Nerve Damage and Vitamin B12

[Rob Wilson]

Has anyone tried vitamin B12 for nerve damage or neuropathy? The internet mentions that it can regenrate the outer layer of the nerve (myelin sheath).

Thanks

[KBear]

I have never heard that; but very interesting. I had bloodwork done and I am Vitamin B12 deficient and am supposed to be taking a supplement; but haven't went back to the dr. to pick it up.

[Harrison]

Rob, see http://www.nutritionaltest.com/methyl.html

Please note that the OTC B12 is cyanocobalamin, less expensive than methylcobalamin -- which is thought to be "better."

[annapurna]

Laura was beginning to show some slowing of nerve impulses in her peripheral nerves and was told by Dr. Baumbach in Munich to take lots of B vitamins. The next test sequence, about 4-5 months later, showed some improvement.

[customsoda]

I haven't used B12 by itself, but do take a multivitamin/mineral that is very high dose. I take alpha lipoic acid for prevention of nerve pain. My wife read that it is prescribed in Germany for treatment of diabetic neuropathy and thought it might be good for me to take it as I am diabetic. She knew someone that it helped a lot last year. As far as we could find out, there are no side effects, so it was worth a try.

[Justin]

I take alpha lipoic acid for prevention of nerve pain. My wife read that it is prescribed in Germany for treatment of diabetic neuropathy and thought it might be good for me to take it as I am diabetic. She knew someone that it helped a lot last year. As far as we could find out, there are no side effects, so it was worth a try.

I don't mean to hijack this thread Rob, but customsoda you are right. There is peer-reviewed literature (double-blind studies) showing that alpha lipoic acid significantly reduces diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

-Justin