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Associated Data
1. B Vitamins For Neuropathy
B vitamins are useful in treating neuropathy since they support healthy nervous system function. Supplementation should include vitamin B1 (thiamine and benfotiamine), B6, and B12. You may choose to take these separately instead of as a B complex.
Benfotiamine is like vitamin B1, which is also known as thiamine. A deficiency in vitamin B12 is one cause of peripheral neuropathy. B vitamins may also be useful in relieving pain and inflammation.
The results of studies showing the benefit of benfotiamine in treating neuropathy have been mixed. It was shown to decrease pain and improve the condition. But a small 2012 study found that people with type 1 diabetes who took 300 milligrams per day of benfotiamine showed no significant improvements in nerve function or inflammation.
People took the supplement for 24 months. Further studies are needed to expand upon these findings. It’s also important to examine the effects of benfotiamine in combination with other B vitamins.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Vitamin B12 deficiency is common in the United States, especially among the elderly. It is estimated that between 10% and 25% of the people over 80 years of age may have a B12 deficiency. There are several causes of B12 deficiency.
These include autoimmune diseases, pernicious or unexplained anemia, pancreatic diseases, ileal resection, Crohn’s disease, HIV infection, gastritis, gastric or small intestine surgeries, malabsorption syndromes, multiple sclerosis, and use of histamine2 receptor antagonists or proton pump inhibitors. A lack of vitamin B12 can cause serious anemia, nerve damage and degeneration of the spinal cord. A lack of B12 damages the myelin sheath that surrounds and protect nerves.