Synopsis

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

Methylcobalamin, a bioactive form of vitamin B12, is used to support and treat peripheral neuropathy, particularly in contexts where neuropathy is associated with B12 deficiency. There is scientific evidence supporting its role in nerve repair and regeneration. Several randomized controlled trials and observational studies, particularly from Japan and other East Asian countries, have reported that methylcobalamin supplementation can improve symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, including numbness, paresthesia, and nerve conduction velocity. For example, a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in the journal Diabetes Care (2005) showed that patients with diabetic neuropathy experienced some improvement in symptoms with methylcobalamin supplementation compared to placebo. Meta-analyses indicate that while methylcobalamin may be effective in mild-to-moderate cases, especially in B12 deficiency states, the benefit in severe or non-deficiency-related neuropathy is less clear.

The mechanism is thought to involve enhanced myelin sheath synthesis and nerve regeneration. Guidelines from several neurological and diabetes associations recommend B12 supplementation (including methylcobalamin) for neuropathy in the context of deficiency. However, the evidence for use in non-deficiency neuropathy remains moderate, with some studies showing benefit and others showing minimal or no effect. Thus, while there is scientific validation for its use, especially in deficiency states, the overall evidence is moderate rather than strong.

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