Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B12
For the health condition: Neuralgia and Neuritis

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Synopsis

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

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is scientifically used to support and treat neuralgia and neuritis, particularly when these conditions are associated with B12 deficiency. B12 is essential for maintaining healthy nerve cells and for the synthesis of myelin, the insulating sheath around nerves. Deficiency can lead to neurological symptoms such as numbness, tingling (paresthesia), and even more severe neuropathies. Numerous clinical studies and case reports have demonstrated that B12 supplementation can improve symptoms of neuropathy, especially in patients with documented deficiency due to malabsorption, pernicious anemia, or dietary insufficiency (such as strict vegans).

For neuralgia and neuritis not caused by B12 deficiency, the evidence is less robust. Some studies, including randomized controlled trials, suggest that high-dose B12 (sometimes as mecobalamin, a bioactive form) may have symptomatic benefits in conditions like diabetic neuropathy and postherpetic neuralgia, possibly due to neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects. However, the effect size is generally modest and not universally observed. Guidelines typically recommend B12 supplementation primarily in confirmed deficiency, but it may be considered adjunctively in certain neuropathic pain conditions.

In summary, scientific evidence justifies B12’s use in neuropathies arising from deficiency (strong evidence), while evidence for other types of neuralgia/neuritis is moderate and sometimes inconclusive. Thus, B12 is scientifically validated in specific scenarios, with an evidence level of 3 out of 5 for general use in neuralgia and neuritis.

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