Why Vitamin B12 Matters for Nerve Health Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is an essential water-soluble vitamin required for: Myelin repair (protective coating around nerves) Neurotransmitter function DNA synthesis & cellular repair Red blood cell formation & oxygen delivery The body cannot manufacture B12 , and deficiency is common especially among older adults, vegans/vegetarians, people with absorption disorders, and those taking drugs like metformin
The good news is that hair loss or hair shedding (telogen effluvium) is usually a temporary side effect of rapid weight loss with these medicines
Even with oral supplementation, deficiencies may persist due to reduced intrinsic factor or altered digestion
Its evidence base is genuinely strong for a trial-stage product two large Phase 3a randomized controlled trials plus a Phase 1b pharmacology study but it has not received marketing approval from any regulator, and its complete benefitrisk profile is still being evaluated
Methods: This ongoing study involves two rescue helicopters, three ambulances and one emergency physician vehicle in the catchment area of our hospital (tertiary care hospital in highly populated area)