Narcolepsy is a serious condition that can be dangerous if left untreated. Medications can help control symptoms of narcolepsy, but vitamins may encourage general nervous system health. While all B vitamins are important for proper nervous system functioning, B-12 is a main vitamin in keeping these cells healthy. If you have narcolepsy, talk with your doctor about whether vitamin B-12 may benefit you.
About Vitamin B-12
All the B vitamins help the body convert food to energy, including vitamin B-12, or cobalamin. This B vitamin also helps make RNA and DNA, aids in maintaining healthy nerve cells and, with folate, helps control the production of red blood cells and encourages iron utilization. Folate and B-12 also produce S-adenosylmethionine, also called SAMe, which affects mood and the immune system. We typically get the B-12 we need through our diets, but those who are vegetarian or who have certain intestinal conditions may be slightly deficient. Without enough B-12, you may experience symptoms like diarrhea, anxiety, numbness and tingling in the toes and feet and fatigue.
About Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is more than simply falling asleep often; it is a chronic central nervous system disorder. In narcolepsy, the brain cannot maintain adequate sleep and wake cycles, leading to multiple episodes of sudden sleep. A narcoleptic cannot control the urge to sleep and may also have loss of voluntary muscle tone, called cataplexy, hallucinations at sleep onset and short occurrences of paralysis. At night, these individuals may have restless sleep. There is no cure for this condition, but treatments like central nervous system stimulants, certain antidepressant drugs and sedatives can help manage symptoms.
Effects of B-12 on Narcolepsy
A 1997 study by Honda et al., published in "Neuroreport," found that when vitamin B-12 was given intravenously into the brain of narcoleptic dogs, it made the dogs' cataplexy worse but improved REM sleep. There is a lack of information on the effects of vitamin B-12 on narcolepsy, especially in humans. If you suffer from general fatigue, talk with your doctor about a possible B-12 deficiency. Taking vitamin B-12 can help promote nerve cell health, which is important when you have a central nervous system disorder.
Considerations
Though B-12 is available in supplements, good dietary sources include fish, dairy products, beef, pork and other animal products. If you choose to take a supplement, talk with your doctor first to see if it is safe and appropriate for you to use. Do not stop any of your narcolepsy medications; vitamin B-12 is not a treatment for the condition. This vitamin can interact with other medications, so tell your doctor about all other supplements and drugs you are taking, to avoid adverse side effects.
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