Bell's palsy is temporary paralysis of muscles of one side of the face due to trauma or damage to facial nerves. Bell's palsy is mainly caused by herpes simplex virus, which also causes cold sores and genital herpes. Bell's palsy normally occurs in pregnant women and in people who have diabetes and upper respiratory infections. B vitamins may help prevent Bell's palsy.
Bell's Palsy and B Vitamins
Vitamin B-12 and vitamin B-6 are B-complex vitamins that are important in preventing Bell's palsy, according to MayoClinic.com. Vitamins B-12 and B-6 help promote healthy nerve growth and also maintain proper neurological functioning. Patients who lack vitamin B-12 and B-6 are more likely to suffer from nerve damage. Permanent neurological damage may occur in patients with severe B-12 and B-6 deficiency.
Sources of Vitamin B-12
Patients with Bell's palsy can obtain vitamin B-12 from foods or supplements. The recommended daily dietary intake of vitamin B-12 is 2.4 mcg for adults, according to MedlinePlus. Vitamin B-12 is naturally only found in animal foods such as red meat; organ meats such as liver, heart and kidneys; fish; eggs; chicken; turkey; and dairy products. B-12 is also added to fortified breads and cereals.
Sources of Vitamin B-6
Vitamin B-6, also known as pyridoxine, is a water-soluble vitamin, which means that the body does not store the vitamin. Regular consumption of vitamin B-6 rich foods is important in preventing Bell's palsy. The recommended daily dietary intake of vitamin B-6 is 1.3 mg for adults, according to MedlinePlus. Vitamin B-6 can be obtained from foods such as fortified cereals, milk, cheese, liver, meat, eggs, fish, whole grain breads, flour, green leafy vegetables and brewer's yeast.
Symptoms of Bell's Palsy
Symptoms of Bell's palsy include numbness on the affected side of the face, twitching or stiffness of one side of the face, face drooping, drooling, trouble closing one eye, dry eye or excessive tearing of the eye, headache, ear pain, hearing sounds louder in one ear, loss of taste in the affected part of the tongue, changes in the amounts of saliva, and difficulties eating and speaking, according to MayoClinic.com.
