B12 supplement use among adult populations of Egyptians and Jordanians

Introduction: Vitamin B12 is essential for the body’s metabolism, and its deficiency is linked to many health conditions. Vitamin B12 is available as a nutritional supplement for the management of B12 deficiency. In this study, we examined the prevalence and factors associated with the use of vitamin B12 supplements among Egyptians and Jordanians from the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA). Methods: The study included a total of 1,139 participants (541 from Egypt and 598 from Jordan). Data were collected from participants using a structured questionnaire distributed via social media platforms. About 30% of the study participants used B12 supplements. Results: Regression analysis showed that the use of B12 supplements was associated with nationality, having a chronic disease, having a blood test for B12, having health insurance, and knowing the symptoms of B12 deficiency (P<0.01). In addition, among Egyptians, age and knowing food sources of vitamin B12 were associated with the use of B12 supplements (P<0.01). However, gender, income, and education were not associated with the use of B12 supplements (P>0.05). The main sources of information about vitamin B12 were the internet/social media, health care providers, and family members/friends. Among practices the participants used to maintain adequate body levels of vitamin B12 included consumption of foods rich in this nutrient (80%) and monitoring the level of B12 in the blood (39.9%). Conclusion: A good fraction of the population in Egypt and Jordan uses vitamin B12 supplements. The study findings can be used in interventions aimed at increasing awareness of maintaining adequate blood levels of vitamin B12.