Methylcobalamin
Research reviewed: 2025-2026
Methylcobalamin (Methyl-B12 / Mecobalamin) is a dietary supplement with 13 published peer-reviewed studies involving 458 participants, researched for Neurological Health, Peripheral Neuropathy, Sleep Quality and 6 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Neurological Health
ModeratePeripheral Neuropathy
StrongSleep Quality
ModerateSleep Quality
ModerateHomocysteine Reduction
ModeratePain Relief
ModerateHeart Health
ModerateGeneral Health
ModerateEye Health
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Neurological Health
To assess methylcobalamin supplementation on nerve conduction velocity in patients with diabetic neuropathy.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To assess methylcobalamin supplementation on nerve conduction velocity in patients with diabetic neuropathy.
Dose
500 µg/day methylcobalamin
Participants
100 patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy
Duration
16 weeks
Results
Methylcobalamin significantly improved NCV in sural and peroneal nerves and reduced vibration perception threshold. Subjective neuropathic pain scores also improved significantly.
How They Measured It
Nerve conduction velocity (NCV), vibration perception threshold, pain scores
To evaluate methylcobalamin for diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To evaluate methylcobalamin for diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Dose
Various (oral and injectable methylcobalamin)
Participants
Pooled data from 12 RCTs
Duration
8-24 weeks
Results
Methylcobalamin significantly improved nerve conduction velocity and reduced neuropathic symptoms across trials. Meta-analysis confirmed meaningful benefit for both motor and sensory nerve function in diabetic neuropathy.
How They Measured It
Pooled NCV, pain, and neurological symptom scores across RCTs
Peripheral Neuropathy
To evaluate methylcobalamin in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate methylcobalamin in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.
Dose
1,500 µg/day oral methylcobalamin
Participants
121 cancer patients receiving cisplatin-based chemotherapy
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Methylcobalamin significantly reduced severity of chemotherapy-induced neuropathy as measured by TNS and pain VAS. Nerve conduction scores were better preserved in the methylcobalamin group.
How They Measured It
Total Neuropathy Score (TNS), NCS, pain VAS
To compare methylcobalamin vs cyanocobalamin for neuropathy in B12-deficient patients.
Study Type
Randomised, controlled trial
Purpose
To compare methylcobalamin vs cyanocobalamin for neuropathy in B12-deficient patients.
Dose
1,000 µg/day methylcobalamin vs cyanocobalamin
Participants
180 patients with B12 deficiency neuropathy
Duration
6 months
Results
Methylcobalamin produced significantly greater improvements in neurological symptoms and serum MMA normalisation compared to cyanocobalamin. Methylcobalamin is neurologically superior due to direct availability for myelin synthesis.
How They Measured It
Serum B12, MMA, homocysteine, neurological symptom scores
Sleep Quality
To assess methylcobalamin on circadian rhythm and sleep quality.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To assess methylcobalamin on circadian rhythm and sleep quality.
Dose
3 mg/day methylcobalamin
Participants
50 adults with circadian sleep disorders
Duration
4 weeks
Results
Methylcobalamin supplementation significantly improved sleep quality and advanced circadian rhythms. Melatonin secretion timing improved and subjective sleep scores increased significantly compared to placebo.
How They Measured It
Polysomnography, sleep diary, melatonin profiles
Sleep Quality
To assess methylcobalamin on circadian rhythm and sleep quality.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To assess methylcobalamin on circadian rhythm and sleep quality.
Dose
3 mg/day methylcobalamin
Participants
50 adults with circadian sleep disorders
Duration
4 weeks
Results
Methylcobalamin supplementation significantly improved sleep quality and advanced circadian rhythms. Melatonin secretion timing improved and subjective sleep scores increased significantly compared to placebo.
How They Measured It
Polysomnography, sleep diary, melatonin profiles
Homocysteine Reduction
To evaluate methylcobalamin combined with methylfolate for homocysteine lowering.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate methylcobalamin combined with methylfolate for homocysteine lowering.
Dose
1,000 µg/day methylcobalamin + 400 µg methylfolate
Participants
180 adults with elevated homocysteine
Duration
12 weeks
Results
The combination significantly reduced homocysteine by 31% and normalised MMA levels in adults with hyperhomocysteinaemia. Methylcobalamin was superior to cyanocobalamin for homocysteine reduction in this trial.
How They Measured It
Serum homocysteine, serum MMA, B12 status markers
To evaluate vitamin B12 forms on homocysteine reduction and cardiovascular risk.
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To evaluate vitamin B12 forms on homocysteine reduction and cardiovascular risk.
Dose
Various B12 forms
Participants
Pooled from multiple RCTs
Duration
Various
Results
Meta-analysis confirmed significant homocysteine reduction with B12 supplementation. Methylcobalamin appeared to have superior bioavailability for neurological tissue and homocysteine reduction compared to cyanocobalamin.
How They Measured It
Pooled homocysteine changes across RCTs by B12 form
Pain Relief
[Fu's subcutaneous needling for postauricular pain in the treatment of acute idiopathic facial paralysis: a randomized controlled trial].
Study Type
RCT
Purpose
[Fu's subcutaneous needling for postauricular pain in the treatment of acute idiopathic facial paralysis: a randomized controlled trial].
Dose
See study
Participants
66 participants
Duration
5 days
Results
CONCLUSION: Early Fu's subcutaneous needling can effectively relieve postauricular pain in patients with acute idiopathic facial paralysis, improve postauricular pressure pain threshold, enhance fac.
How They Measured It
PubMed PMID: 41839591. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu
Evaluating the efficacy and tolerability of the oral combination of alpha lipoic acid and vitamin B complex preparation in carpal tunnel syndrome: a s
Study Type
RCT
Purpose
Evaluating the efficacy and tolerability of the oral combination of alpha lipoic acid and vitamin B complex preparation in carpal tunnel syndrome: a s
Dose
See study
Participants
70 participants
Duration
6 months
Results
CONCLUSION: The oral combination of alpha-lipoic acid and vitamin B complex (Bionerv) demonstrated potential pain relief benefits in patients with mild to moderate CTS and was found to be well toler.
How They Measured It
PubMed PMID: 41361445. BMC Neurol
Heart Health
Clinical safety of ultra-high-dose methylcobalamin in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Open-label extension of a phase 2/3 randomized cont
Study Type
RCT
Purpose
Clinical safety of ultra-high-dose methylcobalamin in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Open-label extension of a phase 2/3 randomized cont
Dose
See study
Participants
144 participants
Duration
52 weeks
Results
CONCLUSION: There were no particular safety issues as reported in the phase 2/3 study and no clear deterioration in survival rate or physical function when ultra-high-dose methylcobalamin was admini.
How They Measured It
PubMed PMID: 41475066. J Neurol Sci
General Health
[Multicenter randomized controlled trial of Yiqi Huoxue formula() for the treatment of ruptured lumbar disc herniation].
Study Type
RCT
Purpose
[Multicenter randomized controlled trial of Yiqi Huoxue formula() for the treatment of ruptured lumbar disc herniation].
Dose
See study
Participants
80 participants
Duration
Not specified
Results
CONCLUSION: After treatment with Yiqi Huoxue formula, patients with ruptured LDH show significant improvement in clinical symptoms and a marked reduction in the volume of herniated discs.
How They Measured It
PubMed PMID: 41340299. Zhongguo Gu Shang
Eye Health
[A randomized controlled trial of electronic balance assistant combined with pharmacotherapy for vestibular rehabilitation in patients with acute peri
Study Type
RCT
Purpose
[A randomized controlled trial of electronic balance assistant combined with pharmacotherapy for vestibular rehabilitation in patients with acute peri
Dose
See study
Participants
98 participants
Duration
2 weeks
Results
Conclusion: Compared with medication-only treatment, the combination of an electronic balance aid and medication for the treatment and rehabilitation training of patients with acute peripheral vesti.
How They Measured It
PubMed PMID: 41167752. Zhonghua Er Bi Yan Hou Tou Jing Wai Ke Za Zhi
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Methylcobalamin research
There are currently 13 peer-reviewed studies on Methylcobalamin (Methyl-B12 / Mecobalamin), involving 458 total participants. Research covers Neurological health, Peripheral neuropathy, Sleep quality and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (11 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Methylcobalamin has been researched for: Neurological health, Peripheral neuropathy, Sleep quality, Homocysteine reduction. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 11 out of 13 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
Similar Supplements
Other supplements researched for similar health goals
