Healthy nerves need vitamin B
IF you experience pain, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, you may have a health problem known as neuropathy. This happens when your nerves have become damaged.
There are many causes for it, such as diabetes, injuries, infections, wearing high heels, prolonged sitting and repetitive activities like typing.
It could also be caused by simply not getting enough vitamin B in the diet. Vitamin B1, B6 and B12 are important nutrients for healthy nerves.
Although vitamin B is readily available in a wide range of food sources, it is watersoluble. The body does not store it and gets rid of what it does not require through urine and sweat in a short time.
Risks of vitamin B deficiency
Deficiency in vitamin B occurs in cases of diabetes. Researchers say that 30% of all cases of nerve damage arise due to diabetes. The high blood sugar levels of diabetics cause damage to the nerves.
About 60% to 70% of diabetics have some form of neuropathy. They are often deficient in vitamin B because it becomes rapidly depleted in their bodies.
Others who are also at risk of becoming deficient in vitamin B and developing neuropathy include alcohol drinkers, vegetarians and the elderly.
These people may need to take a high dose combination of vitamins B1, B6 and B12 to prevent or slow down the progression of diabetes or other form of neuropathy.
Vitamin B functions
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is used by the body to metabolise carbohydrates and turn it into energy. Deficiency of vitamin B1 can lead to neuropathy. This may cause extreme pain and may affect numerous processes in the body; including proper function of the muscular and neurological systems.
Most people get thiamine from whole grains and fortified breakfast cereals. Thiamine deficiency affects metabolism and its ability to process carbohydrate. The blood sugar can then increase to high levels leading to nerve damage.
Another is vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, necessary for proper transmission of nerve impulses. It can be found in food sources like fish, poultry and liver. The excessive glucose levels in diabetics can cause damage to the nerves and result in diabetic neuropathy.
Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is important for overall nerve health and regenerates nerves as well as protects nerve cells from damage.
A deficiency of cobalamin leads to numbness and tingling sensation in the feet and hands in cases of neuropathy.
The main food sources for cobalamin are animal-based, such as meat, fish, eggs, milk and dairy products.
Vitamin B12 is also necessary for red blood cell formation and DNA synthesis.
Avoiding neuropathy with vitamin B
Although vitamin B1, B6 and B12 are found in different food sources, you may not be able to absorb enough to prevent a deficiency due to certain conditions. Neurobion is a health supplement that contains vitamins B1, B6 and B12.
They work synergistically and are vital for keeping nerves healthy.
If you are at risk of becoming deficient in vitamins B1, B6 and B12, you may need to supplement your diet with Neurobion.
It is clinically tested to nourish the nerve cells, help improve nerve function and relieve nerve pain.
The combination of vitamins B1, B6 and B12 can help treat or slow down the progression of neuropathy.
If you have certain health problems like diabetes, it is advisable to consult your doctor.
This article is brought to you by Merck Consumer Health.
References
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestives and Kidney Diseases. Diabetic Neuropathies: The Nerve Damage of Diabetes. February 2009, pp. 1-12.
Tong, H I. Influence of Neurotropic Vitamins on the Nerve Conduction Velocity in Diabetic Neuropathy. Annals Academy of Medicines. January 1980, Vol. 9, 1.
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Mayo Clinic. Thiamine (Vitamin B1). Mayo Clinic. [Online] Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2011. [Cited: 10 14, 2011.] www.mayoclinic.com/ health/vitamin-b1/NS_patient-thiamin.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, diabetes. niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/neuropathies/