Neuropathy is a common disease diagnosed and treated by a neurologist. Nerves are categorized as sensory, motor, and autonomic and function in sensation, movement, and regular body function. Neuropathy is damage or dysfunction of any of your nerves causing neuropathic pain, weakness, numbness and tingling. There are many causes of neuropathy and your neurologist can help identify the cause of your neuropathy. Certain dietary supplements for neuropathy have been suggested to improve neuropathic symptoms especially if you are deficient in the nutrients. Let’s find out what dietary supplements for neuropathy you should be taking.
Causes of Neuropathy
There are numerous causes of neuropathy but the most common cause is diabetes. However, other causes of neuropathy can include hypothyroidism, vitamin deficiency, alcohol, chemotherapy, medications, HIV and Hepatitis infections, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, autoimmune disorders, and hereditary disorders.
Diagnosis of Neuropathy
Diagnosis of neuropathy will include a thorough history and complete neurologic examination. An electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction study (NCS) can help identify the extent of your neuropathy. Specific laboratory tests can help look for the common causes of neuropathy.
Treatment for Neuropathy
Several traditional prescription medications have demonstrated effectiveness in treating neuropathic pain and continued to be used. Medications for neuropathic pain include tricyclic antidepressants Amitriptyline or Nortriptyline, serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor Cymbalta, and antiseizure medication gabapentin or pregabalin.
Non-pharmacologic treatment can have an added benefit in treating neuropathic pain. Treatments such as exercise, cognitive behavioral therapy, massage therapy, acupuncture, trigger point injections, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).
Due to the side effects from medications, dietary supplements for neuropathy may help with neuropathic pain and nerve repair with less troublesome side effects. Like any medication, you should consult your doctor prior to taking any supplements to determine if it is safe for you.
B Vitamins and Folate
B complex vitamins and folate act as cofactors for many critical functions in your body. Vitamin B1 (thiamine), B6 (pyridoxine) and B12 (cobalamin) have been shown to relieve diabetic neuropathic pain. These vitamins help prevent inflammation and preserve the myelin sheath covering around nerves. Caution should be noted when taking Vitamin B6 supplements as high levels can also cause neuropathy.
Magnesium
Magnesium acts by blocking the NMDA receptor which plays a role in neuropathic pain transduction. Magnesium supplementation can be used to treat diabetic neuropathy, cancer-related neuropathy, chemotherapy-related neuropathy, and post-herpetic neuralgia. However, small studies have shown mixed effectiveness.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D supplementation has been shown in a small study to help alleviate diabetic neuropathic pain. Vitamin D is proposed to help with pain and inflammation.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Alpha-lipoic acid functions as an antioxidant to reduce oxidative stress and free radicals that can damage nerves. It can help improve neuropathic pain, numbness and tingling, nerve conduction, and lower blood glucose levels.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Acetyl-L-carnitine is an amino acid and antioxidant that can help reduce neuropathic pain, regenerate nerve fibers, and improve energy. It can be an effective treatment in chemotherapy-induced neuropathy.
Curcumin
Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric. It is a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that can help neuropathic pain, numbness and tingling, and calms nerve inflammation.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil have anti-inflammatory properties. It can help heal and repair nerves slowing down the progression of neuropathy and reduce neuropathic pain.
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a strong antioxidant that helps prevent nerve damage and alleviates neuropathic pain. By preventing inflammation and oxidative stress, your nerve can slowly regenerate.
St. John’s Wort
St. John’s Wort (SJW) from the plant Hypericum perforatum has been used to treat depression, chemotherapy-related neuropathic pain, and dental pain. SJW works similarly to tricyclic antidepressants by blocking amine reuptake and inhibiting monoamine oxidase. Although it is a botanical, caution is needed when taking SJW as it is a potent enzyme inducer and can lower your medication levels.
The symptoms from neuropathy can be difficult to treat and may require a combination of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapies. Although safer than prescription medications, dietary supplements for neuropathy should be considered cautiously in the appropriate person.