B12 repost, #3627

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http://www.naturalhealthconsult.com/Monographs/Methylcobalamin.html

Methylcobalamin is a type of Vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 comes in several kinds including hydroxy-, cyano-, and adenosyl-, but only the methyl form is used in the central nervous system. Deficiency states are fairly common and vitamin B12 deficiency mimics many other disease states of a neurological or psychological kind, and it causes anemia. Cyanocobalamin (the kind in vitamin supplements) is converted by the liver into methylcobalamin but not in therapeutically significant amounts. Vitamin B12 deficiency is caused by a wide range of factors including low gastric acidity (common in older people,) use of acid blockers such as Prilosec™ or excessive laxative use, lack of intrinsic factor, poor aborption from the intestines, lack of Calcium, heavy metal toxicity, or excessive Vitamin B12 degradation.

WHAT DOES IT DO?

Methylcobalamin donates methyl groups to the myelin sheath that insulates nerve fibers and regenerates damaged neurons. In a B12 deficiency, toxic fatty acids destroy the myelin sheath but high enough doses of B12 can repair it. In Alzheimer's or suspected Mercury amalgam related diseases (e.g. MS,) a hidden Vitamin B12 deficiency has been found, even though the usual blood tests are normal.

Among the conditions which have responded favorably to Methylcobalamin are, ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease,) Alzheimer's disease, Bell's Palsy, Parkinson's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, brain Aging, Insomnia, Immune dysfunction, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia, Schizophrenia, Diabetes, Impotence and Herpes Zoster (Shingles.)

In one study of Alzheimer's patients given Methylcobalamin, the subjects improved their memory, emotions, and ability to communicate. Although this study was done using an Intravenous dosage form, 40 to 80 mg per day sublingually (under the tongue) may be useful.

In a study of 60 patients with Bell's Palsy, it was found that those given a corticosteroid (like cortisone, standard conventional medicine's answer to almost everything) took 7.79 weeks to completely recover. Those given the steroid plus Methylcobalamin took only 1.23 weeks to recover. Those given Methylcobalamin alone took only 5.1 DAYS to recover. The improvement of symptoms was much better in the Methylcobalamin group. A dose of 40 to 60 mg per day would be appropriate for this condition.

Brain cell death and aging is caused in part by glutamate toxicity. Glutamate is a neurotransmitter which in higher amounts kills brain cells. Those taking glutamine supplements (as in SupraPak 1) or eating a diet that contains MSG (monosodium glutamate) should protect their brain cells with Methycobalamin which has been shown to protect the brain against glutamate, aspartate and nitroprusside toxicity. It works especially well with SAMe or other methylation-enhancing supplements such as TMG, Vitamin B6, and Folic acid. An appropriate daily dose for protection is from 1 to 5 mg per day.

Methylcobalamin may help prevent Parkinson's disease and slow the progression in those who are already afflicted. Parkinson's is caused by a destruction of brain cells that produce dopamine. Dopamine is produced from the amino acid, L-Dopa. The usual treatment for this condition consists in giving the patient L-Dopa, together with Carbidopa (Sinemet™.) This only works for a while because L-Dopa causes glutamate release and ultimately more brain cell death. Ironically, it is dopamine releasing cells that are most vulnerable. Anyone taking any form of L-Dopa should also take from 5 to 20 mg of Methylcobalamin to enjoy the benefits of L-Dopa for much longer.

In one study of patients with chronic, progressive Multiple Sclerosis, 60 mg of Methylcobalamin resulted in clinical improvement in visual and auditory function, but not motor disability. In a study in mice who had muscular dystrophy, Methylcobalamin caused nerve regeneration in damaged nerves. Nerve regeneration was also noted in subjects with peripheral neuropathies from diabetes or injuries. For best results, it should be taken with Alpha Lipoic Acid.

In a sleep study it was shown that Methylcobalamin reduced the amount of time the subjects slept, but the sleep quality was better and subjects awakened refreshed with better alertness and concentration. It is thought that Methylcobalamin suppressed daytime Melatonin release. People taking this form of Vitamin B12 may want to consider taking some Melatonin at night.

In impotence, Methylcobalamin at 6mg per day for 16 weeks improved sperm count by 37.5 percent.

In other studies it was found that Methylcobalamin enhances and modulates lymphocytes by increasing T-Cell (and especially T-helper cells) activity. In mice, several different kinds of cancerous tumors were suppressed by administration of Methylcobalamin for seven days. These included liver, lung and ascites tumors. These mice survived longer than the controls, although mice that received radiation first had no improvement.

In a study of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) patients, all given high dose (25 mg per day) Methylcobalamin showed increases in muscle strength.

Methylcobalamin also slows the progression to AIDS in HIV + patients and helps prevent neurological problems.

Methylcobalamin also balances the sympathetic/parasympathetic nervous system (calming when overexcited and stimulating when too calm.)

CAUTIONS

None.

See Disclaimer.

DOSE

For specific disease conditions take the doses mentioned above. For every day prevention take 1 mg daily under the tongue.