Vitamin B-12 and Nerve Regeneration

Role of Vitamin 12

Vitamin B12 is one of the water-soluble vitamins that make up the B complex. B12, in particular, is integral to many functions in the human body, which is why it is included in vitamin supplements.

The Mayo Clinic says vitamin B12 plays an important role in maintaining the health and production of red blood cells, aids neurological function, allows for DNA synthesis and fortifies the nervous system. For this reason, it is often one of the recommended vitamins for nerve damage.

However, vitamin B12 primarily comes from meat and dairy products, so vegetarians and vegans may need to consider B12 supplementation because they may not receive enough through diet alone.

B12 Deficiency Causes and Symptoms

Vitamin B12 is found in high quantities in eggs, poultry, dairy products and meats, but not in plant products — which is why vegetarians and vegans are at a high risk of deficiency. And it is not just vegetarians at vegans at risk. Those recovering from weight loss surgery, or who suffer from celiac disease or Crohn's disease are also at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency.

  • Strange sensations, numbness or tingling in the hands, legs or feet (also known as peripheral neuropathy)
  • Difficulty walking, staggering or balance problems
  • Anemia (when the body is not producing enough red blood cells)
  • A swollen, inflamed tongue
  • Difficulty thinking and reasoning (cognitive difficulties), or memory loss
  • Weakness
  • Fatigue

Anemia is usually the first symptom that arises if you're deficient in vitamin B12. Anemia ordinarily manifests as shortness of breath and dizziness from insufficient red blood cells providing oxygen to the body. As vitamin B12 deficiency reduces the number of red blood cells, oxygen circulation is severely impeded.

Warning

Although any of these symptoms can signify a vitamin B12 deficiency, it is still important to receive advice from a healthcare professional. B12 deficiency can only be properly diagnosed through blood tests.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Nerve Damage

Vitamin B12 is instrumental in maintaining the overall health of the nervous system because of its relationship with the myelin sheath that nerves are enclosed in. If the body is deficient in vitamin B12, the myelin sheath becomes damaged and cannot protect the nerves as it should.

Without this protective layer, nerves are vulnerable and become severely damaged — which ultimately results in their inability to function properly. This inability to function can manifest in conditions such as peripheral neuropathy.

Vitamin B12 and Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition caused by damage to the nerves in the hands, feet and arms. It gains its name from the peripheral nervous system, the system of nerves that sends information from the central nervous system (the spine and the brain) to the rest of the body.

This damage can come from a lack of vitamin B12, because, as mentioned, B12 fortifies the protective myelin sheath that surrounds the nerves. The absence or erosion of the myelin sheath makes the nerves vulnerable to damage, which eventually can lead to conditions such as peripheral neuropathy.

This condition affects the sensory nerves, the motor nerves and the autonomic nerves, which is why the symptoms often relate to sensations and movements of the hands and feet.

Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include:

  • Numbness and tingling in the hands and/or feet
  • Burning, stabbing or shooting pains in the hands and/or feet
  • Loss of balance from damage to the motor nerves
  • Muscle weakness

The Mayo Clinic explains that, while vitamin B12 is an important factor in the health and maintenance of nerves, other vitamins that make up the B complex — such as B1, B6 and niacin — all are crucial to overall nerve health.

The National Health Service of the United Kingdom says that vitamin B12 deficiency is an exacerbating factor and predominant cause for the development of peripheral neuropathy, but there are many other potential causes such as certain illnesses and medicines.

Nerve Regeneration Vitamins

The B complex vitamins can be used to reduce the likelihood of nerve damage, but the most significant may be vitamin B12.

In addition, the added vitamin B12 enhanced the reparation of myelin, which increased the protection surrounding the nerves so further damage would not be as likely.

Furthermore, a 2018 study carried out by the Society of Endocrinology illuminated the importance of vitamin B12 by highlighting the importance of type 2 diabetics (who are among the group most likely to suffer from deficiency) receiving screening for B12 deficiencies so any potential nerve damage can be prevented.

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