Bell's palsy is a type of transient facial paralysis caused by damage to the your facial nerves, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. The facial nerve, also known as cranial nerve VII, can become damaged to such an extent that temporary paralysis of the facial muscles responsible for moving your mouth and other parts of your face. Treatment for Bell's palsy focuses on reducing the duration of the paralysis, and certain vitamins may help with that process.
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12 is a water-soluble vitamin vital in the maintenance of biological function. Vitamin B-12 is essential in metabolism, the formation of red blood cells and the normal growth of your central nervous system, MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health, reports. Vitamin B-12's effect on the nervous system may play a role in the treatment of Bell's palsy. If you are suffering from Bell's palsy, vitamin B-12, in recommended daily amounts, may help relieve any facial paralysis, MayoClinic.com reports. Vitamin B-12 may enhance the integrity of the facial nerve and help with nerve growth.
Vitamin B-1
The temporary paralysis the periodically affects Bell's palsy patients can last for three to 4 weeks at minimum and may last up to six months. However, a multi-case report in the "British Medical Journal" explains the treatment with vitamin B-1 can help reduce the duration of the paralysis. The report cites three cases where injections of vitamin B-12 reduced symptoms of facial paralysis within a few days to weeks after treatment. Moreover, the vitamin prevented more severe symptoms from developing. As with any supplement, you should consult your physician prior to adding extra vitamin B-12 to your treatment regimen.
Vitamin B-6
Vitamin B-6, also known as pyridoxine, is one of the eight B vitamins commonly referred to as B complex vitamins. Your body uses vitamin B-6 to convert the food you eat into glucose, which is the body's main source of energy, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Another important function of vitamin B-6 is to help the nervous system function properly. This is what allows the vitamin to help with Bell's palsy. Vitamin B-6 can help restore facial nerve in patients suffering from Bell's palsy, notes the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
