Methylcobalamin: 5 Things to Know Before Using this Vitamin B12 Supplement

Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin for our body. It is important for the brain, nerves, and for the production of red blood cells. Deficiency of this vitamin in your body can result in fatigue, headaches and depression, which can affect your day-to-day life. There are many ways by which you can manage your vitamin B12 deficiency. One of them is by taking methylcobalamin tablets. It is a medicine used to treat vitamin B12 deficiency and other conditions like: 

• Perineal anemia 
• Lateral sclerosis 
• Peripheral neuropathy 
• Diabetic neuropathy

Read on to know the important facts about methylcobalamin.

Additional Read: Vitamin E Supplements

Different uses of methylcobalamin 

Methylcobalamin uses for brain 

It plays a key role in myelin sheath synthesis and aids in proper nerve functioning [1]. Nerves act as a means to carry signals between your brain, spinal cord and the rest of your body. Due to lack of methylcobalamin, the myelin sheath will not form properly that can result in irreversible nerve damage. It provides vitamin B12 to the body, which keeps nerves healthy so that the brain functions smoothly.

Methylcobalamin uses for hair 

Vitamin B12 promotes healthy growth of hair by helping in the production of red blood cells. These cells are rich in oxygen and nourish your hair follicles. It provides a boost of vitamin B12, if you are deficient that in turn benefits your hair growth.

Methylcobalamin uses for skin 

B12 is necessary for your skin as it reduces dryness, acne and inflammation. Since it acts as a vitamin B12 supplement, this tablet promotes good skin health. It can also be used to treat skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

Additional Read:  6 Nutrients and Vitamins for Hair Growth

Benefits of methylcobalamin 

The compounds present in this medicine help in neuronal protection by regenerating the damaged nerves. It also enables neurons to function properly thus helping in the treatment of conditions like [2] 

• Alzheimer’s disease 
• Dementia
• Parkinson’s disease
• Neuropathic pain

Side effects of methylcobalamin 

While taking any medicine, ensure that you are not allergic to it. If you experience any allergic reactions like swelling of the tongue, lips or throat, seek emergency medical help. Some of the common side effects of the supplement are: 

• Headache 
• Breathing problems 
• Chest pain 
• Tightness 
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Skin rash 

Precautions to take while using methylcobalamin 

It is important that you follow certain precautions while taking any medication. Consult your doctor and discuss your medical history. This is especially important if you have any of the following 

• Folic acid deficiency 
• Low potassium levels in blood 
• Iron deficiency  
• Lebar’s disease
• Optic nerve damage

Few other precautions you need to take include the following 

• Inform your doctor if you are allergic to cobalt or vitamin B12. 
• Avoid consuming it with alcohol.
• Convey to your doctor if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
• Mention if you have any liver or kidney impairment.
• Make sure to inform what other kinds of medications you have or will be taking with methylcobalamin

Proper way to take methylcobalamin

• These tablets should be taken orally with water, as prescribed by your doctor. 
• In case you require a higher dose, you can opt for an injection. 
• Injections are injected into the muscle, usually 1-3 times every week, as per your requirement. 
• A healthcare professional may show you how to inject the drug via a syringe correctly so that you can do it on your own at home.
• Read and follow all directions properly.
• If you don’t understand any particular instruction given to you, do ask your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
• Make sure you do not swallow the whole tablet, sublingual tablet or tablet disintegrator.
• Put the whole lozenge in your mouth and without chewing let it dissolve. The sublingual tablet should be mounted under your tongue.

A few things to be kept in mind about the dosage that you take: 

• Missing one or two doses of methylcobalamin will cause no problem so do not start panicking. 
• If you miss your doses constantly, sudden chemical changes might affect your body. 
• Overdose of this medicine will leave harmful effects on your body. 
• Be extremely careful to not miss your doses or consume extra tablets as they can lead to medical emergencies
• The recommended dose is 500 mcg thrice a day.
• You may also be prescribed methylcobalamin tablets 1500mcg as a single daily dose by your doctor.

Though there are many methylcobalamin tablets uses, be careful while taking it. Always keep your medicines away from the reach of children. Do not keep the medicines in direct contact with light, heat or air as they can damage it. Never share your medicines and use them as per the prescription. Find nearby doctors with ease on Bajaj Finserv Health to get proper guidance for all your medical issues. Book an in-clinic or online doctor appointment and get expert advice on all health-related concerns.