Peripheral neuropathy is a result of nerve damage. Side effects include numbness in the feet and hands. While diabetes is one of the most prevalent causes of peripheral neuropathy, other causes can include infections, metabolic disorders, infections or exposure to toxins. Vitamin D plays a role in preventing peripheral neuropathy because of its immune boosting benefits and ability to help ward off chronic diseases that lead to nerve damage.
Sources
The main source of vitamin D is sunlight. Few dietary sources exist; though egg yolks, cod liver oil and salmon are effective food sources of vitamin D. Many food products are fortified with additional D, including fortified cereals and milk. To prevent rickets, a vitamin-D-deficiency-related disease that causes weak and soft bones, milk producers began adding vitamin D to milk in the 1930s. Vitamin D supplements are another source of the nutrient and usually are included with calcium supplements.
Diet
While a well-rounded diet is important for overall health and disease prevention, nerve problems usually are associated with vitamin B12 deficiencies, according to the Mayo Clinic. Fortified cereals and milk that also contain vitamin D are effective sources of B12 as well. Fruits, vegetables, meat and whole grains also provide you with sufficient vitamin B12 to help prevent peripheral neuropathy.
Effects
Vitamin D enhances the uptake of important minerals in your body, including calcium and magnesium. It is an antioxidant that protects you against nerve damage and reduces lipid, or fat, production that can interfere with healthy nerve transmission. Vitamin D increases the synthesis of insulin in your body, according to the Worldwide Health Center. Adequate vitamin D levels can protect you from developing Type 2 diabetes, a major contributor to peripheral nerve damage. A vitamin D deficiency may be mistakenly diagnosed as peripheral nerve disease and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Risks
When your body is deficient in vitamin D, you are at risk for developing a host of problems that can lead to peripheral neuropathy. Nerve tissues are highly susceptible to damage from conditions that interfere with your body's ability to turn nutrients into energy, manage cell regeneration and remove waste products. Trauma to bones weakened from a lack of vitamin D increases the risk of trapping a nerve and causing damage. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, broken bones cause pressure on surrounding nerves and compress the nerve fibers that cause the pain and discomfort of neuropathies. While 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes have some level of nerve damage, other conditions that put you at risk for developing peripheral neuropathy include alcoholism, cancer, kidney failure, repetitive stress and autoimmune disorders.
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