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What B Vitamin Helps the Pain of Diabetes Caused Neuropathy?

A promising study done in rats and published in 2009 in the European Journal of Pharmacology suggests that vitamin B12 may be effective in treating pain associated with diabetic neuropathy.

  1. What Is Vitamin B12?

    • Vitamin B12 is the only water-soluble vitamin that is able to be stored by the body. It is primarily stored in the liver.

    Function

    • Vitamin B12 is needed for healthy nerves, tissues and blood cells. Vitamin B12 deficiency can result in tingling and numb sensations in the extremities, which may not be reversible.

    Foods Containing Vitamin B12

    • Vitamin B12 is found naturally in meat and dairy products. Vegetarians should supplement their diets with synthetic vitamin B12, which is often found in fortified soy milk and cereals.

    Daily Needs

    • Adults need 2.4 micrograms of vitamin B12 daily; Americans typically consume 4 micrograms.

    Warning

    • The body's ability to absorb naturally occurring vitamin B12 from foods diminishes in people over the age of 50, due to a reduction in their stomach acid's ability to break down natural vitamin B12. Fortunately, the synthetic form does not need to be broken down by stomach acid, so those over age 50 should take supplements containing vitamin B12 to meet their needs.

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