The Singer's and the Clinician's Perspective on Vitamin B12 Treatment for Vocal Benefits

Abstract

Introduction: There is a belief among vocalists that there are voice benefits from vitamin B₁₂ treatment. Yet there are no previous reports regarding vitamin B₁₂ effects on voice.

Objectives: To assess the prevalence of vitamin B₁₂ use among singers and their beliefs regarding vitamin B₁₂ therapy.

Methods: Anonymous online survey administered to singers, singing-teachers, speech-language pathologists, and laryngologists.

Results: A total of 192 participants completed the surveys; 128 singers (68 singing-teachers, 30 speech-language pathologists) and 64 laryngologists. Among singers, 12% have perceived voice benefits from vitamin B₁₂ treatment taken for any reason. Four percent used vitamin B₁₂ for voice benefits; all perceived voice benefits as a result. The leading voice benefits were improved stamina, reduced effort, confidence, and control. Nineteen percent of the singers would recommend vitamin B₁₂ treatment to a friend; 15% of the singing-teachers would recommend it to a student. Among laryngologists, 33% been asked by a singer to prescribe vitamin B₁₂ for voice benefits; 9% have prescribed it in the past. Yet only 3% would you recommend it to a patient. When asked "Do you believe vitamin B₁₂ therapy improves vocal performance?" 31% of the singers responded "Yes," compared with none in the laryngologists. When asked "Do you think the singing community believes vitamin B₁₂ therapy improves vocal performance?" 26% of the singers responded "Yes," compared with 53% of the laryngologists (P = 0.0002).

Conclusions: There is a discrepancy between the singers' and the laryngologists' beliefs regarding vocal benefits perceived by vitamin B₁₂. Blinded randomized trials are required to verify or refute this belief.

Keywords: Cobalamin; Complementary medicine; Singing; Vitamin B(12); Vocal performance.