Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)
For the health condition: Peripheral Neuropathy
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4
Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) is scientifically validated for use in the management and treatment of peripheral neuropathy, especially when the neuropathy is caused by B12 deficiency. Peripheral neuropathy involves damage to the peripheral nerves, leading to symptoms such as tingling, numbness, and weakness, most commonly in the hands and feet. B12 is essential for normal nerve function and myelin sheath synthesis. Deficiency of this vitamin can cause demyelination and axonal degeneration, which are classic features of neuropathy.
Multiple clinical studies and case reports have established that B12 supplementation—by oral or intramuscular routes—can reverse or halt progression of neuropathy in patients with documented B12 deficiency. For example, a 2017 review in Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports confirms that B12 supplementation is an accepted standard of care in deficiency-mediated neuropathy, improving both neurological and hematological symptoms. However, for neuropathies not related to B12 deficiency, the benefit of B12 supplementation is less clear; most evidence supports its use specifically in deficiency states.
Thus, B12 is not a universal treatment for all forms of peripheral neuropathy, but its use is strongly evidence-based in those with laboratory-confirmed deficiency, such as those with pernicious anemia, malabsorption syndromes, or certain dietary patterns (e.g., strict veganism). The evidence rating is high (4/5), reflecting robust support for this specific indication.
More about Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)
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Other ingredients used for Peripheral Neuropathy
Acetyl L-carnitineashwagandha
capsaicinoids
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
curcumin
d-alpha tocopherol
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
ginkgo biloba
gotu kola
l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt (5-MTHF)
L-arginine
l-carnitine
L-glutathione
lion's mane
N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
nicotinamide riboside
omega-3 fatty acids
phospholipids
pine bark
quercetin
resveratrol
Thiamin (vitamin B1)
tocotrienols
vitamin B
vitamin D
vitamin E
β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
Agmatine
alpha-lipoic acid
anthocyanosides
Arginine silicate
benfotiamine
dihydrolipoic acid
eicosapentaenoic acid
flavanols
ginkgo flavone glycoside
hericium mushroom
Methylcobalamin
Propionyl-L-Carnitine
polyunsaturated fat
Pycnogenol
Tanshinone
Triacetyluridine
Other health conditions supported by Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)
AnemiaDepression
Fatigue
Memory and Brain Function
Peripheral Neuropathy
Pernicious Anemia
Wasting