What Vitamins Help With Nystagmus?

Nystagmus is a condition that is characterized by rapid, uncontrollable eye movements. These eye movements may be vertical, horizontal or rotary, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Nystagmus may be caused by inner-ear disorders, traumatic accidents and strokes. In rare cases, this condition may also be caused by a genetic disorder. Some medical researchers believe that B-complex vitamins may help reduce the symptoms of nystagmus. Check with your doctor before taking B vitamins to treat nystagmus.

B-complex Vitamins

Vitamin B complex has up to eight B vitamins, which are essential for healthy nerve, brain and organ function. These vitamins may include folate, thiamine, pyridoxine, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, biotin, niacin and cobalamin. According to Michael C. Brodsky, author of "Pediatric Neuro-Ophthamology," increasing levels of B-complex vitamins may help control the uncontrolled eye movements associated with nystagmus by supporting nerve and brain function.

Sources

Capsule supplements are the most common sources of B-complex vitamins. However, B vitamins are also available from a variety of food sources, according to Dr. James F. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Eggs are rich sources of pyridoxine, choline, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and thiamine. Cheese contains riboflavin, niacin and folic acid. You can obtain folic acid, pyridoxine, biotin and thiamine from brown rice. Seaweed and other sea vegetables are sources of cobalamin.

Considerations

High doses of some B vitamins may cause side effects, according to Balch. Niacin doses of over 500mg per day may cause liver damage and should not be taken by people with diabetes, liver disease or ulcers. Saturated fats and oils that have been heat-processed may inhibit the body's ability to absorb and use biotin. Also, people who have cancer or convulsive disorders such as epilepsy should avoid taking more than 500mcg of folate per day--high doses of folate may worsen these conditions.