Which vitamin deficiency leads to paralysis?

Deficiencies in several vitamins can contribute to paralysis, but the most common one is:

Vitamin B12 deficiency: This is a leading cause of nerve damage and paralysis, especially in older adults. Vitamin B12 is essential for maintaining the health of nerve cells and their protective sheaths.

Role of Thiamine: Thiamine is crucial for nerve, muscle, and heart function. It helps convert nutrients into energy and is vital for the functioning of the nervous system.

Beriberi Disease: Severe thiamine deficiency can cause beriberi, which can lead to nerve damage, muscle weakness, and, in severe cases, paralysis.

Types of Beriberi: There are two main types of beriberi – dry and wet. Dry beriberi affects the nervous system, potentially leading to paralysis, while wet beriberi affects the cardiovascular system.

Symptoms of Dry Beriberi: Symptoms include pain, tingling, or loss of sensation in hands and feet, muscle weakness, and difficulty moving the legs, which can progress to paralysis.

Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome: Chronic thiamine deficiency can also lead to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a neurological disorder causing severe brain damage.

Common Causes: Thiamine deficiency is often seen in people with poor diets, chronic alcoholism, and malabsorption disorders

This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion.