Most prescriptions, approximately 60%, originated from primary health care. The attitudes, values and knowledge of the family physicians/general practitioners were elucidated by a questionnaire study with visuo-analogue opinion scales, evaluating 24 basic statements on problems associated with the management of vitamin B12 deficiency. The questionnaire was sent to a representative sample of 506 family physicians/general practitioners. Response rate was 74%. Dropout analysis supported the view that responders provided a representative sample of Swedish FP/GPs. Analysis of the answers was compatible with the hypothesis that the mentioned increase in Swedish B12 market reflected increased awareness in primary health care about the biochemical, pathophysiological and social problems associated with vitamin B12 deficiency.