Myelin Sheath

Myelin is the fatty insulating coating around nerve fibers that enables proper nerve conduction. Inadequate myelin causes nerve conduction failure, producing burning, numbness, tingling, and pain. Without B12, the body cannot synthesize myelin to insulate nerve fibers. B12 is a major myelin vitamin required for synthesizing the myelin that insulates nerve fibers. The myelin sheath allows nerve signals to travel cleanly and at speed; when it degrades due to B12 deficiency, signals short-circuit. The fat-soluble form of B1, benfotiamine, specifically supports myelin production. Myelin sheath degradation affects not only peripheral nerves in the hands and feet but the brain itself, producing a wide spectrum of neurological and psychiatric symptoms.