Serious Nerve Damage from Use of Nitrous Oxide

[Polaris]

More on the news today about nitrous oxide and the serious nerve damage to those using it but, again, no mention of how use depletes vitamin B12.   

Also horrifying to hear how easy it is to buy and that the cylinders are even larger than before 😱

[deniseinmilden]

It's shocking, isn't it. Thank you for sharing. Oh the irony of some people choosing to damage and destroy their lives, while we would give anything to have a healthy body to look after and enjoy life with!

All the best to you.. X

[Polaris in reply to deniseinmilden]

So agree Denise - feel very lucky to have discovered this forum with such wonderful support.

Seems a long time - what a journey we’ve all had !

Very best wishes to you too xx

[deniseinmilden in reply to Polaris]

So pleased justice prevailed in the end so you are here, with your kind help, and the troll was removed. Makes me feel more confident about life every day!

[mary70]

What does nitrous oxides do to the body?Side effects of N2O include transient dizziness, dissociation, disorientation, loss of balance, impaired memory and cognition, and weakness in the legs. When intoxicated accidents like tripping and falling may occur. Some fatal accidents have been reported due to due to asphyxia (hypoxia).pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov › ...Recreational nitrous oxide use: Prevalence and risks - PubMed

[clivealive Forum Support]

Hi Polaris I have to say that when some time last week the BBC had a report on the misuse of nitrous oxide for "recreational use" there was a "passing reference" on the effect on vitamin B12 levels by the interviewee. By no means emphasized strongly enough though.

Imagine the disastrous effect "recreational use" of nitrous oxide would have on vegans who were not "supplementing" B12 by other means as whatever levels they may have had would be completely "deactivated" and irreplaceable by diet.

I wish you well

[Polaris in reply to clivealive]

Yes, good that the BBC mentioned the effect on B12, Clive even if just a passing reference. You’re right, awful to think what would be an even more disastrous effect on vegans, especially when it seems to be an even more popular diet among younger people nowadays.

I remember quite a few years ago again being horrified that a very young mum with a new baby had been severely disabled after using it over a weekend……

Maybe worth a few of us writing through BBC website with various links to Martyn and Tracey Whitty ?

[Cherylclaire Forum Support]

Given the devastating consequences, the age-group most affected and the prevalence and ease with which it can be attained, it would be hard to see a reason not to ban nitrous oxide.

Perhaps I am wrong:

Does the medical/dentistry profession have cause to keep it in use ? Is there not an alternative ? Midwives seem to be particularly at risk here.

I think the catering industry could get by without whipped cream - or use a more traditional method.

[Polaris in reply to Cherylclaire]

Absolutely, Cherylclaire

whatdotheyknow.com/request/...

[Cherylclaire Forum Support in reply to Polaris]

Good find, Polaris .

Thanks for that.