is B12 any use for small nerves (SFN)?

[oilmart]

I had an advers reaction to a vaccination and although I haven't been assessed yet I believe I have peripheral neuropathy in the small nerves (sfn). My hands and feet have been hurting, although I have felt some improvement the last day or so. If it is the small nerves which were damaged, would B12 help them to heal?

[oilmart]

Hi Bob

I haven't been diagnosed yet. It's just what I've been reading. I have had improvement in hand and feet pain though. What do you mean sfn is tough stuff? Does it heal up? I don't have diabetic neuropathy I don't think, it's a reaction to the vaccine. So I don't know if it is sfn or large nerves.
martin

[COBOB]

Small fiber neuropathy is tough stuff.  Did they do a biopsy to diagnosis it or are they just suspecting that it is SFN?  There are several forms of distal/diffuse neuropathies.  B12 is needed for proper nerve function, but I am unaware of any rigorous scientific study that proves additional doses of B12 support accelerated healing of damaged nerves.  If your B12 levels are normal, I don't think there is much risk in a daily multi vitamin, but I think excessive doses will just get flushed out of your body since B12 is water soluble and is excreted via bile and out of the body through the gut. One small caveat here:  If you had gastric bypass or a surgery where the antrum of the stomach was removed from the digestive tract, there is a good chance that 100% of orally consumed B12 will be excreted.  This is due to loss of the binding Intrinsic Factor that is supplied via the pyloric antrum.  In this case, consider sublingual or IM routes for the administration of B12.

Bob