Nervous Health

The nerve fibers in our body are wrapped with many layers of tissue composed of a fat (lipoprotein) called myelin.

Myelin is essential for the formation of the myelin sheath, a protective covering for the spinal, cranial and peripheral nerves.

Much like the insulation around an electrical wire, the myelin sheath enables nerve signals (electrical impulses) to be conducted along the nerve fiber with speed and accuracy.

When the myelin sheath is damaged, nerves do not conduct electrical impulses normally.

If the sheath is able to repair and regenerate itself, normal nerve function may return. However, if the sheath is severely damaged, the underlying nerve fiber can die.

The vitamins B1, B6 and B12 are essential for nerve health. These vitamins can help with the healing of nerve damage and relieve nerve damage symptoms like pamamanhid (numbness) and tusok-tusok (tingling).

Vitamin B1 is important for our muscular system and nervous system. It has a key role in converting carbohydrates into the energy that nerve cells need in order to function properly and stay healthy.

We only get a small fraction of vitamin B1 through the metabolism of it so this is something we could supplement with, in addition to getting it from foods.

Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is instrumental in making sure our nerve fibers are able to transmit signals effectively.

Vitamin B12 is important for the myelin sheath, which is surrounding the nerve. It is crucial for nerve health due to its key role in regenerating nerve fibers and repairing nerve damage.

The best sources of vitamin B-12 are animal products. Therefore, vegetarians and vegans must take particular care to consume enough vitamin B12.

Reference:

Calderón‐Ospina, C. A., & Nava‐Mesa, M. O. (2020). B Vitamins in the nervous system: Current knowledge of the biochemical modes of action and synergies of thiamine, pyridoxine, and cobalamin. CNS neuroscience & therapeutics, 26(1), 5-13.