Nerve damage, or neuropathy, according to MayoClinic.com can be caused by traumatic injuries including surgery, infections, toxins and metabolic processes. The most common cause of peripheral nerve damage in America is diabetes. Nerve damage can cause you to feel tingling, burning, cold feeling, loss of sensation, electric pain, numbness and loss of functions if the damage happens to nerves that control motor functions.
B Vitamins
A German journal called Klinische Wochenschrift published a study showing that B vitamins help nerve regeneration times after injury. In this study vitamin B1, or thiamine, B6, or pyridoxine and B12 or cobalamin were tested. All three had significant nerve repair and regrowth enhancing abilities and so taking B vitamins may help you if you are having symptoms of nerve damage or neuropathy.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
A study published in Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids showed remarkable nerve-protective effects of Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s were given in high doses after an adult spinal injury, which is notoriously difficult to heal, and demonstrated tremendous benefit. Neurological outcomes in those who received Omega-3s were far better than in those who didn't and nerve repair and regeneration happened much more effectively.
Biotin
The University of Maryland Medical Center claims that biotin, also called vitamin H, helps to treat nerve damage. Biotin is especially effective if your nerve damage has been caused by diabetes or from ongoing dialysis for kidney failure. Dietary sources of biotin include egg yolk, brewers yeast, nuts, beans, whole grains and mushrooms.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Peripheral Neuropathy
- Klinische Wochenschrift: Modification of degenerative and regenerative processes in peripheral nerves by treatment with B vitamins]
- Prostaglandens, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids and neurological injury.
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin H (Biotin)
