Research into the effects of dietary supplements, such as vitamin B12, on tinnitus is limited. However, some older studies indicate that there may be a link between tinnitus and vitamin B12 deficiency.

Tinnitus refers to a ringing sound in the ears that has no external source. Some people may wish to try dietary supplements, such as vitamin B12, to help with the condition.

This article discusses whether vitamin B12 can treat tinnitus, the recommended daily intake for vitamin B12, treatment for tinnitus, and when to speak with a healthcare professional.

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Vitamin B12 is a crucial nutrientTrusted Source for the nervous system that is available in animal products and some fortified foods.

People following a vegan or vegetarian diet often need to supplement with vitamin B12 to prevent deficiency, as they limit animal products in their diet. However, the majority of people in the United States obtain all the vitamin B12 they need from their diet.

According to a 2016 studyTrusted Source, some people take dietary supplements such as magnesium, zinc, and vitamin B12 to help manage tinnitus. Just over 70% of the study participants reported no difference in tinnitus symptoms after taking dietary supplements.

Additionally, the authors suggested that participants who reported improvements after taking supplements may have experienced a placebo effect. Overall, the authors concluded that healthcare professionals should not recommend dietary supplements to manage tinnitus.

Research from 1993Trusted Source found a possible link between low vitamin B12 levels and tinnitus in a sample of 112 people. The researchers found that 47% of people with noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus had vitamin B12 deficiency. In comparison, fewer people with noise-induced hearing loss (27%) or no hearing loss or tinnitus (19%) had vitamin B12 deficiency.

A 2013 studyTrusted Source explained that low vitamin B12 levels could cause demyelination, which is damage to the protective coating of nerve fibers, or myelin.

Low levels of vitamin B12 damage the nerves in the cochlea, a fluid-filled structure in the ear that is vital for hearing. Deficient vitamin B12 levels may also lead to damage in the tiny blood vessels in the ear. Both factors could contribute to tinnitus symptoms.

Additionally, study participants with vitamin B12 deficiency and tinnitus reported a reduction in tinnitus symptom severity following therapy with vitamin B12 injections. However, study participants without vitamin B12 deficiency reported hardly any reduction in tinnitus symptom severity with the same therapy.

People with tinnitus may benefit from speaking with a doctor about their vitamin B12 intake. A healthcare professional can also provide guidance about using dietary supplements safely.