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

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) is scientifically validated for use in treating wasting (muscle wasting or cachexia) when the underlying cause is a deficiency of vitamin B12. Wasting can occur due to a variety of reasons, including chronic illnesses, malnutrition, or specific nutrient deficiencies. Vitamin B12 deficiency, which may result from inadequate dietary intake (especially in strict vegetarians/vegans), malabsorption syndromes, or certain gastrointestinal disorders, can lead to megaloblastic anemia and neurological symptoms, sometimes accompanied by weakness, weight loss, and wasting. Supplementation with vitamin B12 in deficient individuals reverses these symptoms and halts or improves wasting.

However, for wasting syndromes not caused by vitamin B12 deficiency—such as those associated with advanced cancer, HIV/AIDS, or other chronic diseases—there is no compelling evidence that vitamin B12 supplementation alone is effective in reversing or preventing muscle wasting. Clinical guidelines recommend B12 supplementation specifically for documented deficiency. Randomized controlled trials have not shown benefit of B12 supplementation for wasting in individuals with normal B12 status.

In summary, vitamin B12 is scientifically indicated for treatment of wasting when there is an underlying deficiency, but not as a general or empirical therapy for wasting from other causes. The evidence rating is 3/5, as the support is strong for deficiency-related wasting but limited or absent for wasting due to other etiologies.

More about Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)
More about Wasting

Other health conditions supported by Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)

Anemia
Depression
Fatigue
Memory and Brain Function
Peripheral Neuropathy
Pernicious Anemia
Wasting

Products containing Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.