When we think of pain-relieving nutrients, we usually think about curcumin from turmeric, boswellia, white willow bark, or some other herbal ingredient. But a form of vitamin B12 called methylcobalamin, can help stop pain, by inhibiting pain signals and healing damaged nerves. This is in keeping with previous research that recommends B12 for stopping neuropathy and other physical symptoms of type 2 diabetes, so it makes sense that the nutrient would work in a broader way.

But it’s important to remember that supplementing with the right type of vitamin B12 is key, and this case, it is methylcobalamin, considered a bioactive form. That means that it doesn’t require conversion by the liver in order to perform its many tasks in the body.

Some people have a difficult time converting the cyanocobalamin form of B12, the type found in many supplements, especially as they get older. That’s why it is important to inspect supplement labels carefully –whether your concerns revolve around metabolism and daily energy levels, blood pressure and heart health, or for blood sugar and potential neuropathy, to get the most from B12 it pays to look for a supplemental source that provides it in the methylcobalamin form.

Abstract:

Zhang M, Han W, Hu S, Xu H. Methylcobalamin: a potential vitamin of pain killer. Neural Plast. 2013;2013:424651.

Methylcobalamin (MeCbl), the activated form of vitamin B12, has been used to treat some nutritional diseases and other diseases in clinic, such as Alzheimer’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis. As an auxiliary agent, it exerts neuronal protection by promoting regeneration of injured nerves and antagonizing glutamate-induced neurotoxicity. Recently several lines of evidence demonstrated that MeCbl may have potential analgesic effects in experimental and clinical studies. For example, MeCbl alleviated pain behaviors in diabetic neuropathy, low back pain and neuralgia. MeCbl improved nerve conduction, promoted the regeneration of injured nerves, and inhibited ectopic spontaneous discharges of injured primary sensory neurons. This review aims to summarize the analgesic effect and mechanisms of MeCbl at the present.

Here is the link to the complete study: Methylcobalamin: A Potential Vitamin of Pain Killer