Peripheral neuropathy, which is damage to nerves in hands and feet, can caused tingling, pain and numbness. Manufactures of a high-dose vitamin B supplement, Metanx, claim that this supplement can alleviate pain and improve sensations. In clinical studies it is found that Metanx has alleviated pain and relieved symptoms. The company states, "Metanx works by helping to boost the production of nitric oxide, which opens blood vessels and improves blood flow to peripheral nerves."
In this article it was reported in a study done for 20 weeks that patients who received Metanx and the others who received acetaminophen. 35% of the patients who took Metanx found a reduction in neuropathic pain and 12% found in those taking acetaminophen. This was not a blind study and it consisted of 97 patients who knew what supplement they were getting. A larger double blind study is underway right now.
If it is found that vitamin B helps in treating or preventing neuropathy it could be a big help for people that suffer from this disease. Diabetics are susceptible because of their poor blood supply to the extremities. I am interested to see what this larger study has to reveal about increased amounts of vitamin B.
The Wall Street Journal October 21, 2008
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