Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B12
For the health condition: Fibromyalgia Syndrome

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 1

Vitamin B12 has been explored as a potential supportive therapy for Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS), largely due to its role in nerve function and energy metabolism. However, the scientific evidence supporting its use is limited and of low quality. Some small studies and case reports have suggested that patients with FMS may have lower levels of vitamin B12, or that supplementation may help with symptoms such as fatigue and neuropathic pain. For example, a 2013 pilot study found that intramuscular B12 injections improved pain and well-being in a handful of FMS patients, but the study was small and uncontrolled. Other research has found no significant difference in B12 levels between FMS patients and healthy controls.

There is no large, well-powered randomized controlled trial demonstrating a clear benefit of B12 supplementation for FMS. Most guidelines do not recommend routine use of B12 for fibromyalgia unless a deficiency is confirmed. The rationale for using B12 in FMS is primarily biological plausibility and a desire to address possible subclinical deficiencies, rather than robust clinical evidence. Therefore, the use of vitamin B12 for FMS is not strongly supported by scientific evidence, and its use is best reserved for those with confirmed deficiency or as part of individualized care under medical supervision.

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