Methylcobalamin For Nerve Pain
Contents
Is methylcobalamin good for nerve pain?
Abstract – Methylcobalamin (MeCbl), the activated form of vitamin B12, has been used to treat some nutritional diseases and other diseases in clinic, such as Alzheimer’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis. As an auxiliary agent, it exerts neuronal protection by promoting regeneration of injured nerves and antagonizing glutamate-induced neurotoxicity.
Recently several lines of evidence demonstrated that MeCbl may have potential analgesic effects in experimental and clinical studies. For example, MeCbl alleviated pain behaviors in diabetic neuropathy, low back pain and neuralgia. MeCbl improved nerve conduction, promoted the regeneration of injured nerves, and inhibited ectopic spontaneous discharges of injured primary sensory neurons.
This review aims to summarize the analgesic effect and mechanisms of MeCbl at the present.
What does methylcobalamin do to the nerve?
As an auxiliary agent, it exerts neuronal protection by promoting regeneration of injured nerves and antagonizing glutamate-induced neurotoxicity. Recently several lines of evidence demonstrated that MeCbl may have potential analgesic effects in experimental and clinical studies.
Does B12 help with nerve pain?
Vitamin B12 and Pain – Vitamin B12 is thought to alleviate pain by a number of mechanisms including promoting myelination (nerve insulation), increasing nerve regeneration and decreasing nerve “mis-firing”.
How long does B12 take to work for nerve pain?
Will My B12 Injection Work Right Away? – B12 injections work quickly; they are the most effective way for your body to absorb Vitamin B12. Within 48 to 72 hours, your body will begin to make new red blood cells. For mild deficiencies, you may need two to three injections over several weeks to notice peak impact.
What is the disadvantage of methylcobalamin?
Common side effects may include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; loss of appetite; or. headache.
How quickly does methylcobalamin work?
8. Common questions about cyanocobalamin – How does cyanocobalamin work? Cyanocobalamin is a manufactured version of vitamin B12. It works by increasing levels of vitamin B12 in your blood. You need vitamin B12 to stay healthy. It’s used to make red blood cells and keep your nervous system healthy.
Having enough vitamin B12 allows your body to make red blood cells that work properly to carry oxygen around your body. If you have been diagnosed with low vitamin B12 levels, taking cyanocobalamin helps reduce symptoms such as tiredness and lack of energy or being short of breath. Vitamin B12 supplements will only improve symptoms such as tiredness and lack of energy if they are caused by low vitamin B12 levels.
How long does it take to work? It may take a few weeks before your vitamin B12 levels and symptoms (such as extreme tiredness or lack of energy) start to improve. If you have hydroxocobalamin injections to boost your vitamin B12 levels at the start of treatment, the cyanocobalamin tablets may start to work within a few days.
How long will I take it for? Your doctor or pharmacist will advise you how long you need to take cyanocobalamin tablets. You may be able to stop taking cyanocobalamin when your vitamin B12 blood levels are back to normal. However, you may need to take it for the rest of your life if your diet does not have enough vitamin B12 or you cannot absorb enough vitamin B12 from your food.
What’s the best vitamin B12 supplement for me? Vitamin B12 supplements containing cyanocobalamin can be bought as tablets (including chewable, slow-release, and tablets that dissolve under your tongue), capsules, mouth sprays, and drops. There is no noticeable difference in the amount of vitamin B12 that your body can absorb or use from the different types, so no supplement is more effective than the others.
If you have had stomach or bowel problems or surgery you will not absorb enough vitamin B12 from food or low-dose supplements (10 to 100 micrograms). You will need hydroxocobalamin injections – or high-dose cyanocobalamin tablets (1,000 micrograms) if you cannot have injections. What will happen if I stop taking cyanocobalamin? If you stop taking prescribed cyanocobalamin tablets, your vitamin B12 levels may start to go down.
If your levels get too low you may start to get symptoms such as tiredness again. This may take days, weeks or months to happen because it depends on:
what your vitamin B12 levels arehow long you have been taking cyanocobalaminhow much vitamin B12 you get from your diet
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you want to stop taking cyanocobalamin or are bothered by side effects. Can I drink alcohol with it? Yes, you can drink alcohol with cyanocobalamin. Alcohol does not affect how this medicine works. However, drinking too much alcohol on a regular basis can cause folate deficiency anaemia,
This is a lack of vitamin B9 (folic acid) and will lead to symptoms such as tiredness coming back. Is there any food or drink I need to avoid? You can eat and drink as normal while taking cyanocobalamin. However, it’s best to take cyanocobalamin on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before meals or 2 hours after eating.
Will it affect my contraception? Cyanocobalamin will not stop any contraception working, including the combined pill and emergency contraception, However, oral contraceptives can reduce the amount of vitamin B12 you absorb from your cyanocobalamin tablets.
Talk to your doctor if you are taking oral contraceptives. Will it affect my fertility? There’s no clear evidence to suggest that cyanocobalamin affects fertility in men or women. Can I drive or ride a bike? Cyanocobalamin does not usually affect your ability to drive or ride a bike. What foods can I eat to increase the amount of vitamin B12 in my diet? You can usually help your vitamin B12 levels by increasing the amount of certain foods you eat.
However, this will not help if you have a stomach (gastro-intestinal) problem that means you cannot absorb vitamin B12 from your gut. If you eat meat, fish, eggs, milk and dairy foods you should get enough vitamin B12 from your diet. Foods that are good sources of vitamin B12 include:
meat (liver, beef)fish (salmon, tuna, haddock)shellfish (muscles, scallops)dairy foods (milk, yoghurt, cheese)eggs
Some foods have vitamin B12 added (look for “fortified” on the label). These include:
breakfast cereals and breadsoya foods, non-dairy milks and spreadsyeast extract or nutritional yeast flakes
If you have a condition that means you cannot absorb enough vitamin B12 from the food you eat, it’s still a good idea to try to eat a healthy, balanced diet with enough vitamins and minerals, including B12.
Can vitamin B12 reverse nerve damage?
Treatment for Neuropathy: How Vitamin B12 Helps – Research has shown that Vitamin B12 can assist with recovery from nerve pain associated with neuropathy through the:
Revival of nerves Development of myelination
At Gold Coast Chiropractic, we appreciate the pain and issues associated with peripheral neuropathy. Our dedicated team of professionals are always at hand to provide the necessary means to help patients improve their health through treatment. Let’s take a look at how much B12 one needs for recovery from neuropathy.
Which vitamin is best for nerve pain?
The best diet for your nerves – B vitamins protect nerve cells, Vitamin B1 (thiamine) provides your nerves with energy to function, while vitamin B6 relieves nerve pain and transmits nerve impulses correctly. Vitamin B12 regenerates the nerves, protecting them from damage.
What does B12 nerve pain feel like?
Discussion – Vitamin B12 deficiency is mostly detected in patients aged more than 40 years. In this age group, it has been associated with a wide spectrum of neuropsychiatric diseases. Symptoms related to vitamin B12 deficiency can be diverse and vary from neurologic to psychiatric.
The current evidence points to muscle wasting/weakness, myelopathy, neuropathy, and gait disorders as neurological manifestations. The psychiatric disorders linked to vitamin B12 deficiency range from behavioral disturbances and cognition problems to dementia, Peripheral neuropathy is the most common presentation of vitamin B12 deficiency.
Depending upon the type of nerve involved, it may present as pain, numbness, tingling, loss of sensation, decreased motor activity, or decreased muscle mass. Early diagnosis and treatment might lead to full or partial recovery and limit further damage,
The proposed mechanisms include hypomethylation, phospholipid metabolism, and neurotoxic effects of homocysteine accumulation, Nerve conduction studies on patients with confirmed vitamin B12-associated peripheral neuropathy have demonstrated severe impairment of sensory nerve conduction reflecting demyelinating disorder.
Studies suggest that lack of vitamin B12 may lead to primary sensory demyelinating neuropathy, A study testing somatosensory central conduction time (CCT) in patients with vitamin B12 deficiency reported a striking increase in CCT in absence of any upper motor neuron lesion sign.
- The study reported that the decrease in conduction velocity occurred in the posterior columns but was normal at the thalamocortical level,
- The risk of peripheral neuropathy is profoundly more in diabetic patients, especially those on metformin, and patients with atrophic gastritis,
- A recent systematic review of 32 studies reported that neuropathy was associated with lowered vitamin B12 levels (pooled estimate (95% confidence interval) = 1.51 (1.23-1.84)) based on the cut-off value of ≥205 ng/L.
The study reported an association with different types of neuropathies among which diabetes was most significant. It recommended screening for vitamin B12 deficiency for patients at risk for neuropathy and those with neuropathy, There is evidence of frequent association of CTS with vitamin B12 deficiency.
- Preventing vitamin B12 deficiency may help alleviate complaints related to CTS with less invasive treatment modalities,
- Vitamin B12 deficiency may also cause spinal cord lesion or subacute combined degeneration where a demyelination process leads to the decay of the myelin sheath in the dorsal and lateral columns,
It is a progressive degenerative disease of the spinal cord that may involve some cranial nerves as well. Early treatment with vitamin B12 leads to excellent improvement in symptoms while a delay leads to incomplete recovery, Electrophysiological studies in patients with subacute combined degeneration of the cord showed features of axonal neuropathy and evidence of prominent focal proximal conduction block in several nerves, which markedly improved after treatment with cyanocobalamin,
Visual pathways are very vulnerable to vitamin B12 deficiency. The visual evoked potential is often found prolonged in patients with vitamin B12 deficiency neurological syndrome even if they are otherwise asymptomatic. It has been shown to improve after treatment with vitamin B12, There is evidence of faster age-related changes in the brain in the presence of vitamin B12 deficiency,
Studies have associated Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, various conditions causing dementia, and even multiple sclerosis with vitamin B12 deficiency, However, for most of these, there is no evidence of a causal relationship and the findings remain controversial.
Several psychiatric problems have been associated with vitamin B12 deficiency that include but are not limited to depression, delusions, cognitive changes, dementia, mania, psychosis, and occasional suicidal thoughts, Proposed mechanisms include impairment of neurotransmitter synthesis and increased amount of homocysteine as well as MMA,
Vitamin B12 therapy may lead to improvement in dementia in some patients. A recent systematic review concluded that deficiency of vitamin B12 is associated with a higher risk of developing depression; however, it did not find any evidence of improvement in depressive symptoms by administration of vitamin B12,
Why do I feel better after taking B12?
5. May improve mood and symptoms of depression – Vitamin B12 may improve your mood. The effect of vitamin B12 on mood is not yet fully understood. However, this vitamin plays a vital role in synthesizing and metabolizing serotonin, a chemical responsible for regulating mood ( 20 ).
- Therefore, vitamin B12 deficiency may lead to decreased serotonin production, which can cause a depressed mood.
- One older study in people with depression and vitamin B12 levels on the low side of normal found that those who received both antidepressants and vitamin B12 were more likely to show improved depressive symptoms, compared to those treated with antidepressants alone ( 21 ).
In a large review, researchers discovered that vitamin B12 deficiency was associated with a higher risk of depression, but only in older females ( 22 ) Though vitamin B12 supplements may help improve mood and depression in people with a deficiency, research does not currently suggest that they have the same effect in those with normal B12 levels ( 23 ).
Can too much B12 make neuropathy worse?
To much b-12 can aggravate the nerves. For me b-12 made things worse. Make sure you have your levels checked. To much b-12 can aggravate the nerves.
Why methylcobalamin is banned in India?
FSSAI lifts ban on Methycobalamin FSSAI lifts ban on Methycobalamin By Rajendra Diwe : The Vitamin B12 was banned since 2016 After a long debate of over five years on the use of Methycobalamin, commonly known as Vitamin B12, the Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) has removed the ban on it. FSSAI has recently mentioned that it has listed all Vitamin B12 derivatives, including Methycobalamin, under Food Safety and Standards (Health Supplements, Nutraceuticals, Food for Special Dietary Use, Food for Special Medical Purpose, Functional Foods and Novel Foods) Regulations, 2016 through amendments gazette notified on September 16, 2021.
According to e-pharmail, FSSAI had banned Methycobalamin through the gazette passed in 2016. The product was later approved by the scientific committee of FSSAI in December 2019 based on scientific evidence of its safe use, but the amended gazette was not issued in this regard thus putting drug-makers in a bind.
Methycobalamin is an essential nutrient to regulate certain vital bodily functions like cell multiplication, blood formation and protein synthesis. Despite the ban, the products containing Methycobalamin were available in the market. Taking a serious note of this, Dr Sanjay Agrawal, a leading pharmaceutical consultant, had written to FSSAI time and again seeking clarification from it on easy availability of Methycobalamin in absence of the authority’s gazette notification on removal of ban on the product.
- Replying to his grievance, FSSAI had earlier this week clarified that all Vitamin B12 derivatives, including Methycobalamin, are allowed for products falling under FSS Regulations, 2016 through amendments three months back.
- Later, the pharmaceutical industry has sought intervention of Union minister of health and family welfare Mansukh Mandaviya in notifying removal of ban on Methycobalamin, commonly known as vitamin B12.
What are types of Vitamin B12 Four common chemical forms of Vitamin B12: Methycobalamin ; Adenosylcobalamin; Cyanocobalamin; Hydroxocobalamin are the four common chemical forms of Vitamin B12. Methycobalamin and Adenosylcobalamin are both naturally occurring co-enzymes which are found in food sources.
- They work synergistically in slightly different ways to cover most of Vitamin B12 needs.
- Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic form of Vitamin B12 which the body converts into Adenosylcobalamin and Methycobalamin before it can be used.
- The most common and cost-effective form of Vitamin B12, Cyanocobalamin is most often found in supplements and some fortified foods.
Hydroxocobalamin is a highly bioavailable form of Vitamin B12 that is used to treat people with a serious deficiency. It’s only available on prescription and is usually administered by intramuscular shot or in an IV drip. On the issue of recommended dietary allowance, FSSAI had banned methycobalamin in 2016.
Why is methylcobalamin better?
Both cyanocobalamin and methylcobalamin are forms of vitamin B12. Cyanocobalamin is synthetic while methylcobalamin is natural. But the body can convert synthetic forms into natural ones. Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is an important water-soluble vitamin involved in red blood cell production, brain health, and DNA synthesis ( 1 ). Vitamin B12 supplements are typically derived from two sources: cyanocobalamin or methylcobalamin. Both are nearly identical and contain a cobalt ion surrounded by a corrin ring. However, each have a different molecule attached to the cobalt ion. While methylcobalamin contains a methyl group, cyanocobalamin contains a cyanide molecule.
Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic form of vitamin B12 that’s not found in nature ( 2 ). It’s used more frequently in supplements, as it’s considered more stable and cost effective than other forms of vitamin B12. When cyanocobalamin enters your body, it’s converted into either methylcobalamin or adenosylcobalamin, which are the two active forms of vitamin B12 in humans ( 1 ).
Unlike cyanocobalamin, methylcobalamin is a naturally occurring form of vitamin B12 that can be obtained through supplements, as well as food sources like fish, meat, eggs, and milk ( 3, 4 ). SUMMARY Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic form of vitamin B12 found only in supplements, while methylcobalamin is a naturally occurring form that you can get through either food sources or supplements.
- Another major difference between methylcobalamin and cyanocobalamin is the way they’re absorbed and retained within your body.
- Some studies suggest that your body may absorb cyanocobalamin slightly better than methylcobalamin.
- In fact, one study found that people’s bodies absorbed about 49% of a 1-mcg dose of cyanocobalamin, compared to 44% of the same dose of methylcobalamin ( 5 ).
Conversely, another study comparing the two forms reported that about three times as much cyanocobalamin was excreted through urine, indicating that methylcobalamin may be retained better within your body ( 6 ). However, some research suggests that differences in bioavailability between the two forms may be insignificant and that absorption could be influenced by factors such as age and genetics ( 7, 8 ).
- Unfortunately, recent research directly comparing these two forms of vitamin B12 is limited.
- Additional studies are needed to measure the absorption and retention of methylcobalamin versus cyanocobalamin in healthy adults.
- SUMMARY Research shows that cyanocobalamin may be absorbed better in your body, while methylcobalamin likely has a higher retention rate.
Other studies have found that the differences in absorption and retention are minimal. When you ingest cyanocobalamin, it can be converted to both of the active forms of vitamin B12, methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin. Much like methylcobalamin, adenosylcobalamin is essential to many aspects of your health.
- It’s involved in the metabolism of fats and amino acids, as well as the formation of myelin, which creates a protective sheath around your nerve cells ( 9 ).
- Deficiencies in both forms of vitamin B12 can increase your risk of neurological issues and adverse side effects ( 10 ).
- Both cyanocobalamin and methylcobalamin are reduced to a cobalamin molecule that’s converted to the active forms of this vitamin within the cells of the body ( 11 ).
Some researchers recommended treating vitamin B12 deficiencies with either cyanocobalamin or a combination of methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin due to distinct properties of these latter two forms ( 9 ). SUMMARY While they differ in some aspects, both cyanocobalamin and methylcobalamin can be converted to other forms of cobalamin within the body.
Although distinct differences exist between methylcobalamin and cyanocobalamin, both have beneficial effects on health and can prevent B12 deficiencies ( 12 ). In fact, one study found that treating seven B12-deficient people with oral methylcobalamin normalized vitamin B12 levels in their blood within just 2 months ( 13 ).
Similarly, another study showed that taking cyanocobalamin capsules for 3 months also increased vitamin B12 levels in 10 people with pernicious anemia, a condition caused by impaired B12 absorption ( 14 ). Both types of the vitamin may also provide other health benefits.
- One review of seven studies showed that both methylcobalamin and a B-complex containing cyanocobalamin were effective in reducing symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, a complication of diabetes that leads to nerve damage ( 15 ).
- Additionally, several animal studies have found that each form could have neuroprotective effects and may be beneficial in treating conditions that affect your nervous system ( 16, 17 ).
SUMMARY Both methylcobalamin and cyanocobalamin can treat vitamin B12 deficiency. Animal and human studies have found that they could reduce symptoms of diabetic neuropathy and may have neuroprotective effects as well. If you think you may have a vitamin B12 deficiency, talk to your doctor to determine the best course of treatment.
However, if you’re just looking to fill in the nutritional gaps in your diet, a vitamin B12 supplement may help. Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic form of vitamin B12 that can be converted to the natural forms methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin. The body may absorb cyanocobalamin better, while methylcobalamin has a higher retention rate.
Both can prevent B12 deficiency, but methylcobalamin should be combined with adenosylcobalamin for best results. Regardless of which form of vitamin B12 you choose, be sure to combine it with a healthy, well-balanced diet to meet your nutritional needs and optimize your health,
Is B12 or methylcobalamin better?
Methylcobalamin vs Cyanocobalamin – People often ask which is better – the naturally occurring Methylcobalamin or the synthetic Cyanocobalamin? The jury is out, to be honest : the body does indeed absorb Cyanocobalamin very well but Methylcobalamin is considered to be retained better and for longer out of the different types of vitamins.
Is it safe to take methylcobalamin daily?
Can I take methylcobalamin daily? Methylcobalamin is a naturally occurring form of vitamin B12. It is a kind of vitamin supplement. For best bioavailability and absorption of methylcobalamin, a daily dose is recommended to make it more beneficial or effective.
Should methylcobalamin be taken day or night?
Can you take vitamin b12 at night? – You can definitely opt for taking vitamin B12 supplements at night if that’s what works best for you, although the natural energy-boosting abilities of vitamin B12 might be put to better use as you’re starting the day.
Which vitamin is best for nerve pain?
The best diet for your nerves – B vitamins protect nerve cells, Vitamin B1 (thiamine) provides your nerves with energy to function, while vitamin B6 relieves nerve pain and transmits nerve impulses correctly. Vitamin B12 regenerates the nerves, protecting them from damage.
Which B12 is best for nerves?
Methylcobalamin – Methylcobalamin is the most bio-available type of Vitamin B12 which means the body absorbs it more easily. Naturally occurring, it is found in animal-based foods such as meat, fish, milk and eggs so Methylcobalamin B12 is readily available in many people’s daily diets, It is the most active form of Vitamin B12 and is used mainly in the liver, brain and nervous system.
Does vitamin B12 help nerve healing?
Vitamin B12: The Nerve Regenerator 1 – Vitamin B12 (also known as cobalamin) is crucial for nerve health due to its key role in regenerating nerve fibers and repairing nerve damage. Vitamin B12 has many health benefits, and—from a nerve health point of view—perhaps the most important of these is the part it plays in making myelin, which forms the protective sheath surrounding the nerve fibers.