Neuropathy and Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Neuropathy is a general term used for any of the nerve disorder.



Most of the nerve disorders are associated with paralysis and severe weakness. Nerve disorders are broadly classified as peripheral neuropathy and autonomic neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy is a nerve disorder that involves damage to the peripheral nerve whereas autonomic neuropathy involves damage to nerves belonging to the central nervous system, a system that controls the basic functions of the human body.

Nerve damage occurs as a result of degeneration of outer sheathing or myelin of nerve. The principal causes of neuropathy are vitamin deficiency, heredity, diabetes, nerve compression, physical trauma, vascular disorder, use of medications, exposure to toxic substances, radiation therapy and chemo therapy. All these factors tend to reduce the oxygen transportation to the nerves, and this deprivation of oxygen leads to nerve damage or disorder.

Vitamin B12 is the most essential nutrient for the nervous system. A deficiency of this vitamin can lead to peripheral neuropathy, nerve disorder that results in faulty communication between brain and spinal cord. Deficiency of Vitamin B12 is a result of inadequate diet, strict vegetarian diet, inability of stomach acids to help in absorption, use of drugs and certain other health ailments like pancreatic disease, autoimmune disease and pernicious anemia.

This deficiency results in damage of myelin sheath covering the nerves and hampers the normal functioning of the nerves that work as a vital communication gateway between brain and the spinal cord. Individuals suffering from Vitamin B12 neuropathy show signs of weakness, twitching, pain, numbness, muscle cramps, burning and tingling. These symptoms greatly depend on whether the nerves damaged are motor, sensory or autonomic. If motor nerves are damaged, the symptoms include muscle weakness, painful cramps and bone degeneration whereas damage to sensory nerves show signs of numbness and over sensitized skin.



Symptoms of autonomic nerve damage depend on the organs affected. The most common symptoms include inability to sweat, loss of bladder control, loss of muscle control and gastrointestinal symptoms including diarrhea, constipation and incontinence.

Vitamin E and Vitamin B6 also play a vital role in regulating the normal functions of the nervous system. Deficiency of Vitamin E often leads to neuron degeneration, mainly peripheral axons and posterior column neurons whereas Vitamin B6 deficiency results in faulty nerve cell communication, eventually leading to various neurological conditions.

To prevent neuropathy, vitamin deficiency has to be curbed or treated using various vitamin supplements.

Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency:

Vitamin B 12 is one of the many different types of Vitamin B. A deficiency of this vitamin means that your body does not have enough of this vitamin and could lead to anemia.  B12 is needed to make red blood cells which carry oxygen through the body. Symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency in women include pale skin, feeling weak, tired or constipated, a sore or red tongue or bleeding gums, diarrhea, and weight loss. Nerve cell damage can occur if the B12 levels stay low for a long period of time. Depression, dementia, numbness in the fingers and toes are some of the other symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency. Symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency in children include pallor, vomiting, abdominal pain, edema and irritability.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency Treatment:

When affected by the symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency one should know that there are chances of a good recovery if vitamin B12 deficiency treatment is started early. Vitamin B plays an important role in cell metabolism and also helps the brain and nervous system to function well. This vitamin is required for the normal growth and functioning of the body. Vitamin B12 deficiency treatment depends on the cause and symptoms of the problem.



Visit a doctor as soon as possible for good and effective Vitamin B12 deficiency treatment. If you are suffering from a mild deficiency, oral treatment will be subscribed. If the deficiency leads to anemia that is severe, a blood transfusion may be recommended. Treatment may not be able to correct the damage done to the nerve and brain cells.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency Causes:

Vitamin B12 deficiency causes range from alcohol abuse to improper intake of the vitamin in one’s diet. Other Vitamin B12 deficiency causes include:-

• A medical condition which could be responsible for the deficiency. This is when the body cannot absorb B12 due to the lack of intrinsic factor.

• Side effects of certain drugs.

• In rare cases, due to hereditary conditions such as deficiency of transcobalamin and homocystinuria.

• Certain infectious diseases like a tapeworm infection.

• A surgery that removes part of the small intestine where Vitamin B12 is absorbed.

• Decreased stomach acidity.

Vitamin B12 Supplements:

Vitamin B12 supplements have several benefits for the body, but some side effects as well. The benefits of taking Vitamin B12 supplements are that the vitamin helps to bring about a balance in the body. This vitamin helps to regulate the formation of red blood cells; it increases and maintains energy levels in the body as well. There are not too many side effects and these will only occur if the supplements are not taken as prescribed. Excessive use of these supplements can cause insomnia, heart palpitations, low blood pressure, nausea, headaches, and depression and so on.





Sources of Vitamin B12:

There are many sources of vitamin B12 for vegans. These include cheese (Swiss, Mozzarella, Feta, and Parmesan), eggs, whey powder; yeast extract spreads like Marmite, and milk and yogurt. Food sources of vitamin B12 are liver, beef, scallops, salmon, shrimp, tuna, miso, tofu, caviar, oysters and so on. It is essential to have adequate intake of this vitamin as a deficiency could lead to serious problems like nerve damage and anemia.

Vitamin B12 Complex:

There are 8 vitamins that make up the vitamin B and B12 complex is one of them. Vitamin B complex refers to all the essential water soluble vitamins except for vitamin C. This vitamin has several health benefits, more so if taken by injection instead of gels, tablets or liquids. This is due to the fact that the digestive system, enzymes and stomach acids attack the vitamins in when taken in the form of tablets and so on. When taken by injection, there is a higher rate of absorption and better results.

Vitamin B12 Energy:

Vitamin B12 is also known as the energy vitamin because it given one a boost of energy. It helps speed up metabolism and is often recommended to remedy fatigue. This vitamin can be taken in supplement form and is found in energy drinks as well.



This is an essential vitamin which has many roles to play – maintain the nervous system, helps in the formation of red blood cells and with brain functions as well.

Foods High in Vitamin B12:

Vitamin B12 and folic acid are needed for growth and for the body to function. Foods that are rich in folic acid include meat (liver is the best source), kidney, egg yolks, dried beans, almonds, nuts, soya products and so on. Iron is essential for the creation of hemoglobin. It is found naturally in foods such as spinach, beef, broccoli, poultry, and lamb and so on. Foods rich in Vitamin B12 are whole eggs, dairy products, beef, and chicken among others.

Peripheral Neuropathy:

There could be a number of causes for peripheral neuropathy. Some of them are vitamin deficiencies, infections, autoimmune diseases, inherited disorders, trauma or pressure on the nerve, alcoholism, tumors, exposures to poisons and other diseases (like liver disease, kidney disease, or hypothyroidism).

Autonomic Neuropathy:

Autonomic neuropathy is a form of peripheral neuropathy. It is a group of symptoms that occur when there is damage to the nerves that regulate vital functions like blood pressure, heart rate, digestion and so on. Causes of autonomic include abnormal protein build up, diabetes, alcoholism, chronic illnesses like Parkinson’s disease, autoimmune diseases, injury to the nerves and multiple system atrophy among others.

Peripheral Neuropathy Symptoms:

Peripheral neuropathy symptoms in feet include abnormal sensations, pain or tingling in your feet. You may find yourself stumbling and finding it harder to walk, and may even have to drag yourself up the stairs.



This feeling may spread to your legs and hands. Some people even feel like they are wearing invisible socks. A burning sensation or a sharp jabbing electric like pain and extreme sensitivity to touch are other symptoms. 

Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment:

There are many options available for peripheral neuropathy treatment. If the underlying cause is treated, neuropathy often heals on its own. It is important to find the best option that will work for you. These include pain relievers, lidocaine patch, anti seizure medications, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), anti depressants. Certain lifestyle changes may be required as well.

Neuropathy Pain Relief:

There are many natural ways to get pain relief from neuropathy. Regular exercise helps to reduce blood sugar levels thereby relieving one of pain. Ensure that your feet are covered always. Wearing cotton socks or soft padded shoes helps as well. Massaging the feet improves circulation and reduces the pain as well.