Essential Tremor and B12

B12, also known as Cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin that works in the metabolism of every cell. It is involved with DNA synthesis and amino acid metabolism. B12 is excreted by the Kidney. B12 is required for red blood cell formation, neurological function and DNA function. B12 is vital in the production of myelin, which is a fatty substance that insulates nerve fibers that are used in nerve interactions which may be linked to tremors. It is bound to protein in food, and is released by activity of hydrochloric acid. Foods that are high in B12 include foods with lots of protein such as eggs, milk, cheese, meat, fish, shellfish and poultry. Some rice and soy products are fortified with B12, but it is naturally found in these high protein foods. 

Besides B12, other B vitamins are important in managing tremors and essential tremor symptoms. Nicotinamide, which is part of the B group, is a benzodiazepine- like substance that is well-known for providing partial symptomatic relief from the tremors of essential tremor, which can also reduce anxiety. Since anxiety can also cause tremors, Nicotinamide can also secondarily improve tremors. 

Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, performs lots of functions in both nervous systems and nerves, and if lacking, it can lead to nerve damage and muscle weakness. B6 is considered to be as important as water and oxygen, and is crucial for normal brain functions. It allows for the creations of neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that allow your brain cells to communicate with each other. Without these, tremors can also worsen and cause further cell damage and problems in the future. 

Though the entire cause of essential tremor is unknown, it is known that the nervous system and brain play a large role in how the condition forms and shows symptoms. We need vitamins to nurture these systems because our bodies don’t naturally supply them, and without them our systems fail to perform properly. Certain vitamins, like B12, are more vital to the nervous system function than others. 

A balanced diet, like the recommended Mediterranean diet, provides plenty of vitamins like B12 naturally and no supplement may be needed. Making sure that proteins are consumed regularly and in the right proportion is the best way to make sure there is enough B12 in someones normal diet. But, a good multi-vitamin can be recommended to help supplement the intake of B12 to help improve nervous system functions. 

Severe lack of vitamin B12 is not common, but shakiness and tremors can occur even in just a mild deficiency. These can be treated by prescribed supplements, and then tremors would go away. Lack of B12 does not cause essential tremor, but can lead to tremor like symptoms in those that do not have the condition. Those with the condition can benefit from making sure that they have enough B12 in their diet, because symptoms could worsen without proper amounts. 

Essential tremor isn’t fully understood as far as the cause goes, but the understanding of treatment is improving, and it is important to eat a balanced diet and make sure that the proper vitamins are being consumed so that tremors do not worsen and can be managed to promote a healthy lifestyle.