Peripheral neuropathy occurs when damage prevents the sending of nerve impulses from the central nervous system to the peripheral nervous system. Neuropathy affects men and women equally, with more than 20 million Americans, most over the age of 60, suffering from some form of peripheral neuropathy, according to the Center for Peripheral Neuropathy at the University of Chicago. There are a number of types of neuropathy, one of which is related to vitamin B-12.
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12 is the most complex of the B vitamins, having the largest chemical structure. It is also the only vitamin to have a mineral component -- a cobalt ion. Sometimes referred to as cobalamine, vitamin B-12 rids the body of a substance called homocysteine, which is associated with heart disease and stroke. Vitamin B-12 is also crucial in the normal functioning of the neurological system.
Vitamin B-12 Deficiencies
A deficiency in vitamin B-12 may cause anemia, gastrointestinal problems and peripheral neuropathy. Approximately 10 to 15 percent of Americans over the age of 60 are deficient in vitamin B-12, according to a paper in the "Annual Review of Nutrition." The article reported that, due to a high incidence of atrophic gastritis in the elderly -- an inability to produce stomach acid -- their bodies do not absorb protein-bound vitamin B-12. Any conditions that reduce stomach acid may affect vitamin B-12 deficiency, no matter what age, resulting in peripheral neuropathy.
Types of Neuropathies
The two parts to the body's nervous system are the central nervous system, which is the brain and spinal cord; and the peripheral nervous system, which covers the hands, arms, legs, feet, internal organs and face. Neuropathy, or peripheral neuropathy, is a term encompassing a number of disorders that affect the peripheral nervous system. Types of neuropathy include diabetic, idiopathic, drug-related, inflammatory and systemic or nutritional. Vitamin B-12 deficiency falls under the nutritional category.
Symptoms and Treatment
Peripheral neuropathy caused by a lack of vitamin B-12 may present symptoms such as numbness, tingling and pain in the extremities; the inability to walk; weakness; and a sensory loss. Several tests may show the extent of the damage, such as electromyography and a nerve conduction velocity test, as well as blood work to determine the level of B-12 in your system. Increasing dietary intake of foods high in vitamin B-12, such as red meat, eggs, dairy and dairy products, would be part of the treatment. Your doctor may also prescribe a vitamin B-12 supplement orally or by injection.
References
- University of Chicago Center for Peripheral Neuropathy: Learn About Peripheral Neuropathy
- Linus Pauling Institute; Vitamin B12; Jane Higdon, Ph.D.; March 2003
- "Annual Review of Nutrition"; Vitamin B12 deficiency in the elderly; H.W. Baik and R.M. Russell; 1999
- Center for Peripheral Neuropathy: Types of Peripheral Neuropathies
- Center for Peripheral Neuropathy: Nutritional/Vitamin Deficiency
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