Scientists created a new powder form of Vitamin B12 that you can take by breathing it in through your nose instead of getting shots or swallowing pills. They tested this new powder using 3D models of rat and human noses to see where the powder goes and how well it works. The results showed that the powder stays in your nose longer and gets into your body better than liquid nose sprays. This research could lead to an easier way for people who need Vitamin B12 to get it without needles or pills.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Can scientists create a powder form of Vitamin B12 that works well when inhaled through the nose, and where does it go once it’s in your nose?
  • Who participated: The study used laboratory rats and computer models of human noses based on real CT scans. No human volunteers were directly tested in this research.
  • Key finding: The Vitamin B12 powder worked better than liquid nose sprays, with about 36% of the dose getting into the rat’s bloodstream. The powder also stayed in the nose longer than liquid forms.
  • What it means for you: This research is early-stage laboratory work. If further testing goes well, it could eventually offer people a new, easier way to get Vitamin B12 without injections or pills. However, human testing still needs to happen before this becomes available.

The Research Details

Scientists created a special powder containing Vitamin B12 mixed with a helper ingredient called hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin. This helper ingredient protects the vitamin and helps it move through the nose lining better. They then built 3D models of rat and human noses using computer scans and 3D printing technology. These fake noses let them see exactly where the powder lands when sprayed in and how much stays in different areas. They also tested the powder in real rats to measure how much actually gets into the bloodstream and how long it stays in the nose.

Using 3D printed nose models is important because it lets scientists test new medicines safely before trying them in animals or people. It helps them understand exactly where the powder goes and how to design better delivery devices. This approach saves time and money compared to traditional testing methods.

This is solid laboratory research published in a respected pharmacy science journal. The scientists used multiple testing methods (computer models, 3D printed models, and live animal testing) to confirm their results. However, this is early-stage research done in laboratories and rats, not yet tested in humans. The study didn’t include a large number of human participants, so we can’t yet know if it will work the same way in people.

What the Results Show

When the Vitamin B12 powder was sprayed into the 3D rat nose model, about 39% of it landed in the smell zone (olfactory region) at the top of the nose. In the human nose model, about 69% landed in the breathing zone (respiratory region) in the middle and lower parts of the nose. This difference is important because it shows that the powder behaves differently in rat versus human noses. The scientists also designed special spray nozzles that reduced how much powder went down the windpipe (trachea), which is safer. When tested in live rats, the powder showed good absorption into the bloodstream at about 36%, which was better than liquid nose sprays and similar to swallowing the vitamin.

The Vitamin B12 powder stayed in the nose longer than liquid forms, which means it has more time to be absorbed. The helper ingredient (HP-β-CD) successfully protected the vitamin from breaking down when exposed to light and heat, making it more stable than regular Vitamin B12. The powder also showed better absorption through the nose lining compared to the liquid version.

This research builds on earlier work showing that powders can sometimes work better than liquids for nose delivery. The use of 3D printed models is a newer approach that improves on older testing methods. The results suggest that nose powder delivery might be competitive with current Vitamin B12 injection methods, though more research is needed to confirm this.

This study was done in laboratories and in rats, not in humans. We don’t know yet if the powder will work the same way in people’s noses. The study didn’t test the powder in actual human volunteers, so we can’t be sure about side effects or how well people would tolerate it. The sample size for animal testing wasn’t specified in the research. More research is needed before this could become a real medicine people can use.

The Bottom Line

This research suggests that Vitamin B12 nose powder is a promising idea worth further study. However, it’s too early to recommend it for actual use. The next steps should be testing in human volunteers to make sure it’s safe and works as well as it does in the laboratory. If you currently need Vitamin B12, stick with your doctor’s recommended method (shots, pills, or supplements) until this new form is fully tested and approved.

People who need Vitamin B12 but have trouble with injections or swallowing pills should pay attention to this research. This includes people with pernicious anemia, certain digestive problems, or those following vegan diets. However, this is not yet ready for use. Healthcare providers and pharmaceutical companies developing new medicines should also find this research interesting.

This is very early-stage research. If development continues smoothly, it could take 5-10 years or more before a Vitamin B12 nose powder might be available to patients. This timeline includes animal testing, human safety trials, and regulatory approval. Don’t expect this to be available soon.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Once this treatment becomes available, users could track ‘Vitamin B12 dose taken’ with date and time, and monitor ‘Energy levels’ and ‘Fatigue’ on a 1-10 scale daily to see if the nose powder helps their symptoms over weeks and months.
  • When this becomes available, users could set a weekly reminder to take their Vitamin B12 nose powder on the same day each week, making it a simple habit like taking other medications.
  • Users could track their B12 symptoms (energy, mood, concentration) weekly and share results with their doctor at regular check-ups to see if the nose powder is working as well as their previous Vitamin B12 method.

This research describes early-stage laboratory and animal testing of a Vitamin B12 nose powder. It has NOT been tested in humans and is NOT available for use. Do not attempt to create or use this product on your own. If you need Vitamin B12, continue using your doctor’s recommended treatment (injections, pills, or supplements). Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your Vitamin B12 treatment. This article is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.