The Vitamin B12 family consists of 4 different forms: cyanocobalamin, hydroxycobalamin, adenosylcobalamin, and methylcobalamin. Because it penetrates the central nervous system and CSF better than other cobalamins (such as cyanocobalamin or hydroxycobalamin), methylcobalamin  is considered to be the most appropriate for treatment of  diseases involving the  nervous system, such as diabetic  neuropathy, Bell's palsy, Lyme Disease, and autism.

      In a study published in PubMed, 108 patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus were involved in a randomized positive-control clinical trial.  After 12 weeks, spontaneous pain and numbness of the limbs were improved by 73% and 75% , as well as showing improvement in hypoesthesia, hotness, coldness, oral dryness and dysuria. Methylcobalamin was also found to benefit nerve reflection and conduction velocity, with no obvious side effects.*

     Another study included 60 patients with Bell's palsy who were assigned to 3 groups- steroid (#1) , methylcobalamin (#2) and methylcobalamin + steroid (#3). The time required for complete recovery of facial nerve function was significantly shorter in the methylcobalamin groups (#2 and #3) than in the steroid group(#1).**

     Patients with Alzheimer's-type Dementia typically have decreased levels of methylcobalamin in the CSF.  Methylcobalamin enhances methionine synthesis reactions and may promote the repair of damaged nerve cells.***

      A study on ultra-high-dose methylcobalamin  found that it  slowed down the progressive reduction of CMAP (compound muscle action potential) amplitudes in ALS in the short term, and in the long term , the survival  time (or the period to    become respirator-bound) was significantly longer in the treated group than in the untreated group.****

      Pharmacy Innovations is experienced in preparing  methylcobalamin. Call us today for information on treating your neuropathy patients with methylcobalamin.

*PMID: 11798619 [PubMed-indexed for MEDLINE]

** PMID: 8749227 [[PubMed-indexed for MEDLINE]

***Absorption and Transportation of Methylcobalamin, In: Kuroiwa G. ed. Nerve System and methyl B-12.        Tokyo: Kyowa Kikaku Tsushin .1981:23-29

****Brain Nerve. 2007 Oct;59(10):1141-7