You may have experienced the pain of neuropathy and know how difficult it can be to get relief. Many people also use vitamins and supplements to manage neuropathy symptoms. Vitamin B-12 is one of the most popular vitamins used for this purpose. It can be found in many foods and in supplements. Read on to learn how vitamin B-12 can be helpful for patients suffering from neuropathy. Also, find out the best ways to incorporate supplements into your treatment plan.
What is Peripheral Neuropathy?
The condition is called peripheral neuropathy. It’s a disorder of the peripheral nerves. This can cause paralysis, tingling, and weakness, as well as numbness. It usually starts in the feet or hands. One body part or several can be affected.
Peripheral neuropathy is most commonly caused by diabetes. However, injuries and other conditions may also cause it. Some chemotherapy treatments can also cause peripheral neuropathy.
What is Vitamin B-12?
Vitamin B-12, also known as cobalamin is a water-soluble nutrient your body depends on to maintain and develop a healthy nervous system. Vitamin B-12 is essential for maintaining healthy blood cells and regulating the metabolism of amino acids and fatty acids. B-12 may also prevent the development of anemia, especially megaloblastic.
Vitamin B-12 can be found in bacteria, which is why many animals eat it. We usually get it from animal-based foods such as fish, meats, poultry, eggs, and dairy. B-12 can be added to some foods, such as breakfast cereal.
B-12 is one of many B vitamins that help support the nervous system.
What does B-12 do for neuropathy?
Vitamin B-12 is essential for the health and function of the protective barrier around nerves. If you don’t have enough B-12, it can cause permanent damage and symptoms such as neuropathy. Although there is no cure for B-12 neuropathy (or any other form of neuropathy), B-12 can be used to maintain nerve function.
Neuropathy is often caused by a breakdown in the myelin layer, which protects nerves from damage and allows electrical impulses throughout the body to travel properly. This ability to send feelings to the brain is essential for the body. The myelin sheath can be compared to an eggshell. When it becomes damaged, the delicate insides become vulnerable. Your exposed nerve can cause paralysis, tingling, pain, and even paralysis if neuropathy is present. How severe the symptoms are will depend on how much damage has been done to the protective shell.
Supplementing with vitamin B-12 may be able to reduce pain from neuropathy in many cases. Depending on the reason for the neuropathy, vitamin B-12 may be able to help heal the myelin sheath. B-12 can speed up tissue regeneration and improve nerve function, which is a benefit for some. Many people don’t use B-12 to treat neuropathy. Instead, they use it to prevent permanent damage.
Include B-12 in your Neuropathy Treatment
Your doctor should be consulted about any supplements that you may want to take with your neuropathy treatment. Your doctor can advise you on whether a pill-based supplement is right for you or if it’s possible to boost your B-12 with food. Your doctor may also test your B-12 levels if there is a possibility of severe deficiencies. Vitamin B-12 injections are available for certain people to increase their levels.
You may also consider other B vitamins to help with your neuropathy treatment. B-1 may help reduce pain and inflammation, as well as prevent cellular damage. B-6 has been shown to protect nerve endings. However, it should not be used in excess to cause nerve damage. Your doctor may also recommend foods that you avoid if neuropathy is present.
This article was written by Car Injury Doctor at Florida Medical Pain Management. Florida Medical Pain Management is proud to offer comprehensive pain management services to a diverse group of patients. Patients at Florida Medical Pain Management can get help managing hip, knee, leg, and neck pain. The practice also offers comprehensive arthritis management, along with treatments for auto accidents, sports, and work injuries.
