Many friends asked Huazi what effects methylcobalamin has on the body and whether it is safe to take for a long time. Huazi said that methylcobalamin is the active form of vitamin B12, which can promote the recovery of nerve damage and treat megaloblastic anemia.

Methylcobalamin is a water-soluble vitamin. Even if it is slightly overdosed, it will be excreted through urine, and there is little risk of accumulation, so it is very safe when taken for a long time. However, people who are not deficient do not need long-term supplementation, or can stop taking the medicine when the related symptoms are relieved. There is little point in taking it for a long time.

1. Active form of vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin containing cobalt, also known as cobalamin . The main ingredient in vitamin B12 supplements is cyanocobalamin, which needs to be converted into methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin after entering the human body to work.

In other words, methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin are two active forms of vitamin B12, and the two can undergo limited mutual conversion under specific conditions in the human body.

The main function of methylcobalamin is to promote the synthesis of DNA, nucleic acids, and phospholipids, maintain the structural integrity of the myelin sheath, and repair damaged nerve fibers .

The main function of adenosylcobalamin is to participate in key mitochondrial reactions in cells and maintain mitochondrial energy metabolism. Its deficiency can cause megaloblastic anemia .

2. Methylcobalamin for repairing nerve damage

Although vitamin B12 and adenosylcobalamin can be converted into methylcobalamin to exert their effects, the conversion consumes energy and requires specific enzymes. Methylcobalamin can directly enter the nerves to exert its effects , so when used to repair nerve damage, directly supplementing methylcobalamin is more effective than using vitamin B12 or adenosylcobalamin.

In clinical practice, methylcobalamin is mainly used to treat peripheral nerve damage caused by various reasons , such as diabetes, alcoholism, autoimmune diseases, ischemia, infection, nutritional deficiency, compression, drugs, etc., which cause paresthesia (pain, burning sensation, pinprick pain, etc.) and muscle weakness.

If the treatment is for megaloblastic anemia, adenosylcobalamin is a more appropriate choice.

3. Do I need to stop taking methylcobalamin after taking it for one month?

The instructions for use of methylcobalamin state that " if it is ineffective after taking it for more than one month, there is no need to continue taking it ." This is because the golden window period for nerve repair is usually within four weeks. If the symptoms do not improve after taking it for one month, it may indicate that the nerve damage is more serious or the cause is not related to the metabolism of cobalamin, and there is no point in continuing to take the medicine.

However, if symptoms such as pain, numbness, and paresthesia are alleviated, it means that the medication is effective and treatment can be continued.

Animal foods contain a lot of vitamin B12 . People who have a normal diet and are not vegans are unlikely to be deficient in vitamin B12. The body can convert it into methylcobalamin as needed to exert its effect, and there is no need for long-term additional supplementation.

4. What should I pay attention to when taking methylcobalamin for a long time?

Methylcobalamin is an essential vitamin for the human body and is not toxic at normal therapeutic doses . However, a very small number of people may be allergic to the excipients in the drug. If allergic symptoms such as rashes and urticaria occur while taking the drug, you need to stop taking the drug and seek medical attention.

A small number of people may experience gastrointestinal irritation after taking the medicine, manifested by symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, loss of appetite, nausea, and diarrhea, but these are usually mild and transient and do not affect continued medication.

Vegetables and fruits contain almost no vitamin B12 . Long-term vegetarians may be deficient in it, so they should pay attention to supplementing it.

People who take metformin for more than 2 years may affect the absorption of vitamin B12 and increase the risk of peripheral nerve damage, so they should pay attention to supplementation.

In summary, methylcobalamin is the active form of vitamin B12, mainly used for the repair and treatment of peripheral nerve damage. The direct use of methylcobalamin is more effective than supplementing vitamin B12. Continue to use the medication for 1 month to evaluate the effect. If it is ineffective, there is no need to take it again. Eating meat in moderation can supplement vitamin B12.

Drugs must be used under the guidance of a doctor. If you have any questions about medication, please consult a doctor or pharmacist. I am pharmacist Huazi, welcome to follow me and share more health knowledge.