How can ones diet affect the nervous system? by Connie b. Dellobuono
Answer by Connie b. Dellobuono:
Vitamin A: (Retinol) Vision problems such as night blindness (nyctalopia). Night blindness is the inability of the eyes to adjust when a person goes from a lighted area to a dark area. changes in the skin and mucous membranes; decreased sense of taste ; Nausea, fatigue, headache; toxic in large amounts
Vitamin B1: (Thiamine) Beriberi = loss of motor coordination; paralysis; pain in arms and legs; headache. Loss of myelin sheath; attacks motor and sensory axons of the neuron. ; None known
Vitamin B2: (Riboflavin) Visual problems: burning, itching of the eyes, sensitivity to light; burning sensations around the mouth; peripheral nerve damage ; None known
Vitamin B3: (Niacin) Pellegra = mental problems (disorientation, confusion, depression, memory deficit, mania, paranoia); digestive problems; skin problems. Liver damage; flushing of the skin
Vitamin B5: (Pantothenic Acid) Although rare, fatigue, burning sensations on hands and feet, and headaches may occur None known
Vitamin B6: (Pyridoxine) Abnormal touch sensations, mania, convulsions; abnormal EEG recordings Rare problems
Vitamin B9: Folic Acid Peripheral nerve problems, memory disorder, convulsions. Involved with neural tube defects: spina bifida, anencephaly None known
Vitamin B12: Cobalamin Mainly causes blood disorders. Neurological signs include memory problems, pain, abnormal touch sensations and movement problems including weakness. can occur. Degeneration of white matter in the cerebral hemispheres, optic nerves, spinal cord. None known.
Vitamin C
(Ascorbic Acid) Scurvy = joint pain, open sores, weight loss Digestive problems
Vitamin D: (Calciferol) Help body bring in calcium, so low Vitamin D may lead to low calcium levels. This may cause seizures. Rickets = malformation of bones, sweating, restlessness ; Excessive calcification of bones and soft tissues; toxic in large amounts
Vitamin E: (Tocopherol) Affects peripheral nerves and the nerve supply to muscle. Walking and balance problems, eye movement problems.; Few effects known
Copper Wilson's disease – genetic disorder that causes a build up of copper and results in mental and movement problems.
Iron: Anemia = reduction in the amount of oxygen in the blood. Oxygen is necessary for the conversion of glucose into energy.
Magnesium: Muscle spasms, anxiety, headache, insomnia, cramps ; Respiratory problems
Manganese: Sleep problems, cramps
Selenium: Cardiac problems ; CNS damage (Oysters, liver, lobster)
Zinc: Taste and smell loss, hallucinations, depression. Zinc deficiency during pregnancy can cause brain defects. Muscle pain, headache, flu-like symptoms
Lead: Intracranial hypertension, headache, fatigue, memory and concentration problems; paralysis; gout; Lead is neurotoxic and can also damage the kidneys.
Cadmium: Neurotoxic; possible learning problems.
Biotin: Movement problems, visual problems, may be involved in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome