Nutritional neuropathies are diseases of the peripheral nerves that develop as a result of the lack of certain vitamins and nutrients. Although neuropathies are associated with diseases such as diabetes or hereditary diseases, malnutrition is a major and often overlooked cause. Nerves depend on some vitamins, like B12, B6 and vitamin E for their proper functioning and for the process of repairing. When the body is depleted of these important nutrients, nerve cells can be destroyed, resulting in pain, tingling, weakness, and sometimes, permanent injury.
Nutritional neuropathies can be attributed to poor diet, chronic alcoholism, or diseases that interfere with nutrient absorption. For example, patients with gastrointestinal diseases like Crohn’s disease or celiac disease can have malabsorption of vitamins and therefore are at a higher risk of developing neuropathic signs. Also, other restrictive diets like the vegan diets, if not supplemented, will lead to vitamin deficiencies that over time will affect the health of the nerves.
Nutritional neuropathies can be prevented by a proper diet containing vitamins and minerals and supplementation when needed. It is therefore important to be able to identify the early symptoms of nerve damage and also to ensure that the body is receiving all the nutrients it needs for proper nerve function. It is important to control diseases that influence nutrient intake and avoid factors that harm the nervous system, including alcoholism, in order to avoid chronic consequences of these deficiencies.
The primary causes of nutritional neuropathies include:
Vitamin B Deficiencies
Vitamin B complex is essential in the health of our nerves, especially vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), and vitamin B12 (cobalamin). These vitamins are required for normal conduction of impulses through nerves, formation of myelin sheath that is a protective covering of nerve fibers, and other nerve functions. Deficiencies in these vitamins can lead to various types of neuropathies:
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): Thiamine deficiency results in a disease called beriberi that impacts the nervous system and may result in peripheral neuropathy. This usually leads to weakness, pains and tingling sensations in the limbs of the affected individuals. Alcoholism also leads to thiamine deficiency through inadequate diet among the chronic alcoholics.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): Even though vitamin B6 is critical for nerve health, both deficiency and toxicity of this vitamin can lead to neuropathy. Deficiency may cause irritability, depression, and nervous disorders such as tingling and numbness of the limbs. While taking excessive amount of B6 can also harm nerves.
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin): One of the most common and curable causes of neuropathy is Vitamin B12 deficiency, which is usually seen in elderly or in those with malabsorption problems such as pernicious anaemia. If there is not enough B12, the protective covering of nerves, known as myelin, can become damaged and cause problems such as numbness, tingling and memory loss and difficulty in walking.
Folate also known as Vitamin B9 Deficiency
Folate is important for the synthesis of red blood cells and for the proper functioning of the nervous system. Folate deficiency during pregnancy is known to cause neural tube defects in babies that are born. In adults, folate deficiency can lead to peripheral neuropathy, which results in numbness, tingling sensation and problems with balance. This deficiency is most commonly observed in those with a poor diet, alcoholics or in those with a genetic disorder of folate metabolism.
Vitamin E Deficiency
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that works to shield the nerves from harm due to oxidative stress. Deficiency in vitamin E leads to symptoms like those seen in peripheral neuropathy including ataxia, muscle weakness and loss of reflexes. This deficiency is rare but may be seen in people with fat malabsorption problems such as cystic fibrosis or Crohn’s disease since vitamin E is fat soluble.
Drinking Alcohol and Nutrient Deficiencies
Alcoholism is one of the most common causes of nutritional neuropathy. Alcohol hinders the absorption of some vitamins such as thiamine (B1), B6 and B12 that are crucial for the proper functioning of nerves. Alcohol neuropathy is manifested by muscle atrophy, pain, and paresthesia such as numbness and tingling in the extremities. In the same way, alcohol can directly injure nerves and worsen the situation in the body.
Poor Diet
Deficiency of some nutrients in the body due to poor or unbalanced diet can cause nerve damage on the long run. It is most dangerous for those on low calorie diets (like strict vegans not consuming B12 supplements) or people with anorexia/bulimia. Also, patients with gastrointestinal diseases such as celiac disease or Crohn’s disease may have impaired nutrient absorption, thus raising the chances of developing nutritional neuropathies.
Here is the Primary prevention of nutritional neuropathies
This means that nutritional neuropathies should be prevented by making sure that adequate amounts of essential vitamins are taken and that people should lead healthy lives. Here’s a detailed look at the preventive measures:
Consume a Balanced Diet
A balanced diet is important in order to avoid the lack of nutrients that may result in the deterioration of nerves. Include foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals essential for nerve function:
Vitamin B1: Whole grains, pork, legumes and seeds.
Vitamin B6: Chicken, fish, potato, banana and chickpeas.
Vitamin B12: Protein containing foods include meats, fish, dairy products, and fortified cereals.
Folate: Spinach, kale, lentil, beans, and grains which are fortified with folic acid.
Vitamin E: Nuts and seeds, spinach, and vegetable oil.
Ingesting foods rich in these nutrients will help promote nerve health, prevent neuropathy, and promote a healthy nervous system.
Consider Supplementation
At times it can be difficult to obtain adequate vitamin intake through diet alone due to food intolerances or other conditions such as malabsorption syndromes. In such cases, vitamin supplements can be a helpful preventive measure:
Vitamin B12: Vegans and vegetarians are most vulnerable to B12 deficiency because this vitamin is scarce in plant products. It can be supplemented or fortified foods.
B-complex vitamins: These are usually marketed as multi vitamins that contain all the B vitamins required for nerve health.
Vitamin E supplements: In case of problems with malabsorption, vitamins including vitamin E should be taken in supplement form.
One should seek the advice of a doctor before taking supplements to ensure that they do not overuse supplements especially those containing vitamins like B6 because they can lead to toxicity.
Limit Alcohol Consumption
Alcoholism is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to malnutrition and nerve disorders. It is recommended that alcohol intake should be minimized or stopped completely as it can help prevent alcohol-induced neuropathy. If you do drink, it is recommended that you take a balanced diet with all the necessary vitamins that help in fighting the effects of alcohol.
Regular Medical Checkups
It is therefore advisable to visit your doctor often so that early signs of poor nutrition that may cause neuropathy are identified. Some of the common blood tests can check vitamin levels including B12, B6 and folic acid. If deficiencies are detected, they can be treated by diet or supplementation before nerve damage is done.
Manage Underlying Conditions
Diabetes or gastrointestinal diseases, for example, can predispose a person to develop nutritional neuropathy. These conditions have to be managed through adequate medical treatment and dietary changes. For instance, patients with diabetes should check their blood sugar levels often because poorly managed diabetes can make neuropathy worse. In the same way, people with celiac disease or Crohn’s disease should consult their physicians to check whether they are getting enough nutrients to avoid deficiency.
Conclusion
Nutritional neuropathies are avoidable if measures to correct the nutrition status are taken and appropriate measures to change the habits are taken. Vitamin and mineral nutrition is crucial in nerve health and a balanced diet should include B vitamins and vitamin E. In some cases, it may be difficult to get the recommended amount of these nutrients through diet alone and supplementation may be required. Alcohol consumption should be restricted, and proper health checkups should be done alongside the management of any diseases to minimize the chances of getting neuropathies due to deficiencies in nutrients. Such measures are effective in preventing the nervous system from getting damaged or becoming dysfunctional hence improving the quality of life.
