Why it's worth taking a closer look at a blood test
Do you have persistent tingling in your feet, numbness in your hands or a general feeling of weakness that just won't go away? These symptoms could indicate a variety of problems with your nerves - from minor deficiencies to complex nerve damage. At your next appointment at a doctor's office or neurologist, it can be very helpful to have certain values in your blood tested to investigate possible causes or risk factors for nerve damage. In this text, you will learn which blood values are particularly important in connection with nerve problems, what current studies say about them and how you can support your nerves yourself through certain measures.
Why it is so important to check your blood values
Your body is a complex system in which nerves, muscles, organs and the immune system work closely together. If problems appear in the form of nerve pain, numbness or tingling, the cause may lie in completely different areas, for example a lack of certain vitamins or minerals, inflammation or problems with sugar metabolism.
The difficulty lies in the fact that nerve cells are very sensitive and, in the case of a persistent deficiency, sometimes only show clear symptoms at a late stage. A study in the specialist journal for neurological diseases (2018) showed that a large proportion of neuropathic pain is due to easily treatable metabolic problems or deficiencies. Many of these factors can be identified or ruled out with a simple blood sample. Even if these values alone do not guarantee a diagnosis, they are often the first step towards targeted treatment.
Vitamin B12 deficiency and other B vitamins
Whenever possible nerve problems are mentioned, the name vitamin B12 almost always comes up. If this vitamin is lacking over a long period of time, it can lead to numbness, tingling, unsteady gait and difficulty concentrating because your body cannot properly build up the protective sheath of the nerve fibers. In a 2019 study published in a neurological journal, it was shown in people with sensory nerve damage that a high dose of B12 injections could significantly improve the sensation in the feet and hands as well as the intensity of pain.
Other vitamins from the B group can also play a role. Vitamin B1 plays a role in the energy metabolism of your nerve cells, vitamin B6 is involved in signal transmission, and folic acid is an important building block for many processes in your body. A combined deficiency of these vitamins, for example due to poor nutrition, chronic intestinal diseases or excessive alcohol consumption, can cause discomfort, cramps and weakness. It is therefore worth having not only the B12 level but also several B vitamins determined in the laboratory.
Sugar levels and their consequences for the nerves
Diabetes or its precursors are among the most common causes of nerve damage, because if the blood sugar level is too high, the blood flow to the nerves suffers. Over time, this leads to the sensitive fibers becoming damaged. In addition to fasting blood sugar, it is important to measure what is known as long-term blood sugar. This value tells you whether you have had high blood sugar levels for weeks, even if it may not be noticeable at the time the blood sample is taken.
A summary in a specialist journal for diseases of sugar metabolism (2017) showed that the risk of nerve damage increases sharply when blood sugar levels are above a certain limit over the long term. So if you repeatedly experience numbness, tingling or burning feet, you should not only have your fasting blood sugar checked once, but also the sugar level that summarizes the last few weeks. Even someone with slightly elevated sugar levels could develop full-blown diabetes in a few years and thus endanger their nervous system. Conversely, if such levels are elevated, a change in diet, combined with more exercise and consistent control, can slow the progression of nerve damage or even prevent it completely.
values indicating inflammation
Some nerve damage is related to inflammation or autoimmune processes in which the immune system attacks the body's own structures. Certain proteins or antibodies in the blood may be elevated. Two common values that are then taken into account are the so-called general inflammatory protein and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, which can indicate acute or chronic inflammation.
In addition, rheumatism-related antibodies are sometimes looked for, especially if an underlying rheumatic disease is suspected. A study in a European neurological journal (2016) found that around 10 percent of people with unclear nerve disease had abnormal values that were related to rheumatic or autoimmune processes. This shows how important it is not to lose sight of these values, especially if classic deficiencies have been ruled out.
Thyroid diseases and their impact on the nerves
The function of your thyroid can also have a significant impact on your nerves. If your thyroid is underactive, many processes slow down, muscles can become weak, and you can experience discomfort in your hands and feet. A study in a neurological journal (2015) showed that people with reduced thyroid function suffered more frequently from unclear nerve pain and sensory disturbances than comparison subjects without thyroid problems.
There are special values in the blood for an underactive or overactive thyroid that indicate whether enough thyroid hormone is being produced or whether there is an oversupply or undersupply. Correcting this with medication can often also alleviate nerve symptoms. So if numbness or nerve problems occur, it is worth asking whether there is a thyroid disorder, even if there are no other typical symptoms such as weight gain, shivering or a racing heart.
minerals, trace elements and electrolytes
A surprising number of nerve problems arise or worsen when there is a deficiency of important minerals and trace elements. These include magnesium, for example, which is important for conducting excitation and relaxing muscles, or potassium, which helps with signal transmission. A deficiency sometimes leads to cramps, muscle weakness or tingling. A 2017 study published in a specialist journal for muscle and nerve diseases showed that people with nighttime calf cramps often had extremely low magnesium levels. In addition, their cramps improved as soon as they took high doses of magnesium.
Trace elements such as zinc can also be relevant, as they are involved in many enzymatic processes in the body. Zinc deficiency often first manifests itself in the form of impaired wound healing or a frequent tendency to infections, but can also promote neurological symptoms. And last but not least, irregularities in the electrolytes (for example in the sodium-potassium balance) are an often overlooked factor in nerve diseases.
Indications of harmful exposure to metals
Toxic metals such as lead, mercury or arsenic can attack nerve structures and cause permanent damage. These metals enter the body, for example, through certain professions (such as recycling or old battery factories) or through contaminated drinking water. Anyone who has unexplained nerve damage and lives in an environment with potential contamination should consider testing for such pollutants. A study by a specialist journal for occupational and environmental medicine (2016) found that people in old battery factories very often had increased lead concentrations and, as a result, developed sensory or motor deficits in their legs and arms. Although this type of poisoning has become rare overall, it can be a crucial clue if the cause is unclear.
When a spinal fluid examination can help
In severe or unclear cases, an examination of your spinal fluid may also be necessary. Although this is not a typical blood test, it is still part of laboratory diagnostics. During a lumbar puncture, some fluid is taken from the area of the spinal cord under sterile conditions. It contains important information about possible inflammation or autoimmune processes. If the protein content is greatly increased without many defense cells being present, this could indicate certain nerve diseases that trigger an uncontrolled immune reaction. Although the procedure is a little more invasive than a simple blood sample, it often provides valuable information in the case of persistent or rapidly progressing nerve damage. Sometimes a so-called electrophysiological examination is combined to test nerve conduction.
How to keep an eye on your blood values
Firstly, it makes sense to work with your doctor to establish a laboratory profile that is individually tailored to your symptoms and risk factors. This can include checking various B vitamins, monitoring your sugar levels over a longer period of time, detecting possible inflammation in the body and, if necessary, specific tests that indicate autoimmune diseases or toxic metals. Secondly, it is advisable to check the levels at a reasonable interval - every few months or at least once a year - so that you can identify trends. For example, if your vitamin B12 levels drop quickly, this could mean that you either don't have enough of it in your diet or that the absorption in the intestines is not working properly. If you have sugar problems, this can help you identify early on when you are slipping into a critical zone.
A study published in Endocrine Practice (2020) found that people with impending diabetes who had their lab values checked regularly were less likely to develop severe nerve damage than those who only checked their values sporadically. Thirdly, a personal health diary can help. In it, you could note what symptoms you have, how severe the pain is on a given day, how tired you are, and at the same time record the results of the lab analyses. This way you can recognize connections: Does your exhaustion increase when a certain vitamin drops, or do your discomfort worsen as your sugar levels deteriorate?
Measures and tips for better blood values and more nerve health
If the laboratory results reveal a deficiency, you can take targeted countermeasures. This may mean adjusting your diet, for example consuming more foods containing B12 (meat, eggs, dairy products) or taking nutritional supplements in consultation with your doctor. Anyone who follows a purely plant-based diet should take in vitamin B12 in a targeted manner, as this vitamin is almost only found in animal products. Small changes can often have a big impact on sugar levels: fewer simple carbohydrates, more whole grains, vegetables, protein and healthy fats. Half an hour of moderate exercise a day also helps to stabilize blood sugar and promote blood circulation, which in turn benefits the nerves.
If inflammatory or autoimmune processes are suspected, certain anti-inflammatory measures may make sense. Some people report good experiences with omega-3 fatty acids, curcumin or antioxidants, although the scientific situation is not yet clear. A study in the European Journal of Pain (2019) found that high doses of omega-3 fatty acids could slightly reduce inflammation in some patients with chronic pain, which can also have an effect on nerve pain. It is important not to simply take pills indiscriminately, but to coordinate the procedure with a specialist.
Conclusion
In the case of nerve damage, it is extremely helpful not only to look at the pain or numbness itself, but also to carry out a detailed blood test. Numerous current research results underline that vitamin deficiencies, problems with sugar levels, inflammatory processes, thyroid disorders or even toxic stress often play a role in the development and worsening of nerve problems. If you only address the symptoms and not the possible cause, you risk progressive damage. Conversely, if the cause is identified early and treated specifically, there is often a real chance of slowing the progression of neuropathy or alleviating symptoms.
Specifically, in addition to checking for B12 and similar vitamins, it is also worth determining your sugar levels over a longer period of time, paying attention to signs of inflammation and possibly not forgetting your thyroid. In special cases, toxins or autoimmune markers can be relevant. Ultimately, this shows that a comprehensive look at your blood is an important building block for maintaining or improving your nerve health. If you actively ask about these values at your next doctor's appointment, you can not only find out more about your health, but also develop a suitable treatment plan together with the medical staff. This way, you can support your nerve function in the long term and prevent possible permanent damage.
