Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 injections or prescribed supplements for a documented deficiency
Practitioner rules by province
Who can provide this service for it to be eligible
| Province | Practitioner | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta | Pharmacist | |
| British Columbia | Pharmacist | |
| Manitoba | Pharmacist | |
| New Brunswick | Pharmacist | |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Pharmacist | |
| Nova Scotia | Pharmacist | |
| Northwest Territories | Pharmacist | |
| Nunavut | Pharmacist | |
| Ontario | Pharmacist | |
| Prince Edward Island | Pharmacist | |
| Quebec | Pharmacist | |
| Saskatchewan | Pharmacist | |
| Yukon | Pharmacist |
Is vitamin B12 CRA eligible in Canada?
Yes. Vitamin B12 is an eligible medical expense under the METC when it requires a prescription to obtain. B12 injections prescribed for pernicious anaemia or a documented deficiency are the most common qualifying form. Over-the-counter B12 supplements purchased without a prescription do not qualify. Because qualifying B12 is METC eligible, it can be reimbursed through a Health Spending Account (HSA).
What Qualifies
- Vitamin B12 injections prescribed by a physician for pernicious anaemia, B12 deficiency, or other conditions causing malabsorption
- Prescription B12 supplements where the product requires a prescription or is prescribed as a medical treatment
- Cyanocobalamin or methylcobalamin injections dispensed by a pharmacy on prescription
What Does Not Qualify
- Over-the-counter B12 supplements purchased without a prescription for general wellness
- B12 shots at a wellness spa or IV therapy clinic without a prescription from a physician
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vitamin B12 CRA eligible?
Yes, with a prescription. Over-the-counter B12 without a prescription does not qualify.
Can I claim B12 injections through my HSA?
Yes, prescribed B12 injections for a documented deficiency or medical condition qualify for HSA reimbursement.
Source
Based on the CRA's official eligible medical expenses list and Income Tax Folio S1-F1-C1, "Drugs, medicaments and other preparations or substances".
This information is sourced from the Canada Revenue Agency's official Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC) reference guide (lines 33099 and 33199). This is not tax advice. For the most current rulings, consult the CRA directly or speak with a qualified tax professional.
Based on CRA data last updated 2026-01-20. Page last reviewed 2026-03-20.