Does Vitamin B-12 help with neuropathy?

Hi @bulgebattler, The only information I've seen or read is about B12 deficiency and the need to monitor for it. But I did find an interesting article on the possibility of too much B12. I have no medical training or background but the way I read the article is high levels of B12 are not toxic but if you have high levels it can indicate other health issues.

B12 deficiency related:

Indicators for assessing folate and vitamin B-12 status and for monitoring the efficacy of intervention strategies
-- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3142735/
Expert recommends annual monitoring, injections of vitamin B12 for long-term metformin users
-- https://www.healio.com/hematology-oncology/news/print/hemonc-today/%7B01b7451f-5f04-4de5-a97d-aac607bc3f21%7D/expert-recommends-annual-monitoring-injections-of-vitamin-b12-for-long-term-metformin-users

And there's this one that talks about the possibility of too much B12 and why:
Are You Overdoing It On The B12?
-- http://www.phlabs.com/are-you-overdoing-it-on-the-b12

Much appreciated. I will read those articles as well as continue to research

My B12 level was greater than 1500 on a scale of 123-720 in 2012. At that time I was taking very large doses of the Vitamin B12 called Methylcobalamin (Methyl B12).

I was hoping Methylcobalamin (Methyl B12) would cause healing of my damaged nerves. I took a very large dose several times a day for nearly two years. I had no improvement. And I had no negative side effects from the large dose.

However, I understand that there can be problems for people who also have kidney problems, particularly diabetic neuropathic kidney disease, (since excess Vitamin B is excreted through the kidneys). By the way, I had NO idea neuropathic kidney disease existed!
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/too-much-vitamin-b12
My neuropathies aren't caused by a Vitamin deficiency, so it makes sense that extra Vitamins can't really help.

I have hated my neuropathy, I have struggled against it, I have sorrow and I have grieved. Now I have some level of acceptance (I hope), and fortunately I have reasonable relief of pain. But I must take my medication (gabapentin) regularly or the burning returns.

Thank goodness for the medications that give me relief.

Regards, ElaineD

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The foot drop symptoms you mentioned are new to me.. I didn't know that was affecting me, just that when I get tired from walking my feet sorta slap along and I find myself taking small steps.. Guess I'd better mention this to my doctor next time.. Thanks for including the information about it.. I'll check out the Cleveland Clinic's info, too..

My Dr. prescribed me B12, Bcomplex. But I also take lyrica 75mg 3 times a day plus a tramadol at night. Try B12 and B Complex nothing to loose. I also purchase neurophaty / diabetic socks from OrthoFeet , They are very soft, 3 pairs for $21 dollars. I wish you well.

A few years ago my doctor suggested I take a B12 supplement because my levels were a bit low. Nothing to worry about, he said, he just didn't want to see it get lower. So I purchased some B12 supplements off the shelf at a drug store and took 2 tablets per day (of a possible maximum of 4).

About 3 months ago another blood test showed my B12 levels at 1176, which is almost twice the highest value within range. Dr. Google took me to some very dark places when I looked that up, but both my GP and my Neurologist were completely disinterested in my concerns and told me not to worry about it - but to discontinue the B12 supplements.

My B12 levels - from 'a bit low' to 'above normal' - made zero difference in the amount of pain I have experienced or in the steady progress of my SFN.

Just wondered if you tried Bishop's Facebook protocol. It would be nice to know how many people have shown improvements on the protocol. It recommends high doses of a lot of supplements.

I thought B-12 was water soluble and not a problem if you ingested too much. B-6 creates problems but I have not read about adverse reactions to too much B-12.

As a new member I am unable to post links here, but if you do a Google search you will find info about high levels of B12. I must admit - it caused me some degree of angst, and I was not comforted by my doctors' casual denial of anything to be concerned about.

@jager5210 -- minor correction to "...tried Bishop's Facebook protocol." It's really not my protocol but rather the protocol from the Facebook group Solutions to the Pain & Discomfort of Peripheral Neuropathy - http://www.facebook.com/groups/spnpd that I take. ☺ I just didn't want anyone to get the wrong idea that I created this list of supplements because I didn't.

My B12 levels have been way up there also with zero ill effects since I've been taking the protocol (3+ years) but I have no medical training or background and there could be certain conditions where high levels of B12 could be a problem. If I had a concern, I would definitely discuss it with my doctor.