Methylcobalamin (Vitamin B12 Methylcobalamin) – Side Effects, Interactions, Uses, Dosage, Warnings

Reviewed: October 8, 2020

Methylcobalamin is used to treat vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 is important for the brain and nerves, and for the production of red blood cells.

Methylcobalamin is sometimes used in people with pernicious anemia, diabetes, and other conditions.

Methylcobalamin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

warnings

What is the most important information I should know about Methylcobalamin (Vitamin B12 Methylcobalamin)?

You should not use methylcobalamin if you are allergic to vitamin B12 or cobalt.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• Leber’s disease or other form of optic nerve damage;
• an iron or folic acid deficiency; or
• low levels of potassium in your blood.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

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Side Effects

What are the side effects of Methylcobalamin (Vitamin B12 Methylcobalamin)?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Common side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
• loss of appetite; or
• headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Can I take Methylcobalamin (Vitamin B12 Methylcobalamin) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Interactions

What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Methylcobalamin (Vitamin B12 Methylcobalamin)?

Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol. Heavy drinking can make it harder for your body to absorb methylcobalamin.

Dosage Guidelines & Tips

How to take Methylcobalamin (Vitamin B12 Methylcobalamin)?

Use Methylcobalamin (Vitamin B12 Methylcobalamin) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

What should I do if I missed a dose of Methylcobalamin (Vitamin B12 Methylcobalamin)?

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

Overdose Signs

What happens if I overdose on Methylcobalamin (Vitamin B12 Methylcobalamin)?

If you think you or someone else may have overdosed on: Methylcobalamin (Vitamin B12 Methylcobalamin),  call your doctor or the Poison Control center

(800) 222-1222

If someone collapses or isn’t breathing after taking Methylcobalamin (Vitamin B12 Methylcobalamin), call 911

911

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Drugs A-Z provides drug information from Everyday Health and our partners, as well as ratings from our members, all in one place. Cerner Multum™ provides the data within some of the Overview, Uses, Warnings, Side Effects, Pregnancy, Interactions, Dosage, Overdose, and Images sections. The information within all other sections is proprietary to Everyday Health. 

Methylcobalamin vitamin B12 Uses, Side Effects & Warnings

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Generic name: methylcobalamin (vitamin B12) oral/injection [ METH-il-koe-BAL-a-min ]
Brand names: Methyl B-12, Vitamin B12 Methylcobalamin
Dosage forms: injectable solution (1 mg/mL; 10 mg/mL; 5 mg/mL), oral capsule (2000 mcg), oral lozenge (1 mg; 500 mcg), oral tablet, disintegrating (1 mg), sublingual tablet (5000 mcg)
Drug class: Vitamins

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Sep 28, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is methylcobalamin?

Methylcobalamin is used to treat vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 is important for the brain and nerves, and for the production of red blood cells.

Methylcobalamin is sometimes used in people with pernicious anemia, diabetes, and other conditions.

Methylcobalamin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use methylcobalamin if you are allergic to vitamin B12 or cobalt.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• Leber’s disease or other form of optic nerve damage;

• an iron or folic acid deficiency; or

• low levels of potassium in your blood.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not give methylcobalamin to a child without medical advice.

How should I use methylcobalamin?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Methylcobalamin oral is taken by mouth.

Methylcobalamin injection is injected into a muscle, usually 1 to 3 times per week. A healthcare provider can teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don’t understand all instructions.

Do not swallow a lozenge, disintegrating tablet, or sublingual tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without chewing. The sublingual tablet should be placed under your tongue.

Your dose needs may change if you become pregnant, if you breastfeed, or if you eat a vegetarian diet. Tell your doctor about any changes in your diet or medical condition.

For more information you may also consult the Office of Dietary Supplements of the National Institutes of Health, or the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Dietary Reference Intakes (formerly “Recommended Daily Allowances”) listings for more information.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking methylcobalamin?

Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol. Heavy drinking can make it harder for your body to absorb methylcobalamin.

Methylcobalamin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Common side effects of methylcobalamin may include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;

• loss of appetite; or

• headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect methylcobalamin?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• chloramphenicol;

• colchicine

• antibiotic medicine;

• oral diabetes medicine that contains metformin; or

• medicines that reduce stomach acid, such as cimetidine, omeprazole, lansoprazole, Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, Zantac, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect methylcobalamin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

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Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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The use of neurotropic vitamins in the treatment of patients with various lesions of the peripheral nervous system | Chugunov A.V., Kazakov K.A., Kazakov A.Yu.

Introduction

One of the important and well-established areas of treatment for patients with lesions of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) is the use of B vitamins – B ₁ (thiamine), B ₆ (pyridoxine) and B ₁₂ (cyanocobalamin). These compounds are involved in a wide range of biochemical processes in the body, in particular in the nervous system, their presence in adequate concentrations is necessary for the normal functioning of neurons and glial cells, as a result of which they are classified as neurotropic vitamins.

Thiamine is a necessary component of the energy metabolism of tricarboxylic acids, its presence ensures the synthesis of a sufficient amount of ATP in neurons and glial cells [1]. Due to the fact that thiamine provides phosphorylation of rapsin (a protein associated with the acetylcholine receptor), it has the ability to increase synaptic ion current [2]. Thiamine deficiency leads to widespread symmetrical axonal damage to autonomic and sensitive thin (weakly myelinated) fibers [3]. This condition can be observed with alcohol abuse, impaired intake of the vitamin in the body with food due to an inadequate diet, difficulty in the absorption of thiamine in the intestine, etc. [3, 4].

Pyridoxine is present in the body both in pure form and in the form of pyridoxal, pyridoxamine and their phosphates, which are the active forms of the vitamin. Pyridoxine is a cofactor in numerous enzyme systems, in particular, it takes part in heme synthesis, amino acid utilization, and other biochemical reactions. The role of vitamin B ₆ in the development of hyperhomocysteinemia has been studied in detail; there is convincing evidence of its effectiveness in preventing cerebrovascular complications of this condition [4].

A significant decrease in the concentration of pyridoxine (its various forms) and other neurotropic vitamins in blood plasma occurs in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). For this reason, as well as due to endothelial dysfunction, accumulation of advanced glycation end products, activation of inflammation processes and other damaging factors, such patients have an increased risk of PNS damage [5].

The question of the use of pyridoxine in combination with thiamine for the correction of metabolic disorders in patients with DM is relevant [6]. It has been shown that the administration of neurotropic vitamins in patients slows down the accumulation of advanced glycation end products in the blood plasma, while the maximum positive protective effect occurs in patients with early, least severe forms of target organ damage. The role of pyridoxine deficiency in the pathogenesis of a large number of toxic (including medicinal) polyneuropathies and PNS lesions of other etiologies has been convincingly demonstrated [7, 8].

Cyanocobalamin is of exceptional importance for the normal functioning of neurons. Vitamin B ₁₂ naturally exists in various forms (cyanocobalamin, methylcobalamin, adenosinecobalamin, hydroxycobalamin). At the same time, in order to fulfill its important role in biochemical processes, it is transformed into its active form, methyl- or adenosinecobalamin [9]. It is methylcobalamin that has the maximum ability, compared with other forms of vitamin B ₁₂ , penetrate through the membranes into the organelles of neurons and actively engage in biochemical reactions. Acting as a coenzyme, vitamin B ₁₂ is involved in the synthesis of methionine from homocysteine, activating the processes of protein and DNA methylation that are important for the body [10].

The effect of vitamin B ₁₂ used both in monotherapy and in combination with other neurotropic vitamins on damaged PNS neurons was studied. Thus, in an animal experiment, the ability of cyanocobalamin to accelerate the restoration of the myelin sheath of neurons was established, thereby improving the conduction along nerve fibers [11, 12]. Longer treatment was associated with more complete myelination of nerve fibers and more complete recovery of impaired functions, in particular, normalization of nerve impulse conduction velocity [13–15].

Experimental studies in recent years have made it possible to expand the understanding of the mechanisms of the restorative effect of vitamin B ₁₂ and to establish that the ability of vitamin B ₁₂ to stimulate reparative processes in the PNS is due to the activation of the synthesis of trophic factors in the nervous tissue that occurs under its influence [16].

The use of neurotropic vitamins in the treatment of patients with pain syndromes

For several decades, neurotropic vitamins have been used as part of the complex treatment of patients with pain syndromes caused, in particular, by degenerative diseases of the spine.

A modern complex preparation is Larigama ^® , 1 ml of which contains 50 mg of thiamine hydrochloride, 50 mg of pyridoxine hydrochloride and 500 μg of cyanocobalamin. In addition, the composition of the drug includes 10 mg of lidocaine, which reduces pain and does not significantly affect the risk of unwanted side effects. The ampoule with the drug contains 2 ml of solution for intramuscular injection. In accordance with the specific clinical situation, Larigama ^® is administered intramuscularly at 2 ml for 5-10 days, in the future, it is possible to switch to oral intake of neurotropic vitamins or less frequent administration of the drug (2-3 r / week for 2-3 weeks .), the course of treatment can be continued if necessary. As an example, we present our own clinical observation.

Clinical observation

Patient V., 54 years old, was under observation for 2 months. about spondylogenic dorsopathy, L5–S1 radicular syndrome on the left, caused by a lateral herniated intervertebral disc up to 5.5 mm in size of the corresponding localization. Ill for about 4 years, exacerbations – 2 times a year, the size of the hernia does not change, refuses surgical treatment. During the last exacerbation for 1.5 months. received two courses of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), while the pain syndrome decreased slightly (from 7 to 5 points at rest and from 8 to 6 points when moving on a visual analogue scale, VAS). The patient is recommended: reflexology, local application of a gel with NSAIDs, taking diclofenac and Larigama ^® intramuscularly 2 ml for 10 days daily, if necessary – taking analgesics. After 2 days, there was a decrease in the intensity of the pain syndrome (from 5 to 4 points at rest and from 7 to 5 points when moving according to VAS), and after another 2 days the patient noted a significant decrease in pain intensity (up to 3 points at rest and up to 3 points when driving on VAS). It is recommended to continue treatment and start therapeutic exercises.

As a result of a series of randomized clinical trials, a significant increase in the analgesic effect of NSAIDs was demonstrated, which were administered simultaneously with neurotropic vitamins [17–20]. Thanks to this combination, the duration of treatment was reduced, and the dependence of the therapeutic effect on the type of NSAID used was not established.

Numerous reports of randomized trials have made it possible to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the results obtained and to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combination therapy in patients with dorsopathy who received diclofenac (75-150 mg / day) and complex preparations of B vitamins containing thiamine, pyridoxine and cyanocobalamin in standard dosages [21]. The review considers the results of five randomized clinical trials involving 1207 patients, half of whom received NSAIDs and neurotropic vitamins (main group), while patients from the comparison group received monotherapy only with NSAIDs in comparable dosages. In the main group, there was a significant reduction in the timing of pain relief by half (odds ratio 2.23; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.59–3.13; p<0.00001). The number of patients who needed to be treated to achieve a positive effect in the main group was 9 (95% CI 6-16; p=0.003). In addition to high clinical efficacy, the combined treatment was characterized by good tolerability and a low incidence of side effects. Thus, the number of cases of development of adverse events did not differ significantly in both groups (hazard ratio 0.90; 95% CI 0.37–2.17; p=0.81). It should be noted that a significant part of the patients of the main group stopped treatment ahead of schedule, thereby reducing the risk of developing complications of the therapy. The results of this meta-analysis suggest that the combined treatment of patients with dorsalgia is effective and safe.

According to studies conducted in the Russian Federation and abroad, the simultaneous use of NSAIDs and neurotropic vitamins can not only reduce the time of treatment for dorsalgia, but also reduce the drug load on the body, thereby reducing the risk of complications. In addition, it turned out that combined treatment in some cases improves the prognosis of the disease, increasing the duration of remission [22]. It is also reasonable to use neurotropic vitamins in the complex treatment of patients with vertebrogenic neurological complications in the event that the patient has a neurological deficit due to compression of the spinal roots.

The use of B vitamins in patients with polyneuropathies

To date, considerable experience has been gained in the use of neurotropic vitamins in patients with polyneuropathies that have developed against the background of diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption, and alimentary beriberi. It is especially important to prescribe B vitamins to patients with diabetes who receive metformin. Literature data indicate that such patients have a reduced content of vitamins in the body, which increases the risk of developing polyneuropathy [23]. Correction of neurotropic vitamin deficiency can slow down the progression of the pathological process, and in some patients achieve its regression [24].

The results of clinical studies have been published that have demonstrated the effectiveness of the use of B vitamins for the treatment of patients with polyneuropathy on the background of chemical alcohol intoxication. In particular, it has been shown that a positive effect is observed not only when thiamine deficiency is compensated for in alcohol abusers, but also when a complex of neurotropic vitamins is used [25]. This is due to the heterogeneity of the pathogenetic mechanisms of the development of alcoholic polyneuropathy, in the development of which an important role is played by metabolic disorders not only of thiamine, but also of cyanocobalamin and pyridoxine.

There is evidence of the effectiveness of the use of neurotropic vitamins in patients with a complex genesis of polyneuropathy. So, in the study of E.A. Kovrazhkina et al. [26] demonstrated that complex therapy of patients with polyneuropathy that developed against the background of a combination of DM and systematic alcohol intake led to the restoration of the speed of impulse conduction along the peripheral nerves (which reflected the processes of remyelination), as well as a clinically significant regression of motor and sensory disorders.

Of undoubted interest is the possibility of using neurotropic vitamins for the treatment of patients with polyneuropathy (polyneuromyopathy) of critical conditions. This condition develops in patients who are in the intensive care unit for a long time, with a deficiency of vitamins in the body in cases of reduced intake from food, impaired synthesis by the intestinal microbiome, increased utilization in acute somatic disease, etc. [27]. The results of clinical studies have made it possible to establish that the elimination of vitamin deficiency in this situation has a positive effect on the state of sensory and motor nerve fibers, leading to a significant restoration of their impaired functions [28].

Traumatic and compressive mononeuropathies

A frequent consequence of skeletal injury is damage to the peripheral nerves, caused both by the direct impact on the nerve structures of the traumatic force, and by compression of the peripheral nerves by bone fragments and local edema. Tissue changes in the late period after injury can lead to the development of tunnel syndromes in patients with anatomical prerequisites for compression of the nerve trunks, as well as risk factors for PNS damage (metabolic disorders in diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption, insufficient intake of certain vitamins, in particular pyridoxine and thiamine, etc.) [29].

Tunnel syndromes are often the result of an acute injury to the hand or shoulder joint. The development of tunnel neuropathies is observed during certain types of physical activity, in particular in persons whose work is associated with rhythmic, repetitive movements, uncomfortable, non-physiological body position (for example, working with a computer mouse on an unsuitable work surface). The combination of a number of adverse factors increases the risk of developing compression of the nerve trunk. The results of experimental studies conducted on various animal models with the study of traumatic lesions of peripheral nerves have demonstrated that the use of B vitamins has a significant positive effect. The administration of cyanocobalamin to animals after transection of the sciatic nerve contributed to its faster structural and functional recovery, and a more pronounced effect occurred with the simultaneous administration of other vitamins [30, 31].

Interestingly, under the conditions of the experiment with compression of the sciatic nerve of a rat, a decrease in the concentration of cyanocobalamin was observed in the nerve tissue during the first 24 hours from the moment of injury [32]. Administration of the drug to animals with nerve injury resulted in the normalization of the content of vitamin B ₁₂ in tissues and a decrease in the severity of neurological deficit. This observation serves as a pathophysiological explanation for the expediency of using B vitamins in the treatment of traumatic lesions of peripheral nerves.

In the absence of indications for surgical intervention for the treatment of patients with traumatic neuropathies, therapy is currently recommended, including orthotics, local administration of glucocorticosteroids, and physiotherapeutic measures (phonophoresis of drugs, dosed physical activity) [33]. The issues of combined non-drug (reflexotherapy, laser therapy) and drug (including with the use of B vitamins) treatment are widely discussed in the literature [34, 35].

There are results of numerous studies confirming the effectiveness of the use of complex preparations of B vitamins in the treatment of patients with mononeuropathy, including tunnel neuropathy. It has been noted that the use of pyridoxine at a dose of 200 mg/day is associated with a fairly rapid and complete regression of pain syndrome and neurological deficit in a patient with carpal tunnel syndrome that developed against the background of excessive physical exertion [36]. In a meta-analysis of 14 studies evaluating the effectiveness of pyridoxine in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, it was noted that eight studies showed the effectiveness of the inclusion of vitamins in complex treatment, while in the remaining six studies there was no positive result or was not significant [37]. The authors also note the relatively low methodological level of the analyzed works, which limits the credibility of the results and indicates the need for further research. In general, studies on the effectiveness of pyridoxine in carpal tunnel syndrome indicate that a significant number of patients experience regression of pain syndrome, which does not always correspond to positive changes in electroneurography data. The same studies also indicate a dose-dependent nature of the effect [38].

The effectiveness of B vitamins in the complex treatment of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome was convincingly demonstrated in an open multicenter study in which 48 patients received a combination of cyanocobalamin and other metabolic agents, as well as painkillers – NSAIDs [39]. The authors noted that after 2 months treatment, the intensity of pain syndrome significantly decreased (from 17.3±5.9 points to 10.3±6.1 points according to VAS, p<0.001). At the same time, it was noted that the use of the vitamin complex made it possible to refuse to take NSAIDs in 77.4% of cases.

Also, a positive effect of combination therapy, including the use of cyanocobalamin, occurred in patients with peripheral nerve damage due to acute trauma or compression in degenerative lesions of the spine [40]. The authors noted that the positive effect concerned both relief or a significant decrease in the severity of pain syndrome (nociceptive and neuropathic), and an increase in the degree of functional independence of patients.

According to a recently published review of publications on the results of treatment of patients with traumatic lesions of peripheral nerves, the maximum effect of the use of B vitamins was expressed in the relief of neuropathic pain syndrome [41]. To a relatively lesser extent, other clinical manifestations of the disease, in particular motor disorders, respond to ongoing therapy. According to the authors, for the treatment of patients with peripheral nerve injury, it is advisable to use combination therapy with the appointment of drugs with different points of application.

In general, as shown by the results of a meta-analysis of 15 randomized clinical trials (1707 patients with peripheral neuropathies of various etiologies, including postherpetic), both monotherapy with methylcobalamin and the use of combined treatment with B vitamins are more effective than placebo in regression of pain neurological deficit, with In this case, the appointment of a complex of neurotropic vitamins is more effective than the appointment of methylcobalamin alone in terms of functional recovery and restoration of conduction in peripheral nerves [42].

Conclusion

Thus, the data of experimental and clinical studies currently available indicate the role of metabolic disorders of B vitamins in the development of PNS diseases and give reason to believe that the introduction of neurotropic vitamins into the body of such patients can have a positive effect on the morphological and functional state of peripheral nerves. At the same time, other therapeutic options should be used. Thus, the use of B vitamins along with NSAIDs and muscle relaxants allows for faster and more complete relief of pain in patients with musculoskeletal syndromes (cervicalgia, dorsalgia). Combined treatment reduces the duration of treatment, reduces the doses of drugs used, and thereby reduces the drug load on the patient’s body.

Gratitude

The editors would like to thank Grotex LLC for their assistance in the technical editing of this publication.

Acknowledgment

Editorial Board is grateful to LLC Grotex for the assistance in technical edition of this publication.

Credits:

Chugunov Alexander Vilmirovich — Candidate of Medical Sciences, Professor of the Department of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education Russian National Research Medical University. N.I. Pirogov of the Ministry of Health of Russia; 117997, Russia, Moscow, st. Ostrovityanova, d. 1; ORCID iD 0000-0003-4506-8095.

Kazakov Kirill Alekseevich – Assistant of the Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education of the Russian National Research Medical University. N.I. Pirogov of the Ministry of Health of Russia; 117997, Russia, Moscow, st. Ostrovityanova, d. 1; ORCID iD 0000-0002-1280-0422.

Aleksey Yurievich Kazakov — Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor of the Department of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education Russian National Research Medical University. N.I. Pirogov of the Ministry of Health of Russia; 117997, Russia, Moscow, st. Ostrovityanova, d. 1; ORCID iD 0000-0003-2367-545X.

Contact information: Kazakov Kirill Alekseevich, e-mail: [email protected]. Transparency of financial activities: none of the authors has a financial interest in the presented materials or methods. There is no conflict of interest. Article received on September 24, 2020, received after review on October 8, 2020, accepted for publication on October 22, 2020.

About the authors:

Alexander V. Chugunov – Cand. of Sci. (Med.), Professor of the Department of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Medical Genetics, Faculty of General Medicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University: 1, Ostrovityanova str., Moscow, 117997, Russian Federation; ORCID iD 0000-0003-4506-8095.

Kirill A. Kazakov – Assistant of the Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Faculty of General Medicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University: 1, Ostrovityanova str. Moscow, 117997, Russian Federation; ORCID iD 0000-0002-1280-0422.

Alexey Yu. Kazakov-Dr. of Sci. (Med.), Professor of the Department of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Medical Genetics, Faculty of General Medicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University: 1, Ostrovityanova str., Moscow, 117997, Russian Federation; ORCID iD 0000-0003-2367-545X.

Contact information: Kirill A. Kazakov, e-mail: [email protected]. Financial Disclosure: no authors have a financial or property interest in any material or method mentioned. There is no conflict of interest. Received 24.09.2020, revised 10/08/2020, accepted 10/22/2020.

Vitamin B12 – properties and characteristics!

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April 4, 2019

There are several forms of the vitamin, including hydroxocobalamin, methylcobalamin, cobamamide, and cyanocobalamin.

The main amount of vitamin B12 enters the human body in the form of cyanocobalamin, which is of vital importance for the central nervous system and cardiovascular system. It dissolves in water and practically does not break down during prolonged heat treatment and in contact with alkalis and acids.

The role of cyanocobalamin in the human body

This substance performs many important functions and is essential for human health, and its deficiency can often cause various diseases.

Vitamin B12 is necessary for the formation of red blood cells and DNA synthesis, and it is also directly involved in the formation of nerve fibers.

Regular intake of this vitamin compound contributes to:

• Fabric renewal;
• Improvement of appetite;
• Increase in energy reserves in cells and tissues;
• Maintaining the normal functioning of the brain;
• Elimination of anxiety, irritability and stress;
• Increasing the concentration of attention;
• Normalization of blood pressure;
• Proper metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates;
• Strengthening bones;
• Normal activity of the immune system;
• Improving memory;
• Establishing the functions of the reproductive system of women and men.

In addition to the above, vitamin b12 promotes the production of melatonin, or the sleep hormone, which is an excellent assistant in the fight against insomnia and disturbed sleep and wakefulness. It can also prevent short-term memory loss and is often used to prevent or treat Alzheimer’s disease.

What is the danger of vitamin B12 deficiency, deficiency symptoms

Signs of a lack of a substance at first are quite difficult to recognize. It may take more than 5 years for major symptoms to appear. With a deficiency of cyanocobalamin, neurological disorders often develop, and the risk of developing various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract increases.

The fact that the substance enters the body in insufficient quantities is indicated by symptoms such as:

• Insomnia or vice versa constant drowsiness;
• Increased nervousness;
• Fast fatiguability;
• Loss of appetite;
• Violation of the menstrual cycle;
• Peeling and pallor of the skin;
• Noise in ears;
• Dizziness and headaches;
• Problems with memory;
• Numbness and tingling in hands and feet;
• Shortness of breath with little physical exertion;
• Cardiopalmus.

One of the most dangerous diseases that can result from a deficiency of this substance are multiple sclerosis and paralysis. Children who lack cyanocobalamin often lag behind in their studies, as their brain activity decreases.

People at risk of developing a deficiency are usually people who have bad habits (smoking, alcohol), those who suffer from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, and vegetarians. In the latter, this problem occurs most often, since the only way to get cyanocobalamin in full is to eat food of animal origin. Today, most adherents of a strict vegetarian diet struggle with this problem by taking vitamin B12 tablets. Many doctors, in turn, also strongly recommend that vegans and people who do not get a daily portion of the substance from ordinary food take such nutritional supplements regularly.

The daily value of B12 for different age groups, as a rule, differs. In children from 1 to 13 years old, the daily requirement will be 0. 9-1.8 micrograms, while in adults it is usually 2.4 micrograms.

Benefit B12 for hair and scalp

Many of the fair sex use this vitamin compound to restore the structure and density of hair.

Scientists managed to prove that such a “miracle substance” as B12 can significantly accelerate hair growth and wake up dormant hair follicles.

However, the benefits of vitamin B12 for hair are not limited to these properties, since it also performs other important functions, namely:

• Prevents hair loss;
• Strengthens hair follicles;
• Improves blood circulation in the cells of the scalp;
• Helps to get rid of dandruff;
• Reduces brittleness and section;
• Tortures the roots;
• Gives hair softness, shine and vitality.

From all this we can conclude that those who want to grow thick, healthy strands first of all need to enrich their diet with this vitamin compound.

Top Cyanocobalamin Supplements

When choosing a vitamin supplement, first of all, you should pay attention to the manufacturer and the composition of the product. Today, vitamin B12 can be found in any store specializing in the sale of dietary supplements.

Some of the best vitamin b12 supplements with overwhelmingly positive reviews are:

• Methyl B-12 1000 Now Foods is a supplement from a world-renowned American company that is a leader in the natural products industry. Available in the form of lozenges, each of which contains 1000 micrograms of methylcobalamin.

Suitable for vegans and vegetarians as it contains no ingredients of animal origin. It is made from first-class raw materials and is completely safe.

• Vitamin B12 Solgar is a dietary supplement from an American premium company that contains a serving of cobalamin for health.