Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that is naturally occurring in many plant and animal sources. Vitamin B12 keeps the body’s blood cells and nerves healthy, and also helps to make DNA, the genetic material within cells. With a proper diet and a fully functional digestive system B12 is normally abundant in the body. In cases where the mucosal lining of the intestines does not allow for the production of a type of protein called intrinsic factor, B12 supplementation is required. Additionally, chronic use of certain medications as well as periods of intense stress can reduce the stores of vitamin B12 within the body.

B12 for Pain in Peripheral Neuropathy

B12 injections have been used in pain therapy for decades ¹. According to the literature B12 may help to regenerate damage to nerves as well as in blocking inflammatory pathways. Diabetic Neuropathy, a type of nerve damage that occurs in diabetics may be helped with intramuscular B12 injections ^2.. In many cases, an individual may choose to receive injectable vitamin B12 because it simply makes them feel better. In these circumstances a series of routine injections followed by a maintenance period to evaluate and monitor the effects is recommended.

1. Buesing S, Costa M, Schilling JM, Moeller-Bertram T. Vitamin B12 as a Treatment for Pain. Pain Physician. 2019 Jan;22(1):E45-E52. PMID: 30700078.

2. References: Zhang, Ming et al. “Methylcobalamin: a potential vitamin of pain killer.” Neural plasticity vol. 2013 (2013): 424651. doi:10.1155/2013/424651