Does Vitamin B-12 help with neuropathy?

Hi @retiredteacher. While I can’t cite specific articles, in my experience neurologists look for a much higher daily level of B12 in your blood than a general practitioner does. They may suggest you take it as a supplement. Lack of B12 has been linked to certain neuropathies, I hope it brings you some relief.

I take B-12 and have same problem with my feet feels like there is pieces of bone chips in them when you try to walk but unless your B-12 level is low it will not change things. Have your levels checked sometimes our B-12 levels get low in our bodies and if your are then oh yes it will help.

Hi Carol @retiredteacher, Vitamin B12 is one of the supplements I take for my small fiber peripheral neuropathy. It's not a cure but helps relieve some of the symptoms for me. Here are some articles that may help provide a little more information.

B Vitamins for Neuropathy and Neuropathic Pain
-- https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/b-vitamins-for-neuropathy-and-neuropathic-pain-2376-1318-1000161.php?aid=90896

NIH - Nutritional Neuropathies
-- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4199287/

For me b-12 made things worse. Make sure you have your levels checked. To much b-12 can aggravate the nerves.

Hi @fbell330, That's interesting, I've never heard of B12 doing anything to aggrevate the nerves and have never seen any research or data showing it can be harmful. I know each of us are different in how we absorb different vitamins and minerals and that could account for problems or conditions. I am interested in learning more if you can point me to some references on why B12 made things worse for you. Thank you...John

Hello John. Thank you for sharing these articles. Very helpful! Can you share information on other supplements you are taking for PN?

Hi @vilee, here's the link to my story posted earlier on Connect. The post describes my search and what I found that helps me. Also has links to the page where I get the protocol of supplements I take.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/anyone-here-dealing-with-peripheral-neuropathy/?pg=42#comment-65985

I took very high doses of a particular formulation of B vitamin called Methyl B (from Jarrow) for almost two years, starting in 2012-2013. There had been some studies showing nerve regeneration from treatment with this B Vitamin.

I understood this 'treatment' without medical supervision, on my own, after discussion with others who had heard of possible positive results.

I had absolutely no improvement, and in fact continued to deteriorate from atrophy of my lower legs and general weakness and instability.

I did not have a deficiency of Vitamin B in blood tests, prior to this experiment. In fact, I never had deficiency in any vitamin.

So this is what I found in my own experience with Vitamin B therapy.

Regards, ElaineD

I too worry about muscle atrophy and loss. I've picked up a little more on the exercise to help and I'm still working on improving my eating habits. I eat fairly healthy but I do have my days. Lots of info out there on helping with the muscle atrophy but I have to believe it boils down to enough protein and regular exercise of some sort.
https://nuts.com/healthy-eating/preventing-muscle-degeneration

Interesting, John. I cannot 'walk' in the normal sense, but I spend about an hour on the NU-STEP several times a week. I also exercise in the water, tho' i know that won't affect the atrophy.

I believe that my muscle atrophy is primarily caused by denervation. Two of the primary nerves in my lowers legs are completely non-responsive in an EMG and the third is severely damaged.

First EMG 2010:

INTERPRETATION:
1. PROFOUND AXONAL NEUROPATHY: RIGHT AND LEFT PERONEAL AND TIBIAL NERVES.
2. PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY: RIGHT AND LEFT PERONEAL AND TIBIAL NERVES.
3. RIGHT AND LEFT SURAL NERVE NEUROPATHY

QUOTE Denervated muscles atrophy rapidly. Neurogenic atrophy is faster and more complete than disuse atrophy, although these types may be difficult to differentiate in some patients.

This quote is from Science Direct. Because I'm new I cannot include links in my posts.

QUOTE: Axonal degenerative polyneuropathies tend to produce weakness along with muscle atrophy, but atrophy is much less conspicuous in segmental demyelinating polyneuropathies because in these disorders the axon remains in continuity with the muscle, preventing denervation atrophy. The most common symptom in polyneuropathy is weakness in dorsiflexion of the feet at the ankles. This can result in a partial or complete foot drop that typically causes the feet to slap while walking and predisposes the patient to stumble and fall when the toes catch on an uneven surface.

This quote is from the Cleveland Clinic. I cannot post the link.