Researchers tested whether two B vitamins—folic acid and B12—could protect the liver and kidneys from damage caused by ivermectin, a medication used to treat certain parasitic infections. Using laboratory rats, scientists found that animals given these B vitamins alongside ivermectin showed less damage to their organs and less cellular stress compared to those receiving ivermectin alone. This suggests that B vitamins might help reduce harmful side effects, though more research in humans is needed to confirm these findings and determine safe dosing strategies.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether taking folic acid and vitamin B12 together could reduce damage to the liver and kidneys caused by ivermectin, a common antiparasitic medication
- Who participated: Male laboratory rats divided into different groups—some received ivermectin alone, others received ivermectin plus B vitamins, and a control group received neither
- Key finding: Rats that received folic acid and B12 alongside ivermectin showed significantly less liver and kidney damage, lower levels of harmful cellular stress, and better preservation of normal tissue structure compared to rats receiving ivermectin alone
- What it means for you: If confirmed in humans, taking B vitamins might help reduce side effects when using ivermectin. However, this is early-stage research in animals, and you should never change your medication routine without talking to your doctor first
The Research Details
Scientists conducted an experiment using male laboratory rats to test whether B vitamins could protect against ivermectin’s harmful effects. The rats were divided into different groups: some received only ivermectin, others received ivermectin plus folic acid and B12, and a control group received neither treatment. The researchers then examined the rats’ liver and kidney tissues under a microscope and measured chemical markers of cellular damage and stress in their blood.
This type of study is called a preclinical or laboratory study because it uses animals rather than humans. Researchers use this approach first to understand how treatments work at the cellular level before testing them in people. The scientists looked at both physical tissue damage (what they could see under the microscope) and invisible chemical changes (markers of stress and inflammation in the cells).
The study measured oxidative stress, which is like cellular rust that damages tissues. They also used special staining techniques to examine how the tissues changed at a microscopic level, allowing them to see exactly where damage occurred and whether the B vitamins prevented it.
This research matters because ivermectin is widely used to treat parasitic infections, but it can sometimes damage the liver and kidneys—the organs that filter waste from your body. If B vitamins can reduce this damage, it could make the medication safer for people who need it. Understanding how vitamins protect cells helps scientists develop better ways to prevent medication side effects.
This study was published in Scientific Reports, a reputable peer-reviewed journal, which means other scientists reviewed the work before publication. However, because this research was conducted in rats rather than humans, the results may not directly apply to people. Animal studies are important first steps, but they don’t always produce the same results in humans due to differences in how our bodies process medications. The specific sample size wasn’t provided in the available information, which limits our ability to assess statistical power.
What the Results Show
The main finding was that rats receiving both ivermectin and B vitamins showed significantly less damage to their liver and kidney tissues compared to rats receiving ivermectin alone. Under the microscope, the B vitamin-treated group had better-preserved tissue structure with fewer signs of cell death and inflammation.
The researchers also measured oxidative stress—a harmful process where unstable molecules damage cells. Rats given B vitamins had lower levels of oxidative stress markers in their blood, suggesting their cells were under less chemical attack. This is important because oxidative stress is thought to be one of the main ways ivermectin harms organs.
Additionally, the B vitamin groups showed better preservation of normal cellular function and structure. The protective effect appeared to work by reducing inflammation and helping cells repair themselves, rather than by blocking ivermectin’s intended antiparasitic action.
Beyond the main findings, researchers observed that the combination of folic acid and B12 appeared to strengthen the body’s natural defense systems against cellular damage. The vitamins seemed to work by boosting antioxidant enzymes—natural cleanup crews that remove harmful molecules before they damage cells. The study also found that B vitamins helped maintain normal immune cell function in the tissues, suggesting they protect not just from direct damage but also from inflammation-related harm.
This research builds on earlier studies showing that B vitamins have protective effects against various types of medication-related damage. Previous research has suggested that folic acid and B12 support cellular repair and reduce oxidative stress in other contexts. This study specifically applies those protective properties to ivermectin, filling a gap in our understanding of how to minimize this medication’s side effects. The findings align with the general principle that B vitamins are important for cellular health and protection.
The most important limitation is that this study used rats, not humans. Rats’ bodies process medications differently than human bodies do, so results may not directly apply to people. The study didn’t specify the exact sample size, making it harder to assess how reliable the findings are. Additionally, the research tested specific doses of ivermectin and B vitamins in laboratory conditions—real-world use in humans might involve different doses or combinations. The study also didn’t examine long-term effects or whether the protection would work equally well in people taking other medications. Finally, this is a single study, so the findings need to be confirmed by other independent researchers before making clinical recommendations.
The Bottom Line
Based on this animal research, B vitamins show promise for reducing ivermectin-related organ damage. However, confidence in applying this to humans is currently low because the research hasn’t been tested in people yet. If you’re taking ivermectin, discuss with your doctor whether B vitamin supplementation might be appropriate for you—don’t start supplements on your own without medical guidance. The typical recommendation would be to ensure adequate B12 and folate intake through diet or supplementation, but dosing and timing would need to be determined by your healthcare provider.
This research is most relevant to people who need to take ivermectin for parasitic infections, particularly those at higher risk for organ damage (such as people with existing liver or kidney problems). Healthcare providers treating patients with ivermectin should be aware of these findings. People considering ivermectin should discuss potential protective strategies with their doctor. However, this research doesn’t apply to people not taking ivermectin, and it’s too early to recommend B vitamins as a preventive measure for the general population.
In the rat studies, protective effects appeared relatively quickly—within the timeframe of the treatment period. If similar effects occur in humans, benefits might be noticeable within days to weeks of starting B vitamins alongside ivermectin. However, the most important protection would likely be preventing long-term organ damage, which might take weeks to months to fully assess. You shouldn’t expect to feel immediate differences, as much of the benefit involves preventing invisible cellular damage.
Want to Apply This Research?
- If your doctor approves B vitamin supplementation alongside ivermectin, track your daily B12 and folic acid intake (in micrograms), the date and dose of ivermectin taken, and any symptoms like fatigue, nausea, or changes in urine color that might indicate organ stress
- Work with your healthcare provider to establish a consistent daily B vitamin routine timed with your ivermectin doses. Set phone reminders to take supplements at the same time each day, and log each dose in your health app to ensure compliance and help your doctor monitor your regimen
- Track liver and kidney function through regular blood tests ordered by your doctor (looking at liver enzymes and kidney markers). Also monitor general wellness indicators like energy levels, appetite, and any signs of organ stress. Keep detailed notes on any side effects and share them with your healthcare provider at follow-up appointments
This research was conducted in laboratory animals and has not been tested in humans. Do not start, stop, or change any medications or supplements without consulting your healthcare provider. Ivermectin should only be used under medical supervision as prescribed. While these findings are promising, they represent early-stage research and should not be used to make independent treatment decisions. If you’re taking ivermectin or considering it, discuss these findings with your doctor to determine what’s appropriate for your individual situation. This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.