A deficiency in B-12 for long enough can lead to damage that isn't reversible, with symptoms like neuropathy occurring. While there is no known cure for B-12 neuropathy, B-12 can be used as a part of neuropathy treatment to help ensure you maintain nerve function.
Once you begin treating your vitamin B12 deficiency, it can take up to six to 12 months to fully recover.
It's fast-acting, efficient, and leads to improvement in patient recovery within just a couple of sessions. The required doses of Vitamin B12 for neuropathy in adults are: 1000mcg daily over five days. 1000mcg weekly over five weeks.
Application of vitamin B complex or vitamin B 12 has been shown to increase the number of Schwann cells and myelinated nerve fibers and the diameter of axons, and thereby promote the regeneration of myelinated nerve fibers and the proliferation of Schwann cells (Lopatina et al., 2011).
Long-term vitamin B12 deficiency can cause nerve damage. This may be permanent if you do not start treatment within 6 months of when your symptoms begin. Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia most often responds well to treatment. It will likely get better when the underlying cause of the deficiency is treated.
Peripheral neuropathy is the most common presentation of vitamin B12 deficiency. Depending upon the type of nerve involved, it may present as pain, numbness, tingling, loss of sensation, decreased motor activity, or decreased muscle mass.
B vitamins are known for their ability to support healthy nervous system function. Vitamins B-1, B-6, and B-12 have been found to be especially beneficial for treating neuropathy. Vitamin B-1, also known as thiamine, helps to reduce pain and inflammation and vitamin B-6 preserves the covering on nerve endings.
B12 injections work quickly; they are the most effective way for your body to absorb Vitamin B12. Within 48 to 72 hours, your body will begin to make new red blood cells. For mild deficiencies, you may need two to three injections over several weeks to notice peak impact.
To much b-12 can aggravate the nerves. For me b-12 made things worse. Make sure you have your levels checked. To much b-12 can aggravate the nerves.
How do I know the nerve is recovering? As your nerve recovers, the area the nerve supplies may feel quite unpleasant and tingly. This may be accompanied by an electric shock sensation at the level of the growing nerve fibres; the location of this sensation should move as the nerve heals and grows.
Tingling hands or feet
In the nervous system, vitamin B-12 helps produce a substance called myelin. Myelin is a protective coating that shields the nerves and helps them transmit sensations. People who are vitamin B-12 deficient may not produce enough myelin to coat their nerves.
Naturally occurring, it is found in animal-based foods such as meat, fish, milk and eggs so Methylcobalamin B12 is readily available in many people's daily diets. It is the most active form of Vitamin B12 and is used mainly in the liver, brain and nervous system.
B12 Injection (Cyanocobalamin)
In cases of nerve damage such as neuralgia, neuritis, Morton's neuroma, and peripheral neuropathy, injections of a concentrated B12 dose directly surrounding the affected nerve has been shown to promote nerve regeneration and diminish pathologic nerve pain.
If your vitamin B12 deficiency is not caused by a lack of vitamin B12 in your diet, you'll usually need to have an injection of hydroxocobalamin every 2 to 3 months for the rest of your life.
B12 may decrease ectopic nerve firing, which could explain why it helps alleviate painful symptoms [14].
Magnesium ion can promote peripheral nerve repair by inhibiting inflammation.
Magnesium decreases nerve pain. Clinical experience, as well as research in nerve pain conditions such as pancreatic cancer, has shown that magnesium can be an effective treatment for pain.
A study published in Nutrients of people undergoing chemotherapy found that people who had high levels of magnesium in their diet were less likely to experience neuropathy.
Your body absorbs only as much as it needs, and any excess passes through your urine. High doses of vitamin B-12, such as those used to treat a deficiency, might cause: Headache. Nausea and vomiting.
When it comes to the issue of vitamin B12 vs B complex, both types of vitamins are crucial. If you're lacking B12, consume more of it via supplements or food. If you're lacking vitamin B in general, consider B complex vitamins instead. Overall, both vitamins are essential nutrients.
There are certain foods that also need a cut-down in case of vitamin B12 deficiency. “Some foods and drinks can interfere with vitamin B complex intake like alcohol, caffeine and processed foods, etc should be avoided completely,” Shah added.