Vitamin B12 and Neuropathy

Go to http://www.peoplespharmacy.com and you will see an article on this subject. I don't know if it works but it is easy enough to try, they do offer other things and discourage the usual prescription pills. I have found relief with Neurapathy cream from Amazon and it is called that by name. It is worth a try for about $20. It has helped me.

Hi @maryv449,

You may be right about the link between low vitamin B12 levels and neuropathy. Like most vitamins, B12 can’t be made by the body. Our bodies need vitamin B12 to make red blood cells, DNA, and carry out other functions. So, we have to get it from food or supplements.

Here are 2 recent journal articles that might interest you:
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324265.php
- https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1152670-overview#showall

@retiredteacher Hi Carol, it's Lori. Yes, low B12 can definitely cause Peripheral Neuropathy. When I was first diagnosed 2 years ago, my B12 was very low, but still within a normal range, so at least 5 doctors of mine did not catch it. Finally, last week, my neuro nurse actually checked the numbers, not just that I was in a low normal range. She said that with neuropathy, my b12 should be at least at a 400, but mine is at about 200. Monday, I start a week of B12 shots, followed by a tapering of shots. Sadly, I doubt they will help, because the damage is done. Had this been caught 2 years ago, maybe. I doubt now. Check your B12 numbers. Like I said, the number should be at least 400 with a person who has neuropathy. Good luck....Lori

@lorirenee1 Thanks so much. I am taking liquid daily and read the articles that said low B-12 can cause neuropathy. I have an appointment with my endo in two weeks, and since I am a diabetic 2, I am going to ask him about it and see what he says. The last time when the pain was mild, he wanted to put me on a medication, but I avoid prescriptions because of the side effects. I will have him check my numbers and see what happens.
I eat very little meat; I'm almost a vegetarian, so I'm probably not getting the red meat and other protein that gives the body B-12.
Thanks for the post.
Carol

I thought that I had neuropathy in my feet for the last 10 years, but then my primary doctor mentioned to me that I might not have enough blood flow to my legs and feet ! I had an ultrasound done on my legs a I don't have enough blood flow to my legs and feet ! I go next Monday to have an angiogram done on my legs to see if there are any blockages in my legs !

@retiredteacher, I am also a retired teacher! Just curious, what were your symptoms? Same as most of us? Tingling, numbness, burning, stabbing needles etc.? Hmmmm perhaps a cause for my supposed 'idiopathic' neuropathy. I can’t buy that....fine one day and within a month wanting morphine for the awful burning!

Re: B12 supplementation. My Dr. said get the sublingual kind, it didn’t cure my neuropathy but my blood levels are now in an acceptable range. Solgar sublingual methylcobalamin 1000 mcg. Is what I get from Amazon. One per day

Unfortunately B12 deficiency can cause irreversible damage when not caught and corrected early enough. It's a very dangerous deficiency which I was never informed or educated about until it was too late. Now, I live in an altered state of nerve damage which has recreated my life. Wish I had known before but now that I do, I tell everyone I can to spread the word and have your level checked!

I am so sorry that you are going through this, I am in the same boat. The burning feet is the worst pain but sore finger tips are no picnic either. The vitamin B12 is helping somewhat but, i may have started too late too.

@retired teacher Carol, Best of luck at the doctor. If you are almost vegetarian, it definitely could explain low B12. But I think that once the damage is done, it is done. I am starting B12 injections next week, but I doubt they will help. I would be amazed if they do. Lori Renee