A systematic review on the efficacy of vitamin B supplementation on diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Abstract

Context: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication. Objective: To re-evaluate the role of vitamin B supplementation on reducing the signs and symptoms of DPN. Data Sources: Electronic databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Medline. Data Extraction: An Excel spreadsheet was used to report the extracted relevant data. Data Analysis: Fourteen randomized controlled trials were selected, comprising a pooled sample of 997 study subjects. The pooled odds ratio values were 3.1 (95%CI, 1.197-8.089) and 3.04 (95%CI, 1.556-5.937) for pain and dysesthesia outcomes, respectively. For the amplitude change in electromyography of the sensory sural nerve, the weighted difference from 2 studies was 0.37 (95%CI, 0.034-0.709) in favor of intervention. Peak latency changes were in favor of the intervention group. Two studies yielded a weighted difference of 0.571 (95%CI, 0.310-0.831) for the velocity outcome in favor of intervention. Unlike the fibular nerve, the electromyographic motor outcomes of the tibial nerve were in favor of vitamin B supplementation. Conclusion: Vitamin B supplementation could improve many symptoms and signs of DPN.