Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin)
For the health condition: Multiple Sclerosis
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin) is used in the context of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) largely due to its critical role in neurological function and myelin synthesis. There is some scientific rationale for its use: Vitamin B12 deficiency can result in neurological symptoms similar to those seen in MS, including demyelination and neuropathy. Several case reports and small observational studies have documented patients with MS who also have low or borderline B12 levels, leading to recommendations that MS patients should be screened for deficiency and supplemented if necessary.
However, clinical trials specifically testing Vitamin B12 supplementation in patients with adequate B12 levels have not demonstrated clear benefit in slowing MS progression or improving symptoms. A few small studies and anecdotal reports suggest possible symptomatic improvement, but these findings have not been consistently replicated in larger, controlled trials. As a result, major neurology guidelines do not currently recommend B12 supplementation for MS patients unless deficiency is present.
In summary, the use of Vitamin B12 in MS is scientifically justified only for correcting deficiency; there is not strong evidence that supplementation benefits MS patients who have normal B12 levels. The evidence for benefit in this context is limited (rated 2/5), mainly based on mechanistic plausibility and case reports rather than robust clinical trials.
More about Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin)
More about Multiple Sclerosis
Other ingredients used for Multiple Sclerosis
acetyl l-carnitinealgal oil
biotin
cat's claw
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
turmeric
lion's mane
luteolin
melatonin
nicotinamide riboside
phytocannabinoids
quercetin
resveratrol
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
spirulina
ubiquinol
vitamin B12
vitamin D
vitamin D3
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
Baicalein
Basidiomycota
Bee venom
Cannabidiol
Docosahexaenoic Acid
Dihydrolipoic Acid
Other health conditions supported by Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin)
AnemiaBirth Defects (prevention)
Dementia
Depression
Diabetes
Fatigue
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hearing Loss
Memory and Brain Function
Multiple Sclerosis
Nerve Damage
Neuralgia and Neuritis
Peripheral Neuropathy
Pernicious Anemia
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Wasting