Carpal Tunnel

Response of vitamin B-6 deficiency and the carpal tunnel syndrome to pyridoxine.

Abstract
The specific activities and percentage deficiencies of the glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase of erythrocytes (EGOT) were determined for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) diagnosed by clinical examination and electrical conduction data; the EGOT data revealed a severe deficiency of vitamin B-6. After double-blind treatment with pyridoxine and placebo, two physicians identified those receiving pyridoxine (clinically improved) and those receiving placebo (did not improve) without error, P less than 0.0078. Correcting a deficiency of the coenzyme at receptors of existing molecules of the apoenzyme appears to take place within days; correction of the deficiency in the number of molecules of the transaminase takes place over 10-12 weeks. The clinical response, appraised by the diminution of the symptoms of CTS, was correlated only with the restored levels of the transaminase which presumably results from a translational long-term increase in the number of molecules of EGOT by a mechanism activated by correcting a deficiency of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate. Apparent Km values of EGOT were identical for groups of patients with CTS and others without CTS but with identical specific activities, indicating that CTS is a primary deficiency of vitamin B-6 rather than one of a dependency state. Clinical improvement of the syndrome with pyridoxine therapy may frequently obviate hand surgery.

Vitamin B6 wasn't considered a vital nutrient for a long time, but researchers finally discovered a host of benefits that this little vitamin is responsible for. It's also one of the most common nutrient deficiencies, meaning a B6 deficiency is more common than any other vitamin
deficiency.

One particular disorder that B6 can control after onset is the numbness, pain, weakness and tingling in the hands caused by carpal tunnel syndrome. Long term deficiency is directly related to carpal tunnel. Carpal tunnel syndrome, as you know, is a caused by a build up of fluid in the carpal tunnel and puts pressure on the nerve causing it to compress. Many suffers of this disability undergo surgery with limited improvements, but researchers have conducted studies and discovered that except for extreme cases, vitamin B6 can greatly help or even reverse the effects of this disorder.

Other vitamin deficiencies are commonly linked to certain diseases and disorders. Vitamin C deficiency is directly related to scurvy, niacin deficiency is the cause for pellagra, and lack of thiamine causes beriberi. For many years B6 wasn't related to any disease until it was discovered that a deficiency is the underlying cause for carpal tunnel syndrome.

The RDA for vitamin B6 is only 2 milligrams per day, but researchers believe that's way too low and should be raised to about 35 milligrams per day. They also suggest that supplements are absolutely necessary and that it's virtually impossible to get too much by supplementing, unless you take a whole bottle at one time.

Have you ever heard of Chinese restaurant syndrome? Many people have ill-effects within 20 minutes of eating Chinese food because of the MSG (monosodium glutamate) added to Chinese food. Researchers conclude the majority of those reactions are due to a B6 deficiency.

If you avoid Chinese food due to getting a headache or feverish flushing after consumption of MSG laden foods, then it's highly likely you're deficient in B6. It may take years of deficiency for carpal tunnel syndrome to develop and indicate a lack of
the nutrient, but a dose of MSG can tell you within minutes if you're deficient and should be checked by a doctor.

B6 has a host of other benefits too. It can prevent the formation of kidney stones and has proven to be effective in treating people who suffer kidney stones regularly.

It boosts the immune system and studies suggest it may help cancer from recurring as it often does after treatment.

B6 requirements may be small compared to other nutritional requirements, but this little vitamin packs a wallop when it's at its optimal levels.

A typical dose of vitamin B6 for carpal tunnel syndrome is 50 mg 2 to 3 times a day. Side effects may include increased urination. It can take up to 6 weeks to notice an improvement. The maximum intake from all sources should be less than 200 mg a day, unless otherwise recommended by your doctor.