Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 , is one of the body's essential nutrients. Vitamin B12 is required for the normal activity of nerve cells and works with folate and vitamin B6 (also a treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome) to lower blood levels of homocysteine, a chemical in the blood that might contribute to heart disease. B12 also plays a role in the body's manufacture of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe).

Many people who suffer from different health challenges find that have a B12 deficiency, and this has led to the supplementing of B12. However, just because people with different conditions might have a deficiency of B12 does not mean that supplementing this nutrient will help to actually cure the condition.

People who have a stroke that renders one hand paralyzed may develop CTS due to overuse of the remaining functional hand. One poorly designed study found preliminary evidence that mecobalamin, a form of vitamin B12, might provide some benefit.¹¹

Safety Issues

Vitamin B 12 appears to be extremely safe. However, in some cases very high doses of the vitamin can cause or worsen acne symptoms. ¹

Interactions You Should Know About

If you are taking:

Colchicine , AZT , medications that reduce stomach acid (such as the H2 blocker ranitidine [Zantac] or the proton pump inhibitor omeprazole [Prilosec], oral hypoglycemics (such as metformin or phenformin), slow-release potassium supplements, or if you are exposed to nitrous oxide anesthesia: You may need extra B 12 . Another option is to take extra calcium , which may, in turn, improve B 12 absorption.

1. Sheretz EF. Acneform eruption due to megadose vitamins B 6 and B 12. Cutis.. 1991;48:19-20.

11. Sato Y, Honda Y, Iwamoto J, et al. Amelioration by mecobalamin of subclinical carpal tunnel syndrome involving unaffected limbs in stroke patients. J Neurol Sci. 2005;231:13-18.