Like every living thing – your nerves need certain vitamins and minerals to stay strong and healthy. Certain B vitamins. Vitamin D. Magnesium…and more. But there’s a good chance you’re not getting enough of at least one – if not more – of these.

And that’s a problem.

Not only does it make it easier for nerve discomfort to spread – but it can also cause your existing symptoms to intensify. So what are the most important vitamins and nutrients for your nerves – and how can you make sure you’re getting enough of them?

Read on to learn about the most common deficiencies that can affect nerve health – and be sure to download your free eBook “Nerve Nutrition: Guide to Foods That Support Healthy Nerve Function” above to learn how to easily boost your intake of these essential vitamins.

Not getting enough B12 puts your nerves at risk. In fact, vitamin B12 deficiency is a leading cause of nerve discomfort.

That’s because your nerves depend on B12 to survive. It fortifies the protective coating around your nerves (known as the myelin sheath) as well as rebuilds and repairs weakened or damaged nerve pathways. If left unaddressed, over time a deficiency of vitamin B12 can result in deterioration of the myelin sheath and nerves.

Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is the “performance enhancer” vitamin.

By that, I mean it helps convert other important vitamins (including B6 & B9) into forms that your body can use. It also converts fuels like carbohydrates and protein into energy.

Not getting enough vitamin B2 will reduce the ability of other nerve-boosting vitamins to do their jobs.

According to recent estimates, vitamin D deficiency among Americans has tripled from 1980 to now, with nearly 13% of Americans suffering from it and another 30% on the verge of deficiency. Some of its symptoms include pain, muscle weakness, depression and cognitive impairment.

According to the Mayo Clinic, “adults with severe vitamin D deficiency may experience bone pain and softness, as well as muscle weakness.” Vitamin D is critical in promoting the absorption of calcium for strong and healthy bones.

Besides promoting calcium absorption and keeping bones healthy, Vitamin D has other less known but equally important benefits. These benefits include reducing the risk of insulin resistance and elevated blood sugar, lowering blood pressure, regulating the immune system, and improving or maintaining mental clarity.

According to recent estimates, nearly 80% of Americans suffer from magnesium deficiency.

Symptoms of deficiency can include fatigue, weakness, numbness, tingling, muscle contractions and cramps, seizures, personality changes, abnormal heart rhythms, and coronary spasms.

Getting enough magnesium is especially important for nerve discomfort. It alleviates occasional discomfort by relaxing the nervous system and relaxing your muscles. By relaxing the nervous system, magnesium may help overactive nerves from misfiring – which can cause occasional aches, discomfort, and weakness.