Supplements for Peripheral Neuropathy

When we speak of neuropathy, usually we are talking about peripheral neuropathy meaning nerves outside the central nerve system (brain-spinal cord). Most begin searching for a solution to their neuropathy due to numbness and/or pain but these aren't the only consequences of peripheral nerve damage. Causes of peripheral neuropathy are many including different diseases or infections, environmental toxins, medications, medical treatments, genetic factors or maybe from no known cause.

The purpose of this article is to point out some supplements that could make a big difference in your nerve health and might just give you some dramatic relief of your symptoms. If you are still reading, you probably know something of the misery that can come with these symptoms.

Alpha Lipoic Acid

We will start with alpha lipoic acid or ALA. A fair amount of research has been done on neuropathy and ALA, especially diabetic neuropathy as this is such a common consequence of diabetes. ALA seems to be effective in most cases, in relieving symptoms of neuropathy and helps with nerve conduction.

So how much should you take? You have two options, IV and oral supplements. Most don't have the time or money to go the IV route so we talk of oral supplements.

Recommended dose is between 600 and 1200 mg per day, preferably in divided doses. Brussels sprouts and broccoli are also helpful for supplying additional ALA but also you will get some sulforaphane but that is a topic for another day.

Protocol for Life Balance Alpha-Lipoic Acid 250 mg

Acetyl-L-Carnitine

Next up is ALC, short for acetyl-L-carnitine. Studies have also shown this to be neuroprotective in patients with neuropathies of different types, not just diabetic neuropathies. One study showed an average of about 20% reduction in symptoms compared to placebo.

What about taking L-carnitine instead of acetyl-L-carnitine. ALC crosses the blood brain barrier more readily than L-carnitine so tends to work better for brain and nerve function. ALC does everything L-carnitine can do but also adds cognitive support in a way that L-carnitine can't.

Often quoted is that a typical dose for treatment with acetyl-L-carnitine is 1500 to 2000 or even 3000 mg per day in single or divided doses. Another source says that doses of 1000 mg taken two or three times daily may be better than doses of 500 mg three times daily. If that is true, you should go with the higher doses, at least at first to get a therapeutic dose to help the nerve recovery begin. Once the symptoms have calmed down, you might be able to use a lower dose for maintenance.

Protocol for Life Balance Acetyl-L-Carnitine 500, link below!

B Vitamins

This seems pretty basic as we all know that we need our vitamins. Vitamin deficiencies are more common than you think and a person has neuropathy using a basic B complex supplement is cheap insurance.

The list of medications that can contribute to vitamin B deficiencies is long but some of the common suspects are things like Metformin, proton pump inhibitors, histamine receptor antagonists, Colchicine and more. And don't forget alcohol will easily deplete your body of valuable B vitamins.

Neuropathy is only one sign of vitamin B deficiencies. You might also have some skin issues, hair loss, dandruff, eye problems, mouth ulcers and more.

I would recommend NeuroBiologix Optimal B Complex. Watch out for cheap brands that will probably contain folic acid and too much methyl B12. Folic acid isn't actually a vitamin but has to be converted by the body to folate. Also some people have trouble with methyl B12. This NeuroBiologix formula has a mix of adenosyl and methyl B12 so should work for just about anyone.

B6 Induced Neuropathy

For some people, a little B6 is good but more is not better. Some people easily get an overdose of B6 and peripheral neuropathy is the result. The mechanism is unknown but may involve inhibition of pyridoxal kinase and reductions of GABA synthesis. It is unclear how many have this issue. It may be more common than we know.

If you have peripheral neuropathy and have tried everything but still can't make progress you might be a B6 limitation candidate. The best way to know if B6 is part of the equation for you is to cut way back on the B6 for at least 6 months and look for improvement. You will have to check all of your supplements as B vitamins are routinely added to many products.

Fish Oil

A fair amount of research in both animals and people have been promising. Fish oil is good for most people in general so adding this to your peripheral neuropathy program is a given. One study used 640 mg three times per day. That seems like a reasonable approach. You might need a little more for treatment but that 1800 mg dose was found to be neuro protective.

Nordic Naturals ProOmega 120sg Lemon

Nordic Naturals Algae Omega (Vegan Option), links below!