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More from
Dr. Seidman on B vitamins:
Vitamin B-1 (Thiamine)
Some patients have noted
that vitamin B-1 supplements relieve their tinnitus. The mechanism
of action seems to be via a stabilization of the nervous system, especially
in the inner ear. Daily dosages ranging from 100 to 500 mg have been used.
Vitamin B-3 (Niacin,
Niacinamide, nicotinic acid)
Vitamin B-3 is essential
for the proper breakdown of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Vitamin B-3
also supports circulation, healthy skin, and aids in the functioning of the
central nervous system. There is no accepted standard niacin dosing for tinnitus.
Typically, though, I recommend beginning at 50 mg twice per day. If there
is no improvement after two weeks, the dose is increased by 50 mg at each
interval to a maximum dose of 500 mg twice per day. If there is no appreciable
response in 3-4 months, then it is not likely that niacin will be of benefit.
There is no clinical proof
for the effectiveness of niacin in treating tinnitus. However, there are numerous
anecdotal reports of response to niacin to treat tinnitus.
Vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine)
Vitamin B-6 is water soluble
and cannot be stored in the body. It is involved in the breakdown of carbohydrates,
fats and proteins and in the manufacturing of hormones, red blood cells and
enzymes. Vitamin B-6 is also required for the production of serotonin, a brain
neurotransmitter that controls our moods, appetite, sleep patterns and sensitivity
to pain.3 Supplemental vitamin B-6 is used as a treatment
for nausea, morning sickness, depression and tinnitus.
Vitamin B-12 (cobalamin,
cyanocobalamin)
There may be some correlation
between the decline in vitamin B-12 levels and the increasing prevalence of
tinnitus in the elderly. Also, a study by Shemesh, et al., showed a
high prevalence (47%) of vitamin B-12 deficiency in patients with chronic
tinnitus. This deficiency was more widespread and severe in the tinnitus group
that was associated with noise exposure. This suggests a relationship between
vitamin B-12 deficiency and dysfunction of the auditory pathway. Supplemental
B-12 was found to provide some relief in several patients with severe tinnitus.
Because B-12 is poorly absorbed when consumed, a suggested daily dose is 1000
mcg. Vitamin B-12 is better absorbed if it is dissolved under the tongue and
best absorbed if it is given by injection.
Folic Acid (folate)
Folic acid is
a water soluble nutrient belonging to the B-complex family that seems to have
a stabilizing effect on the nervous system. This might explain the anecdotal
evidence regarding the supplementation of folic acid in certain patients to
alleviate their tinnitus. The dosages range from 400 to 800 mcg per day and
usually required two to four months to achieve results.
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