neuropathy and B-12

B injections
While I was in treatment, I always received a B12 AND B6 injection the day before chemo. I managed not to have much neuropathy. I think it was actually the B6 that addressed the neuropathy.

RoseyR said:

Yes, I insisted on them!

B-12 deficiency runs in my family so having done online research on causes of chemo-induced neuropathy, I found a few articles that warned that low levels of B12 make one especially vulnerable to neuropathy.

I went to my internist and asked for a blood test of my B12.

Sure enough, my level was quite low (normal is 200-800, and mine was about 300 but my integrative doctor warned, "You really want your levels to be at least 500 before starting chemo."

I had told my oncologist I was concerned about B-12 but did SHE ever order a blood test for me? No, had to do it myself.
Once I reported that the level was low, she agreed I could have a B-12 shot.

But had I not gone to another doctor to have my blood tested, my cancer treatment center (one of "the ten best in America") would never have KNOWN my B12 is low, for they don't even test for it. Hard to believe, but true.

Rosey

Peripheral neuropathy
You are on the right track and it is highly likely that your mom has a B12 deficiency.

Low levels of B12 (below 500) can cause peripheral neuropathy on it's own. I think 50% of Americans who are > 50 years old have suboptimal B12 levels. Especially, where there are concurrent digestive difficulties.

Most oncologists are on board with using B6 (50mg/day) to prevent chemo-induced neuropathy... I think there must be some scientific evidence behind It.

I think acupuncture helps neuropathy, too...but not if there is an underlying B12 deficiency.

whiterose said:

Toes Are Numb
My toes are numb after 8 rounds of chemo (carbo/taxol). It's not too bad, just annoying. Once in a while, it throws me off balance, and I find I can't wear flip-flop type of shoes anymore, because my toes can't "grab" onto the shoe. I'm currently taking B-6 (100 mg.) once a day. Should I be taking B-12 also? And at what dosage? My onc. really isn't into vitamins, doesn't have any information when I ask questions about this.....

Instead of 100 mgs of B-6 ...

What I'd suggest (since B vitamins are synergistic and work together--so that a huge dose of one without any of the others can atrophy levels of the others) is that you take 50 mgs of B6 twice a day. B vitamins are water-soluble, so makes more sense to spread the dosage out over the course of a day.

But from all I've read, I would NOT take B-6 by itself, but be sure to take a good multivitamin (or a B-Complex vitamin) that supplies at least 20 mgs of each of the OTHER B vitamins as well. This should help to prevent an imbalance.

I might also try 200-400 mgs of Vitamin E succinate (dry vitamin E capsules) a day--as well as alpha lipoic acid (start with 200 mgs a day and gradually work up to 600 a day).

Finally: A product called "Nerve Support" contains a form of B1 called "Bentofiamine" that is often useful in preventing and treating neuropathy.

Best luck,
Rosey