Your peripheral nerves carry information to and from your brain to your spinal cord and the rest of your body. Neuropathy -- often called peripheral neuropathy -- is a condition in which your nerves are not functioning properly. This is often the result of diabetes, arthritis, poor blood flow, chronic kidney disease or an underactive thyroid gland. Treatment may include controlling your blood pressure, surgery, therapy, stopping alcohol use or changing your medications. Vitamins may also be able to help with your neuropathy.
Vitamin B-6
Part of the vitamin B complex -- a group of eight B vitamins that help metabolize food into energy sources that can be used by your body -- vitamin B-6 helps your nerves conduct proper impulses. Also known as pyridoxine, "The Vitamin Book" indicates that a lack of this vitamin may be linked to peripheral neuropathy in diabetics, patients with cancer and those who suffer from alcoholism. A 50 to 300 mg dose of vitamin B-6 is often given to help alleviate the symptoms of neuropathy -- including pain, numbness, muscle problems, organ damage, bladder problems and excessive sweating. Vitamin B-6 can also be found in a number of food sources, including whole grains, seafood, poultry, meat, eggs, dairy, beans, peas and green vegetables.
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12 is another vitamin that makes up the vitamin B complex. "The Vitamin Book" indicates that diabetics, as well as alcoholics, often have a lack of vitamin B-12 in throughout the body. A vitamin B-12 deficiency can lead to numbness and tingling of the extremities, which is a very common symptom associated with peripheral neuropathy. Vitamin B-12 injections can often treat this problem. This vitamin can be supplemented or found in a number of food sources. Yogurt, cereal, liver, clams and beef all contain vitamin B-12.
Vitamin B-1
Vitamin B-1, also referred to as thiamine, is a vitamin that alcoholics are typically deficient in, according to "The Vitamin Book." A poor diet coupled with a lack of thiamine can cause extreme pain in individuals who suffer from neuropathy. A lack of vitamin B-1 can also cause extreme pain for diabetics. Vitamin B-1 typically helps the body break down sugar; without it diabetics can experience unstable blood-sugar levels. This vitamin can be supplemented or consumed through a well-balanced diet. Food sources include dairy products, whole grains, meats, poultry and leafy, green vegetables.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that plays can important role in protecting your body's tissues from damage from free radicals and environmental pollutants such as smoke. Vitamin E is also important in helping your body to maintain strong, healthy nerves. Vitamin E is often given as a supplement to help maintain nerve function in patients who've been given strong chemotherapy drugs. Drugs designed to destroy cancer cells can also destroy nerves, causing cancer patients to experience the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. Vitamin E can also be found in a number of foods, including whole grains, eggs yolks, nuts, seeds, wheat germ, green vegetables and canola oil.
References
- "The Vitamin Book"; Harold M. Silverman, et al.; 1999
- Medline Plus: Peripheral Neuropathy; April 2011
