Tinnitus is a chronic condition that affects more than 23 million people in the United States, according to Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." It is characterized by perceptions of buzzing or ringing in your ears, although these sounds have no external sources. Vitamins cannot cure tinnitus, but they may help reduce symptoms. Check with your doctor before increasing your vitamin intake to address tinnitus.
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12, also called cobalamin, is a B-complex vitamin that is essential for a healthy nervous system. This vitamin is necessary for producing myelin, a substance that coats nerve endings in your inner ear and protects them against damage from bacteria, virus cells and toxins, according to Alice Feinstein, author of "Prevention's Healing with Vitamins." This may help reduce ringing and buzzing sounds associated with tinnitus. Vitamin B-12 is available in supplement form, as well as from meats, dairy products and eggs.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E may reduce tinnitus symptoms by aiding in the repair of cells in your inner ear and brain. This vitamin is a potent antioxidant that may prevent nerve and inner ear damage caused by unstable free radical molecules and lipids in your body, according to Balch. It may also improve circulation, helping to deliver oxygen and nutrients necessary for proper brain and ear function. Boost your intake of vitamin E by taking supplements, or by consuming foods such as eggs, vegetable oil, walnuts, whole-grain breads, kelp and kale.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is found in all of the tissues of your body, but it is found in particularly high concentrations in the cochlea of your inner ear, according to Feinstein. This vitamin is essential for proper ear and nerve function. Like vitamin E, it is a potent antioxidant. Vitamin A may also help repair inner ear cells. Boost your vitamin A intake by consuming carrots, bell peppers, dandelion greens, asparagus, apricots, spinach and sweet potatoes. You can also increase available vitamin A by taking beta-carotene supplements -- your body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a potent immune system booster that may help your body ward off bacterial and viral infections that can contribute to tinnitus symptoms, according to Balch. It may also offer anti-stress properties -- stress may increase the severity and frequency of ringing and buzzing sounds. Oranges, apples, broccoli, spinach, hot peppers, Swiss chard, kale, grapefruit and pineapple are rich sources of natural vitamin C. You can also obtain this vitamin in supplement form.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2010
- "Prevention's Healing with Vitamins"; Alice Feinstein; 1996
