Uncle Zhang is an “old sugar friend”. He has been ill for more than 10 years and has been under good control.

But after the Spring Festival, my hands and feet always feel numb, so I went to the hospital for examination. The doctor told him it was diabetic peripheral neuropathy and prescribed mecobalamin.

After taking it for a while, Mr. Zhang found that vitamin B12 and methylcobalamin are similar drugs, and vitamin B12 is cheaper… So he thought about it and put methylcobalamin in it. Switch to vitamin B12. Fortunately, it was discovered by Aunt Zhang and stopped in time…

Uncle Zhang is puzzled. Methylcobalamin is also a kind of vitamin B12, so why can’t they replace each other.

I. What is the difference between methylcobalamin and vitamin B12?

B vitamins are a large family. Compared with other members, vitamin B12 was discovered relatively late. In 1948, British and American researchers isolated a red crystal from liver concentrate, which was eventually identified as vitamin B12.

A family of drugs in the vitamin B12 class, including cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12), methylcobalamin, adenosylcobalamin, and hydroxocobalamin. What’s the difference between them?

Cyanocobalamin: The earliest discovered vitamin B12, without direct biological activity, < strong>It needs to be converted into methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin in cells, and then participate in biochemical reactions;

Methylcobalamin: Mainlyfound in blood and other body fluids Methylation active preparation of source coenzyme B12, which can participate in carbohydrate metabolism;

adenosylcobalamin : Has the ability to promote cell growth and reproduction and maintain the myelin sheath of nerve cells. Methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin are commonly usedto treat diabetic peripheral neuropathy, facial nerve palsy, neuritis or nerve injuryetc;

Hydroxycobalamin: No direct biological activity, slow metabolism in urine, also known as long-acting cobalamin. Hydroxocobalamin can be used for vitamin B12 deficiency, and for cyanide poisoning, especially in high ocular concentrations, which can relieve vision Fatigue and nutrition optic nerve.

Since it is a “family”, does it mean that drugs can be substituted for each other?

According to the current research, vitamin B12, methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin have similar effects in the treatment of megaloblastic anemia and can be substituted for each other. In peripheral neuropathy, both methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin can be involved in the treatment.

But according to the 2013 diagnostic consensus recommendation, mecobalamin is used as adjuvant therapy. At the same dose, mecobalamin had better short-term efficacy.

Second, after the age of 70, vitamin B12 should be supplemented, why?

Vitamin B12 appears in the diet pyramid for the elderly recently announced in the United States. What does this practice mean to the body?

Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin for the human body. Its function is to promote the development of cells and protein synthesis in the body, so that human hematopoiesis is in a normal state.< span>Also has neuroprotective effects. In the form of coenzyme, it can also increase the utilization rate of folic acid and promote human metabolism.

Vitamin B12 is related to the nervous system and hematopoietic system. When the level is too low, it may Causes neurological symptoms and also causes fatigue, constipation and weight loss.

anemia: Anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency, megaloblastic anemia, may show < /span>constipation, fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, heart palpitations and shortness of breathetc.;

< span>Hyperhomocysteinemia: Vitamin B12 is involved in the metabolism of homocysteine, and may be directly related to diabetic retinopathy;

Neuropsychiatric diseases: Vitamin B12 and folic acid are important elements for maintaining the central nervous system.

If the body lacks vitamin B12, it can affect the structure and function of glial cells and intercellular substance, showing numbness and ataxia of distal limbs.

Three, vitamin supplements, food supplements are the first choice

Although vitamin B12 is not as “famous” as other members of the vitamin B family, it is closely related to human health. How to supplement the most suitable for different groups of people?

1. Normal people can supplement with food

There are many foods in life, all It is rich in vitamin B12. As long as normal people have a reasonable diet and are not picky eaters, the amount of dietary absorption is sufficient to supply the body’s daily needs for vitamin B12, and no additional supplements are required.

It is recommended to increase the intake of several foods in the daily meal, such as animal liver, beef and mutton, clams, Dairy, eggs, and more.

2. Corresponding supplements for the diseased population

Most of the diseased populations are due to disease Deficiency of vitamin B12 can be supplemented by diet or oral vitamin B12; for fasting patients, parenteral nutrition supplementation is required.

In the event of a drug-induced vitamin B12 deficiency, just stop the drug , vitamin B12 levels can slowly return to normal.

In addition, for vegetarian, non- Adults, pregnant women, and lactating womenmay have insufficient vitamin B12. It is necessary to strengthen the publicity of nutrition knowledge, and rationally use food and medicine to supplement nutritional elements.

Finally, I would like to remind everyone that although the functions of the four drugs of vitamin B12 are basically the same, but when one of the drugs is applied, Do not use other drugs at the same time.

#Health2022#

Reprinting is prohibited without the author’s permission