Does Vitamin B-12 help with neuropathy?

Posted by Retired Teacher @retiredteacher, Jan 24, 2019

I have developed neuropathy in my feet----especially the soles. When I walk, it's like walking on shards of glass that are on fire. Several articles indicate that B-12 can help. I don't want to take any prescribed meds. I have Diabetes 2. This not being able to walk without intense pain has kept me from even walking the grocery store to buy groceries. Can anyone give me information about B-12 and foot neuropathy?
Thanks,
Carol

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@elained

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

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What you cause

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I take alpha lipoic acid caps one daily also B12 1000mcg no more. Magnesium at bedtime . It used to be worse! I had burning stabbing pain aching every day for a long time, now it is better, i very rarely have that pain now. I also use OTC mineral ice for pain. I hope this helps.

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My neuropathy has worsened gradually and I thought it was due to type 2 diabetes but I recently found that I am very low on D12 and will be having infusions. I’m told this may help. Have you had your B 12 level checked? I have stage four kidney disease.

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@judithaharding

My neuropathy has worsened gradually and I thought it was due to type 2 diabetes but I recently found that I am very low on D12 and will be having infusions. I’m told this may help. Have you had your B 12 level checked? I have stage four kidney disease.

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Just saw Neurologist and I am going for a Electromyography Test this week.
When I first went to see him, he told me to start B12... I have only been on it for a few weeks so dont notice anything... course I take pain pills for my arthritis, and nothing seems to help.... hope he has some suggestions after I take test.

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Hi, I have to hold on to a walker to walk anywhere. This is because I am off balance as I walk due to neuropathy. How many folks here use a walking aide?

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@fbell330

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

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Exactly. I went to urgent care because I had a cold. And the doctor asked what meds I’m taking which lead to why. He said - there’s an article he read that says B vitamins cause neuropathy. I’ve been taking B’s for many years. And I wonder if I’ve done this to myself. Idk. But not going to dwell. Moving forward. Needless to say I’ve stopped taking the B vitamins

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I've read articles about certain people being affected by B6 toxicity, but for most people it doesn't stay in the body that long. Most if not all articles state that it's virtually impossible to take too much B12 as the body absorbs so little of it, especially as you get older, as it doesn't break down in the digestive system as well. For neuropathy the research is beginning to point towards a form of B3, nicotinamide riboside. While the following article doesn't specifically address neuropathy, it does address possible benefits and safety concerns.
https://www.thorne.com/take-5-daily/article/a-mayo-clinic-doctor-answers-your-questions-about-nr

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My doc tested me for deficiency of B-12, and I have been tested many times since. A deficiency in older people IS more common. However, the Doctor's conclusion was that I am not deficient, therefore, additional B-12 will not help. I do take 500mcg, once per week just to be safe 🙂. Neuropathy really stinks!

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dose nerve savior really work

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@valec

Exactly. I went to urgent care because I had a cold. And the doctor asked what meds I’m taking which lead to why. He said - there’s an article he read that says B vitamins cause neuropathy. I’ve been taking B’s for many years. And I wonder if I’ve done this to myself. Idk. But not going to dwell. Moving forward. Needless to say I’ve stopped taking the B vitamins

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Recently went to Neurologist who put me on Vit B12 said I had a deficiency and have just started taking them. Interesting how one doc say one thing and one says another. Also started me on 25 mg. twice a day for a week of Sandoz Pregabalin, and after one week to change to 2 in morning and 2 at night the next week. Already been on same thing only 50 mg twice a day for some time. And have not done anything!!!!!Dont know what to think

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