Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B12
For the health condition: Bell's Palsy

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is used in the management of Bell's Palsy based on emerging scientific evidence that supports its role in nerve regeneration and repair. Several studies, including randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses, have investigated the adjunctive use of vitamin B12, particularly in the form of methylcobalamin, in patients with Bell's Palsy. Results suggest that vitamin B12 may accelerate the recovery of facial nerve function and improve outcomes when used alongside standard treatments such as corticosteroids.

The mechanism is believed to involve vitamin B12’s role in myelin synthesis and neuronal repair, which are critical for the recovery of the facial nerve affected in Bell's Palsy. For instance, a 2013 clinical trial found that patients receiving methylcobalamin in addition to steroids had significantly better and faster recovery than those receiving steroids alone. Other studies have echoed these findings, though some have limitations in size and methodology.

Despite promising results, the overall evidence quality is moderate, and not all clinical guidelines recommend B12 supplementation due to variability in study results and the need for further large-scale, high-quality trials. Nevertheless, vitamin B12 is considered safe and may benefit those with deficiency or as an adjunct in severe cases. Therefore, the use of vitamin B12 in Bell's Palsy has a scientific basis, though it is not yet a universal standard of care.

More about vitamin B12
More about Bell's Palsy