Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B12 (cyanacobalamin)
For the health condition: Wasting

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) is justified scientifically in the management of wasting, particularly when the wasting is related to vitamin B12 deficiency. Wasting, characterized by unintentional weight loss, muscle atrophy, and weakness, can result from numerous conditions, including malnutrition, chronic diseases (e.g., HIV/AIDS), cancer, and gastrointestinal disorders that impair nutrient absorption. Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and neurological function. Deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia, neurological disturbances, and, in severe cases, muscle wasting.

Scientific evidence supports the use of vitamin B12 supplementation to reverse the symptoms of B12 deficiency, including wasting due to muscle weakness and anemia. Clinical guidelines recommend B12 supplementation in patients with confirmed deficiency, such as those with pernicious anemia, post-gastrectomy states, or malabsorption syndromes. In these settings, supplementation has been shown to improve weight, muscle mass, and overall functional status. However, in cases of wasting not related to B12 deficiency (e.g., cancer cachexia without deficiency), B12 supplementation has not demonstrated benefit.

Therefore, vitamin B12 is indicated for treating wasting only when deficiency is present and is not a general treatment for wasting from all causes. The evidence for its use in B12-deficiency-related wasting is strong (4/5), but not for other causes of wasting.

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