Vitamin B-12

Vitamin B-12 is present in some foods and helps with proper nerve function and red blood cell production. People who don't get enough vitamin B-12 may have a higher risk of neuropathy and other nervous system (neurological) problems.

Certain drugs may lead to a B-12 deficiency, including:

• Metformin (Glumetza, Riomet, others), a drug used to treat type 2 diabetes
• Stomach acid-reducing proton pump inhibitors (Prevacid 24 HR, Prilosec OTC, others)
• Stomach acid-reducing histamine (H-2) blockers (Tagamet HB, Pepcid AC, others)

It's unclear whether taking vitamin B-12 supplements can help treat diabetic neuropathy. Some small studies have shown a lessening of pain and other abnormal sensations. However, for people who don't have a vitamin B-12 deficiency, taking B-12 supplements for diabetic neuropathy hasn't been shown to help.

A vitamin B-12 supplement is generally considered safe when taken as directed. Natural sources of vitamin B-12 that you may include in your diet are fish, lean red meat and vitamin-fortified breakfast cereals.