Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B12
For the health condition: Autoimmune Disorders

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Synopsis

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

Vitamin B12 is supported by scientific evidence for use in certain autoimmune disorders, notably those that cause or are associated with vitamin B12 deficiency. The primary example is pernicious anemia, an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks gastric parietal cells or intrinsic factor, leading to malabsorption of vitamin B12. In this context, B12 supplementation is the accepted and essential treatment, and its use is strongly evidence-based.

Beyond pernicious anemia, vitamin B12 supplementation is sometimes considered in autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), largely due to concerns about B12 deficiency secondary to chronic inflammation, medication effects, or altered absorption. However, routine use of B12 in these conditions is not universally recommended unless a deficiency is documented. No strong evidence supports a direct disease-modifying effect of B12 on the course of these autoimmune diseases.

Several studies have examined B12 levels in patients with various autoimmune disorders, often finding a higher prevalence of deficiency. Correction of the deficiency improves hematologic and neurologic symptoms but does not typically modify the underlying autoimmune process. Therefore, B12 is scientifically validated for use in the context of autoimmune-mediated deficiency, but not as a general therapy for autoimmune disorders themselves.

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