What to know about the sciatic nerve and vitamin deficiency

From medicalnewstoday.com

Certain nutrient deficiencies, including vitamin B12, vitamin D, and magnesium deficiency, may contribute to or worsen sciatic nerve pain. Healthcare professionals may also refer to sciatic nerve pain as sciatica.

Vitamin B12 plays a roleTrusted Source in nerve cell health. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to nerve damage and neurological symptoms such as numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. If vitamin B12 deficiency damages the sciatic nerve, a person may experience sciatica.

A 2016 study on rats found that vitamin B-complex and vitamin B12 supplementation may help speed up the nerve regeneration process. However, the findings of animal studies are not always replicable in people, and further research is necessary. 

Vitamin D also plays an important roleTrusted Source in nerve function. Vitamin D deficiency can cause muscle and bone weakness, which may put more pressure on the sciatic nerve. This extra pressure may lead to sciatic nerve pain.

A 2021 rat study suggests that vitamin D supplementation may help relieve sciatica. However, further research with human participants is necessary.

Additionally, magnesium helps regulateTrusted Source muscle and nerve function. Extreme magnesium deficiency may contribute to muscle spasms, numbness, and tingling. Muscle spasms may compress the sciatic nerve and cause sciatica.

A 2011 study on miceTrusted Source found that a magnesium-rich diet may help improve neurological function recovery and enhance nerve regeneration after sciatic nerve injury. However, further studies with human participants are needed.

Similarly, a 2021 review found that magnesium may help to promote peripheral nerve regeneration. The sciatic nerve is part of the peripheral nervous system.

To help prevent vitamin B12 deficiency, a person may want to introduce foods rich in vitamin B12 to their diet, such as:

• beef liver
• clams
• oysters
• fish, such as salmon, tuna, and trout
• meat and poultry
• dairy products
• cereals, nutritional yeasts, and other food products that are fortified with vitamin B12

Foods that are rich in vitamin D include:

• fatty fish, such as mackerel, salmon, and tuna
• milk, which is often fortified with vitamin D in the United States
• plant-based milk alternatives, if they are fortified with vitamin D

Examples of magnesium-rich foods include:

• green leafy vegetables
• legumes
• whole grains
• nuts
• seeds
• cereals and other food products that are fortified with magnesium
• milk and yogurt

People should always speak with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to their diet. Sometimes, a doctor may recommend taking dietary supplements in addition to dietary modifications.

A person should also contact a doctor if they experience new or worsening sciatica symptoms.

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