Vitamin B12 benefits in CFS patientsOpen Trial of Vitamin B12 Nasal Drops in Adults With Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Comparison of Responders and Non-Responders.
We investigated the use of vitamin B12 nasal drops in adults with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) over three months. A total of 51 patients participated, and we measured their vitamin B12 levels alongside physical activity and fatigue scores.
Remarkably, two-thirds of the participants experienced positive results, including increased activity and better overall scores on fatigue measures. While responders showed significant improvements, the non-responders had only minor increases in vitamin B12 levels.
This indicates that vitamin B12 nasal drops could be a beneficial alternative to injections for many CFS patients.
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B12 shows variable efficacy for MEResponse to vitamin B12 and folic acid in myalgic encephalomyelitis and fibromyalgia.
We evaluated the impact of B12 injections combined with folic acid on patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). In our survey of 38 patients, we identified two groups based on their response: Good and Mild responders. Good responders received more frequent and higher doses of B12, leading to significant improvements in their symptoms.
However, Mild responders, many of whom took pain medications, reported minimal progress. Overall, while some patients showed benefits, the effectiveness of B12 treatment varies widely, and further research is needed to understand optimal dosages and drug interactions.
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Potential effects on chronic fatigueTreatment of multiple sclerosis with lofepramine, L-phenylalanine and vitamin B(12): mechanism of action and clinical importance: roles of the locus coeruleus and central noradrenergic systems.
We recently came across an intriguing study that highlighted the potential benefits of a combination therapy involving lofepramine, L-phenylalanine, and vitamin B12 for patients suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS). Conducted as a randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind trial, the research aimed to evaluate how this combination could help alleviate various symptoms associated with MS and chronic pain.
While this study did address the role of vitamin B12, it was examined alongside lofepramine and phenylalanine. This makes it challenging for us to pinpoint the specific impact of vitamin B12 in the context of chronic fatigue syndrome on its own. The treatment showed effectiveness in improving symptoms within just two to four weeks, but due to the combination of treatments, we need more focused studies to assess vitamin B12's distinct role.
Overall, it's exciting to see a potential link between this therapy and symptom relief, yet we must remain cautious about attributing the benefits solely to vitamin B12, given the blended approach of the therapy used in the trial.
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Vitamin B12 shows unclear benefitsChronic fatigue syndrome.
We explored the effect of vitamin B12 on individuals diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. The study focused on assessing how this vitamin might alleviate the symptoms associated with the condition. While many participants underwent concurrent treatments, which complicates isolating vitamin B12's specific impact, the research still provides insightful data.
Participants were monitored to see if vitamin B12 made a notable difference in fatigue levels and overall well-being. However, it appeared that the results were not overwhelmingly positive. The concurrent treatments among participants diluted our ability to assess the true effectiveness of vitamin B12 on its own, leading to an inconclusive outcome.
While we acknowledge the interest in vitamin B12 as a potential remedy for chronic fatigue syndrome, the findings suggest no significant benefits can be attributed to it directly. More focused research might be necessary to fully understand how—or if—vitamin B12 can support those dealing with this challenging syndrome.
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Vitamin B12's role in fatigueIncreased concentrations of homocysteine in the cerebrospinal fluid in patients with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.
We observed that a group of twelve outpatients, all women diagnosed with both fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, participated in a study focused on understanding the role of vitamin B12 in their condition. While most of their blood lab results were normal, one significant finding stood out: all patients had elevated levels of homocysteine in their cerebrospinal fluid.
The study found a noteworthy link between these increased homocysteine levels and the degree of fatigue experienced by the patients. Moreover, low levels of vitamin B12 in the cerebrospinal fluid were correlated with feelings of fatigue, suggesting that vitamin B12 might play a vital role in how these patients feel day-to-day.
The researchers concluded that the elevation of homocysteine in the central nervous system could be indicative of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. They suggested that a deficiency in vitamin B12 might hinder the body's ability to regulate homocysteine, contributing to the symptoms of fatigue these patients experience. However, while vitamin B12 is shown to be important in this context, the study does not specifically isolate its effects from other contributing factors or treatments.
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