Cobalamin Used in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Therapy Is a Nitric Oxide Scavenger

ABSTRACT

Cobalamin (vitamin B₁₂) in the form of hydroxocobalamin or cyanocobalamin injections has been widely used to treat chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Hydroxocobalamin is a nitric oxide scavenger and is proposed here to act as such a scavenger in CFS treatment. Its possible efficacy in CFS treatment, if further substantiated, may provide confirmation of a prediction of the elevated nitric oxide/peroxynitrite theory of CFS etiology. This interpretation of the possible role of cobalamin in CFS treatment suggests a useful perspective for confirming and optimizing this treatment.

Key Words:

• Vitamin B₁₂
• reactive nitrogen species
• peroxynitrite
• therapeutic agents
• vicious cycle mechanism
• antioxidant
• oxidative stress