A substance that some experts link to nerve damage and neuropathy: what you should know.
There is something that millions of people consume every day with complete confidence. It is prescribed by doctors, approved by health systems, and considered safe. However, quietly and over the years, it may be weakening your nervous system without you even realizing it… until the first symptoms appear.
Tingling, numbness, burning in the feet or hands… They are often attributed to aging or diseases such as diabetes. But the reality is that, in many cases, there is a hidden factor that is not being properly evaluated.
A story that changes everything
Marta, 67, had had type 2 diabetes for almost a decade. His treatment was controlled, his tests were normal… but he began to notice a slight tingling in his feet.
At first it only appeared at night. Then it became constant. Then came numbness. Walking began to be unsafe. Climbing stairs was scary.
His diagnosis was clear: diabetic neuropathy.
She was prescribed pain medication. But the problem kept moving forward.
What no one had checked was key.
The Real Problem That Many Overlook
One of the most commonly used medications for type 2 diabetes is highly effective at controlling blood sugar. But it also has a side effect that is poorly controlled in clinical practice:
It can progressively reduce vitamin B12 levels.
And here’s the critical point:
- Vitamin B12 is essential for protecting nerves.
- It is key to maintaining myelin, a layer that acts as an insulator for nerves.
- Without it, nerve signals become slow, imprecise… or painful.
The most dangerous thing is that this deficit does not appear from one day to the next.
It develops slowly over years.
By the time symptoms appear, the damage may already be advanced.
Why is it so difficult to detect?
The body has vitamin B12 stores that can last for years. Therefore:
- Tests may seem normal for a long time.
- Symptoms appear when the deficit is already significant.
- It is often confused with “something normal of age”.
In addition, the most accurate marker is not always measured, which makes the problem go unnoticed.
Other factors that also damage nerves
Although this case is very common, it is not the only one. There are other factors that can directly affect your nervous system:
1. Cholesterol Medications
Some can interfere with the formation of myelin and affect the energy of nerve cells.
2. Specific antibiotics
Certain antibiotics can cause nerve damage in some cases, even after treatment has ended.
3. Frequent alcohol consumption
Alcohol acts as a direct toxin to the nerves and also hinders the absorption of essential vitamins.
4. Nutritional deficit
Especially B vitamins, essential for neurological health.
What Really Happens in Your Body After 60
Over the years:
- The nervous system regenerates more slowly.
- Nerve repair is less efficient.
- Any accumulated damage has a greater impact.
This means that small deficits, sustained over time, can become major problems.
The signs you shouldn’t ignore
Pay attention if you experience:
- Tingling in hands or feet
- Burning sensation, especially at night
- Progressive numbness
- Weakness or unsteadiness when walking
- Feeling of “stepping on cotton”
These symptoms are not normal… and deserve to be investigated.
The change that transformed Marta’s story
When their vitamin B12 levels were finally properly assessed, a functional deficit was detected.
His diabetes medication was not discontinued, but supplemented with appropriate vitamin B12 treatment.
In a few months:
- The burning decreased markedly
- The tingling became intermittent
- Regained safety when walking
- He climbed stairs again without fear
It was not a miracle. It was to identify the right cause.
Key tips and recommendations
- Request a vitamin B12 test if you have neurological symptoms
- Ask for more specific tests, not just basic values
- Review all medications you take regularly
- Maintain a diet rich in essential nutrients
- Reduce alcohol and sugar consumption
- Incorporate moderate physical activity to improve circulation
- Prioritize rest: the nervous system repairs itself while you sleep
- Don’t ignore persistent symptoms, even if they seem mild
Many nerve problems don’t appear out of nowhere. They develop quietly for years. Identifying the right cause can make the difference between progressive deterioration and the right cause of the disease. and recovery.
Listening to your body in time is not optional: it is a decision that can change your quality of life.