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Confused about daily dosage of B vitamins for helping neuropathy

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Posted 5/18/2024 12:24 AM (GMT 0)
Because I occasionally get some neuropathy, I've checked around and read in several places that B vitamins are helpful.

The problem is the dosage, especially on B-complex vitamins. Looking at the back labels, the daily percentages are often incredibly high. Some show 2,000+ DV! Others, things like 170%, etc.--much more than 100%.

I know that some B vitamins at too high a dosage can actually make things like neuropathy worse and do harm.

Does anyone have any insight on this? Do you know of a reliable brand?

Often times I see that they come in capsules, which, cut in half, might be closer to a daily recommended dosage, but would obviously be messy.
All in all, I guess I'd appreciate being educated in how to determine the best daily dosage and also a good brand to take. Thanks for any help! smile
Posted 5/20/2024 10:23 PM (GMT 0)
Luvs, I’d be very careful supplementing with B vitamins…especially B12. From what I’ve been reading it looks like it’s easy to overdose which would make things worse. I’ve seen that we usually get the B vitamins in what we eat.

I have tingling in my feet and hands. My hands I think is caused by carpal tunnel. The inside of my thumb, my index finger, middle finger and the inside of my ring finger get tingly. The pinky has no tingliness at all. This is typical for carpal tunnel. Also, if you squeeze where the hand meets the wrist, it’s usually somewhat tender too.

My feet I think is caused from my back issues. Remember, they are thinking fibro is more a neurological illness so it does affect the nerves. I do have total feeling in my feet along with the tingliness and that’s important. If you have neuropathy it can get where your feet become numb and that’s a real problem. I watch carefully because I’m diabetic. I met a woman who could not feel her feet at all! She was diabetic and did everything wrong including eating the wrong foods and plenty of sweets. That’s how she got that way. She could cut her foot, get an infection and not know it and that leads to amputation. So I am careful and watch the carbs.

I take a multiple vitamin for women over 50 and it has B vitamins in it. I suppose you could also try taking a B complex supplement and just follow the directions on the bottle. I think B complex have vitamins B1, B6, and B12 that helps with the tingly issue. But do bounce this off your doctor first. People get into trouble self-“medicating”. They could do blood work to see if you did need extra B vitamins too.

What I do to help the tingly feeling is watch not to eat too many refined carbohydrates and sweets. Also I move around and this helps too. I also take arthritis strength Tylenol and my methocarbamol and that helps. In researching this I discovered this…

“Most muscle relaxers act as central nervous system depressants and cause a sedative effect, or prevent your nerves from sending pain signals to your brain. Methocarbamol is a type of muscle relaxant that works by calming overactive nerves in your body. It treats muscle pain and stiffness.”

See if the methocarbamol and Tylenol helps you and don’t sit for really long times. I’m guilty of that. I get busy on the iPad and lose track of time.

I hope this will help you.

Sherrine
Posted 5/21/2024 11:33 AM (GMT 0)
Luvz:

When was the last time that your doctor checked your vitamin levels? Then ask your PCP for suggestions. I have good health insurance and I have my doctor prescribe the vitamins because I never know if I'm buying the correct ones.

Sharon
Posted 5/21/2024 2:04 PM (GMT 0)
When I started getting signs of nephropathy associated with my Lupus and/or Fibromyalgia, my rheumatologist suggested

Jarrow Formulas Maximum Strength Methyl B-12 5000 mcg, one daily

and I've been taking it ever since without the nephropathy progressing. It's been over 20 years now.
Posted 5/21/2024 4:13 PM (GMT 0)
I still maintain to check with your doctor before starting any supplements. They can check to see if you need them and then tell you how much you should take.

Sherrine
Posted 5/23/2024 10:32 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks so much, everyone. Those are all good things to consider!

I had my labs done last November. Since I have them done yearly, they seem to be fairly steady, not showing a great need for anything specific. But I'll have them checked once again at my next appointment. Thankfully, I have a great doctor who is very thorough and good about looking at any new needed therapies/changes.

I really appreciate all the help--thanks again!
Posted 5/23/2024 12:58 PM (GMT 0)
Luvzs, I have lab work every 6 months and, there for a few months, I was getting labs every 3 months. They cover a lot of things…but not vitamins. Before my lab work a few weeks ago I asked my doctor to check my vitamin D levels. I take a lot of it and wanted to make sure it wasn’t too much. I don’t absorb things well because of the Crohn’s disease I think. So he did check and my level was great so I know I can continue doing what I am doing.

This is why I suggest you get checked first. According to the Mayo Clinic the normal daily allotment of B12 is 2.4 mcg. That’s a far cry from the 5000 mcg dose Lynnwood is taking but her doctor is the one who prescribed it. She must have been quite low in B12. So please get it checked out so you will know for sure if you need extra B12. You don’t want to overdose on it.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-vitamin-b12/art-20363663

Sherrine
Posted 5/24/2024 12:26 AM (GMT 0)
Good idea, Sherrine! Yes, even vitamins can be quite scary at times. I'm always amazed at the high levels shown even in some multi-vitamins. I would guess most people wouldn't even be aware that it could be a problem. But, yes, it does depend on the person---so I agree--running it past my doctor would be the way to go.

Thanks again!
Posted 5/24/2024 2:55 PM (GMT 0)
Many vitamins are water-soluble, which basically means if you take "too much" it'll just be washed from your body in your urine. B12 is one of the water-soluble ones.

My dose of B12 is not to 'bring things up to a normal level', but to counteract depletion from my medical conditions.

I wouldn't necessarily take more than the RDA unless a Dr suggested/recommended it. Prescription vitamins are also available, but generally they cost more and Drs are happy with you taking an OTC version. (They often have brand recommendations available.)

Best wishes
Posted 5/25/2024 11:25 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks, Lynnwood.

Yes--I was sure surprised when doing a little research on the B vitamins--who knew some could quite easily become toxic while others are water-soluble. What a difference!

It seems so odd to me that, when reading the suggested daily amount on the back of the labels, it can go into the 'thousands percent.' I wonder how they determined that amount in the first place.

There seems to be a surprisingly big difference in each body as to requirements, and I suppose the percentages shown on labels (and elsewhere) are loose guidelines. I'll probably go the route of getting my levels tested again, just to see where I'm currently at with them. I would guess age is a factor in all this, too, and I'm sure not getting any younger. smile It can all be tricky to navigate.

Thanks again!
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