How B vitamins help peripheral neuropathy
PERIPHERAL neuropathy is described as a chronic condition, whereby damage to nerves leads to different symptoms, depending on the type of nerve that is impaired.
Symptoms can include tingling, burning or even stabbing pain in the extremities, or at times, movement problems, dizziness, sweating or tachycardia may occur.
Due to the varied symptoms, the condition is difficult to diagnose.
The nerve damage, which can lead to peripheral neuropathy, can have many causes.
It can be metabolic diseases such as diabetes, toxins like alcohol, certain medications like chemotherapy, infections, inflammatory diseases and others.
The cause of nerve damage should be tackled to limit the extent of further nerve damage, for example, by improving blood sugar control in diabetics or avoiding alcohol.
A long-established treatment for peripheral neuropathy is a combination of neurotropic B vitamins B1, B6 and B12.
The efficacy of a combination of vitamins B1, B6 and B12 has been confirmed by a recent clinical study.
(1)
Patients suffering from symptoms of peripheral neuropathy such as tingling, burning or others were reduced significantly after 14 days of treatment.
The study has also shown that the improvement of symptoms increased further over the entire study period of three months.
Vitamins B1, B6 and B12 have a multitude of effects on the nervous system.
They play an important role in the metabolism of nerves and so – among other effects – can help peripheral nerves to regenerate and improve the transmission of nerve impulses.
The three B vitamins complement each other by acting via different modes of action.
The combination works in biochemical synergy and has been
(2) found to regenerate damaged nerve fibres.(3)
> Vitamin B1 – facilitates the propagation of the nerve impulse.(4)
> Vitamin B6 – promotes neurotransmission.(5)
> Vitamin B12 – regenerates damaged nerve fibres.(6)
A recent study showed that neuropathic symptoms increasingly improved over a period of three months, with improvement starting at 14 days after initiation of treatment,(1) indicating a longer treatment period is beneficial and that therapy should be maintained even when there is a noticeable improvement of symptoms.
If the underlying condition persists, patients should consult their doctor. It has been shown that a combination of vitamins B1, B6 and B12 can significantly relieve symptoms due to peripheral neuropathy of different origin.
(1)
If neurotropic B vitamins product is taken regularly as recommended by your doctor or pharmacists, symptom relief can be noticeable as soon as 14 days after beginning treatment and should improve further with treatment duration.
Merck is providing nerve test at selected pharmacies nationwide to raise awareness on the importance
The cause of nerve damage should be tackled to limit the extent of further nerve damage, for example, by improving blood sugar control in diabetics or avoiding alcohol.
of healthy nerves.
It hopes to encourage consumers to take the first step in identifying possible nerve damage and seek further medical consultation or treatment if needed.
The information contained in this article is for informational purpose only. For any medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendation consult your healthcare professional.
This article is brought to you by Merck Sdn Bhd. (MYS-NEU1808-0152)
References:
Hakim M et al. Asian J Med Sci. (1)
2018;9(1):32-40.
Geller M et al. Vitam Miner.
(2)
2017;6:2.
Becker KW. Neurochirurgia
(3)
(Stuttg). 1990;33:113121.
Beltramo E et al. Acta Diabetol. (4)
2008:45(3):131-141.
Dakshinamurti K et al. Ann N Y (5)
Acad Sci. 1990;128-144.
Adamo AM. Genes Nutr.
(6)
2014;9(1):360.