Nervous System
Nutrients connected to Nervous System
A link means the body needs the nutrient for this, or that low intake is linked to it. It does not mean extra supplements help if your intake is already adequate; each link shows how strong the evidence is.
- Vitamin B1 (thiamin)Established role
Thiamin helps keep nerves healthy and passing signals; deficiency can cause nerve damage.
- Vitamin B3 (niacin)Established role
Niacin helps keep the nervous system healthy; severe untreated deficiency can damage nerves, particularly in the brain.
- Vitamin B6Documented risk
Very high intakes of B6 can damage peripheral nerves.
- Vitamin B12Established role
B12 helps maintain the nervous system; deficiency causes numbness and balance problems.
- MagnesiumEstablished role
Magnesium is needed for normal nerve function. Low levels can cause numbness, abnormal eye movements and convulsions.
- TyrosineEstablished role
Tyrosine feeds the pathway that makes the chemical messengers used by the nervous system.
- Caffeine supplementsClinically supported
Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant.
- Caffeine plus L-theanine and brain formulasClinically supported
Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system.
- GABA supplementsEstablished role
The body's own GABA is a main inhibitory messenger in the nervous system; a supplement effect is unproven.
- WormwoodDocumented risk
Thujone is neurotoxic and causes convulsions in animals at high doses; concentrated wormwood oil is linked to seizures. This is a caution, not a benefit.
- HyssopDocumented risk
Hyssop essential oil is described as toxic to the nervous system and linked to seizures (e-lactancia); a 1999 report links several essential oils to seizures. Avoid the oil, especially with epilepsy.
- KratomDocumented risk
Reported neuropsychiatric effects include agitation, confusion, sedation, tremor and seizure (cause of seizures unproven).
- Star aniseDocumented risk
Infant nerve reactions (seizures, spasms) were reported after star anise tea; anisatin from the Japanese species acts on brain signalling.
- Thuja (northern white cedar)Documented risk
Thujone in thuja can cause convulsions; the EU herbal committee calls it a neurotoxicant. This is a safety concern, not a benefit.
- False MorelDocumented risk
Nerve effects and seizures are documented in false-morel poisoning.
- EpazoteDocumented risk
Case reports describe coma, seizures and encephalopathy after epazote oil or strong infusions, especially in children.
- MayappleDocumented risk
Peripheral nerve damage can appear about two weeks later and may be permanent (IPCS).
- Aconite (monkshood)Documented risk
Aconite alkaloids disrupt sodium channels in nerves and heart muscle; poisoning causes numbness or tingling around the mouth and limbs, and seizures have been reported.
- Belladonna (deadly nightshade)Documented risk
Case reports describe delirium and hallucinations after eating the fruit or leaves.
- Angel wingDocumented risk
Tremor, weakness, seizures, myoclonus and coma were the main features of the illness.
- Cassava (Yuca)Documented risk
Konzo is a nervous system disease (upper motor neuron) associated with insufficiently processed bitter cassava.
- Poison hemlockDocumented risk
Nicotine-like overstimulation then paralysis.
- Tea Tree OilDocumented risk
Neurological signs after swallowing (NCCIH) and in poisoned pets (Pet Poison Helpline).
- Eucalyptus OilDocumented risk
Seizures, ataxia and loss of consciousness in poisoning reports.
- Camphor Oil (Dangers)Documented risk
Seizures, delirium and coma are described in case reports.
- Hyssop OilDocumented risk
Seizures linked to hyssop oil; animal studies show convulsions at high doses.
- B-Complex FormulasDocumented risk
Peripheral nerve damage is the critical effect behind EFSA's B6 upper level.
- Vitamin EDeficiency link
Severe deficiency causes loss of reflexes, poor coordination and other nerve problems. This is mainly seen with malabsorption disorders.
- Vitamin B2Established role
The NHS says riboflavin helps keep the nervous system healthy.
- Vitamin B9 (folate and folic acid)Clinically supported
Folic acid lowers the risk of neural tube defects, which affect the developing brain and spinal cord.
- CalciumEstablished role
Calcium helps nerve signals.
- PotassiumEstablished role
Potassium supports nerve function.
- CopperEstablished role
Copper helps keep nerves healthy, and low copper can affect the nervous system.
- ManganeseDocumented risk
High long-term doses might cause nerve damage, and overexposure affects the nervous system.
- PhosphorusEstablished role
Phosphorus supports nerve signalling.
- GlycineEstablished role
Glycine has a normal role in nerve-cell function.
- TaurineLab or animal research only
Taurine serves many functions in the central nervous system, from development to cell protection, mainly shown in lab and animal research.
- Fish oilEstablished role
The NHS notes omega-3 supports a baby's nervous system development. This is a normal role of omega-3 and not proof that supplements add benefit.
- Alpha-lipoic acidPreliminary or mixed
Peripheral nerve symptoms in diabetes are the main studied use; results are mixed and trials are short.
- PhosphatidylserineEstablished role
PS is found in nervous tissue membranes and takes part in signalling. This is normal biology, not proof of supplement benefit.
Choline is a raw material for acetylcholine, a nerve messenger.
- SageDocumented risk
Thujone is reported to be neurotoxic; sage oil in large amounts has caused seizures.
- PassionflowerPreliminary or mixed
Calming and sedating effects are the basis for its use; side effects include drowsiness and confusion.
- ValerianDocumented risk
Possible added drowsiness with alcohol or sedatives; withdrawal effects after chronic use.
- FeverfewPreliminary or mixed
Studied for migraine prevention with mixed, low-quality results.
- HorsetailDocumented risk
Thiamine destruction by thiaminase can harm the nervous system in people already deficient in thiamine.
- KavaDocumented risk
Kava can cause drowsiness and impaired reflexes, and adds to the effect of alcohol and sedatives such as benzodiazepines.
- Blue lotusDocumented risk
Reported effects after use are on mental state (sedation, confusion, changed perception); frequency and safe amounts are unknown.
- LobeliaDocumented risk
Lobeline stimulates the nervous system at low amounts and depresses it at higher amounts (MSK).
- Wild lettuceDocumented risk
Poisoning reports show effects on consciousness and the nervous system.
- Graviola (soursop)Documented risk
Linked in observational studies to atypical parkinsonism in the Caribbean; association, not proof.
- PennyroyalDocumented risk
Published poisoning cases include seizures, brain swelling and severe epilepsy after exposure, including two infants.
- RueDocumented risk
Convulsions and dizziness are listed among the effects of swallowing rue. A safety caution, not a benefit.
- YohimbeDocumented risk
Acts on the noradrenergic system; anxiety, tremors, seizures reported.
- NutmegDocumented risk
Large amounts have caused agitation, drowsiness and seizures in reports.
- MaceDocumented risk
A child who ate six dried pieces of mace became very drowsy and stiff; large amounts of mace or nutmeg can affect the nervous system. This is not about cooking amounts.
- Apricot kernel (bitter)Documented risk
NCI lists nerve damage affecting walking and the FDA says long-term amygdalin intake may damage nerves for sight, hearing and balance.
- Sophora flavescens (ku shen)Documented risk
Impaired balance and coordination in mice; dizziness in human poisoning cases.
- Star Fruit (Carambola)Documented risk
Numbness, weakness, hiccups and seizures were reported in kidney patients after eating star fruit.
- Trichosanthes (tian hua fen)Documented risk
Injected purified trichosanthin caused serious nervous-system reactions in some trial patients; not shown for the dried root.
- Poppy SeedsDocumented risk
See nervous system under body systems.
- Ginkgo NutsDocumented risk
Neurological poisoning (seizures) is the main documented hazard of the seed.
- Valerian TeaDocumented risk
Sedation and driving cautions (NIH, EMA).
- Kava, Kratom and Blue Lotus TeasDocumented risk
Seizures (kratom, FDA), sedation and altered mental state described.
- Wild Lettuce TeaDocumented risk
The reported poisoning signs involved the nervous system (consciousness, agitation, hallucinations).
- Mad Honey (Grayanotoxin Honey)Documented risk
Seizures and confusion can occur in severe poisoning.
- Multivitamins for Adults Over 50Documented risk
B12 deficiency, folic acid masking and high-dose B6 each relate to nerve health.
- Vitamin B5Deficiency link
Deficiency, which is very rare, can cause tingling in the feet.
- Vitamin B7Deficiency link
Seizures and low muscle tone occur in untreated inherited biotinidase deficiency, a rare genetic condition.
- SeleniumDocumented risk
Selenosis can include mild nerve damage and irritability.
- CarnitinePreliminary or mixed
Acetyl-L-carnitine reduced pain in a few trials of nerve damage from diabetes and HIV treatment; evidence is limited.
- Beta-alanineDocumented risk
Skin tingling is the one reliably reported side effect.
- Citicoline and alpha-GPCLab or animal research only
Choline is used to make the nerve messenger acetylcholine and cell-membrane phospholipids; this is a normal role of choline, not proof that these supplements help.
- Bacopa monnieriPreliminary or mixed
Cognitive performance is the studied outcome; evidence is limited.
- Botanical and mushroom nootropicsPreliminary or mixed
Studied for cognitive outcomes; evidence is limited and mixed.
- Huperzine A and other herbal cholinesterase productsLab or animal research only
It inhibits acetylcholinesterase; effects beyond the brain were not described in the sources read.
- Lemon balmPreliminary or mixed
Used for calm and stress; evidence limited.
- California poppyLab or animal research only
Affinity for benzodiazepine receptors in mice; animal evidence only.
- Asian ginsengDocumented risk
Insomnia is the common side effect; case reports of mania.
- TribulusDocumented risk
A seizure was reported in one case with liver and kidney injury.
- GuaranaDocumented risk
Stimulant effects; seizures reported at high amounts or in energy-drink cases.
- Muira puamaLab or animal research only
Laboratory and animal studies report effects on the nervous system (blocking an acetylcholine-clearing enzyme, nerve-cell survival). No human trial was found.
- CorydalisDocumented risk
WebMD lists drowsiness and dizziness, and says corydalis may add to the effect of other sedating medicines and alcohol. One review describes dopamine-receptor effects of THP.
- Lion's maneLab or animal research only
Hericenones and erinacines promoted nerve growth factor in cell and animal studies; no human nerve outcome shown.
- AjwainPreliminary or mixed
Skin creams were tested for nerve-related burning and tingling with mixed results.
- Cinchona barkDocumented risk
Confusion and nerve-related symptoms are part of cinchonism.
- ShankhpushpiLab or animal research only
Nerve-related effects are reported in cell and animal studies only.
- Cayenne and chili pepperPreliminary or mixed
An 8% capsaicin patch helped about 10% more people with nerve pain than a comparison patch; low-strength cream showed no meaningful effect.
- Ajwain (carom seed)Preliminary or mixed
Skin-cream trials for nerve pain gave mixed results; not shown for food.
- Oat straw (milky oats)Preliminary or mixed
Traditional use for mild stress and sleep.
- Wild indigoDocumented risk
Cytisine-type alkaloids act on nicotine-type receptors in nerves.
- Sulphur tuftDocumented risk
Nerve paralysis is listed among the symptoms in one review and was seen in mice given fasciculol; human detail is lacking.
- Pine OilDocumented risk
Drowsiness or coma (CNS depression) after swallowing pine-oil cleaner.
- Epsom Salt (Magnesium Sulfate)Preliminary or mixed
One small trial of foot baths in chemotherapy nerve symptoms; not enough to rely on.
- Pre-Workout SupplementsDocumented risk
Jitters, anxiety, sleep effects and tingling.
- Sleep Blends (Melatonin, Magnesium, L-Theanine, Herbs)Preliminary or mixed
Sleep ingredients are used for their effect on sleep; this is limited evidence.
- Energy and Focus BlendsPreliminary or mixed
Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system; large B6 amounts can cause numbness in arms and legs.
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