Neuropathy: Nutrients Provide Hope To Heal The Nerves & Reduce The Pain

Secure Ordering | Free Shipping | 20% Off Retail Prices

Along with providing information on whether Neuropathy supplements might be right for you, this article also links to Fullscript where you can buy Neuropathy supplements online through the secure healthcare formulary and get free shipping and 20% off the retail price of professional-grade supplements.

Navigating the complexities of managing neuropathy can be overwhelming, but understanding the potential benefits of nutritional supplements offers a ray of hope. These supplements present a natural avenue for supporting nerve health and mitigating the discomfort associated with neuropathic symptoms. In this article, we’ll delve into the science behind how specific nutritional supplements can play a pivotal role in easing neuropathic pain and enhancing overall well-being. Let’s explore the realm of neuropathy supplements and uncover their potential to improve quality of life.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy refers to nerve damage outside the brain and spinal cord, often causing numbness, tingling, or pain, especially in the hands and feet. Other symptoms include muscle weakness, coordination problems, and sensitivity to touch or temperature changes. It can result from various factors, including diabetes, trauma, infections like shingles, autoimmune disorders, toxins, or genetics. Seeking medical advice is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment to manage symptoms and prevent further damage. Treatment options may include medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments to address underlying causes such as diabetes.

What Causes Neuropathy?

• Pinched Nerves: When neuropathy symptoms are present on only one side of the body, it often is caused by a pinched nerve. In these cases, nutrient supplementation is unlikely to provide any relief.
• Diabetes: Diabetes can lead to peripheral neuropathy, often presenting in a symmetric distribution, known as “glove-and-stocking” neuropathy. This is due to high blood sugar levels causing damage to small blood vessels that supply nerves, leading to a loss of sensation, pain, and other symptoms.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Deficiencies in B vitamins (B1, B6, B12) are particularly detrimental to nerve health. B1 (Thiamine) deficiency can lead to neuropathy, often seen in conditions like beriberi or in people with alcohol dependence. B6 and B12 are vital for nerve function and myelin sheath integrity. Deficiency can lead to significant nerve damage and neuropathic symptoms.
  • Inadequate Supplementation after Bariatric Surgery: Bariatric surgery, while effective for weight loss, can lead to malabsorption of nutrients, including vitamins and minerals essential for nerve function. Without adequate supplementation of B vitamins, iron, calcium, and other nutrients after surgery, patients may develop neuropathy due to nutritional deficiencies. Regular monitoring and appropriate supplementation are crucial to prevent this complication.
  • Celiac Disease: Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine, affecting nutrient absorption. This malabsorption can lead to deficiencies in B vitamins and other nutrients critical for nerve health, potentially causing neuropathy. The direct immune-mediated injury may also play a role in nerve damage in celiac disease.
  • Chronic Alcoholism: Long-term alcohol abuse can lead to nutritional deficiencies, particularly of B vitamins, which in turn causes neuropathy. Alcohol itself can also have a direct toxic effect on nerve tissue, worsening the problem.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy drugs are known to cause neuropathy as a side effect, often referred to as chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). This condition is typically dose-dependent and results from the toxic effects of chemotherapy on the nervous system. Symptoms can include pain, numbness, and tingling in the hands and feet, and may improve after chemotherapy is completed, although for some patients, the symptoms can be long-lasting. [PMID: 31634876]
• Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjögren’s syndrome can cause inflammation that damages peripheral nerves, resulting in neuropathy. This is part of the broader immune system’s attack on body tissues.
• Severe Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid can lead to a generalized metabolic slowdown, leading to myxedema, which can affect nerve function and cause neuropathy.
• Toxic Exposures: Exposure to heavy metals like lead or mercury, and certain industrial chemicals, can damage nerve cells and lead to neuropathy. This damage is often due to the direct toxic effects these substances have on nerve tissue.
• Chronic Kidney Disease: Kidney failure leads to an accumulation of toxins in the blood (uremia), which can damage nerves, leading to a type of peripheral neuropathy.
• Lyme Disease or HIV Infections: Certain infections, like HIV and Lyme disease, can directly or indirectly affect nerve function. HIV can cause neuropathy both directly and as a side effect of antiretroviral treatment, whereas Lyme disease, caused by a bacterial infection, can lead to neuropathy as part of its later stages.
• Hereditary Disorders: Conditions like Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease represent a group of inherited neurological disorders that affect the peripheral nerves. These disorders typically present with symmetrical neuropathy and have varying degrees of severity.
• HIV Medications: Some antiretroviral drugs, can cause nerve damage as a side effect. This type of neuropathy is often dose-dependent and may improve once the medication is changed or discontinued.
• Idiopathic: In some cases, despite extensive investigation, the cause of neuropathy remains unknown. This is termed idiopathic neuropathy and may represent a diagnosis of exclusion after other causes have been ruled out.

What Food and Lifestyle Factors Are Important For Managing Neuropathy?

Managing neuropathy often involves incorporating certain food and lifestyle factors to help alleviate symptoms and support overall health. Here are some key considerations:

• Blood Sugar Control: Monitor carbohydrate intake and choose low-glycemic index foods. Follow a consistent meal schedule to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
• Limiting Alcohol Consumption: Reduce or avoid alcohol intake, especially if neuropathy is alcohol-related.
• Balanced Diet: Consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Focus on nutrient dense whole foods.
• Smoking Cessation: Quit smoking to improve circulation and reduce nerve damage.
• Regular Exercise: Engage in activities like walking, swimming, or yoga to improve circulation and enhance nerve function. Include a combination of aerobic, strength-training, and flexibility exercises.
• Stress Management: Practice stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or relaxation exercises to help manage pain.
• Adequate Sleep: Prioritize good sleep hygiene and ensure adequate rest to support nerve repair and reduce pain.
• Monitoring Medications: Follow healthcare provider recommendations and monitor for any adverse effects or interactions.

Incorporating these food and lifestyle factors into daily habits can may improve symptoms, enhance overall quality of life, and better manage neuropathy.

What Nutritional Supplements Are Recommended For Neuropathy?

• B Vitamins: [PMID: 35156556]
  • B1 (Thiamine): Thiamine is crucial for energy metabolism in nerve cells. It helps in the proper functioning of neurons and is essential for nerve signal transmission. Thiamine deficiency can lead to neuropathic conditions like beriberi, which can cause nerve damage and pain. Thiamine deficiency is common in heavy users of alcohol. [PMID: 38018774]
  • B6 (Pyridoxine): Pyridoxine is involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters and myelin, which is the protective sheath around nerves. It plays a role in the repair and regeneration of nerves. However, it’s important to note that excessive intake of B6 can also lead to neuropathy.
  • B12 (Cobalamin): Cobalamin is vital for maintaining the myelin sheath and for nerve repair. It helps in the regeneration of damaged nerves and prevents nerve damage by maintaining the fatty sheaths that protect nerve endings.
• Alpha-Lipoic Acid: This is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect against oxidative stress, a contributing factor in diabetic neuropathy. It improves the blood flow to nerves and has been shown to relieve pain, burning, and numbness associated with diabetic neuropathy. Researchers state: “ALA is a valuable therapeutic option for diabetic neuropathy. When compared with currently licensed analgesic drugs, it is better tolerated, has a more rapid onset of action, and improves paraesthesiae, numbness, sensory deficits, and muscle strength in addition to neuropathic pain.” [PMID: 25381809]
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3s, particularly EPA and DHA found in fish oil, play a critical role in nerve health. They are components of cell membranes and can help repair nerve damage. Their anti-inflammatory properties are beneficial in reducing the inflammation associated with neuropathy. [PMC8876723]
• Magnesium: Magnesium is important for nerve function as it helps regulate nerve signal transmission and muscle contraction. Magnesium deficiency can lead to neuromuscular symptoms such as cramps, numbness, and tingling. Supplementing with magnesium can aid in nerve function and reduce neuropathy symptoms. [PMC7468697]
• Acetyl-L-Carnitine: This compound is involved in mitochondrial energy production within nerve cells. It has neuroprotective properties and can help in pain reduction, nerve regeneration, and improving nerve function in neuropathic conditions. [PMID: 31118753]
• Vitamin D: Essential for nerve growth, Vitamin D also plays a critical role in the maintenance of healthy nerve cells and has neurotrophic effects. Adequate levels of Vitamin D have been linked to reduced neuropathic pain, as deficiency in this nutrient is associated with increased pain sensitivity. Supplementing with Vitamin D can improve nerve function and alleviate neuropathy symptoms, particularly in those who are deficient. [PMID: 32089370] Vitamin D dosages should be adjusted based on your blood level with many clinicians recommending an optimal Vitamin D level of 50-80 ng/ml. Vitamin D labs can be ordered online through the NutriScape Lab Shop (Affiliate Link).
• Vitamin E: As a potent antioxidant, Vitamin E protects nerve cells from oxidative stress and damage. It is known to improve nerve conduction velocity, helping nerves transmit signals more effectively. Its neuroprotective role is beneficial in slowing the progression of neuropathy and alleviating symptoms. [PMID: 24905305]
• Curcumin (from Turmeric): Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, curcumin reduces inflammation that can worsen neuropathic pain. It has shown effectiveness in reducing pain associated with neuropathy and offers a natural alternative for pain management. Curcumin also protects nerves from damage by reducing oxidative stress. [PMID: 33925121]
• Zinc: Involved in nerve signal transmission, zinc is essential for proper nervous system functioning. It may modulate neuropathic pain by influencing pain signal transmission and processing. Zinc also has a neuroprotective role, supporting antioxidant defenses and maintaining nerve cell health. However, research is mainly limited to animal models of neuropathy. [PMC8231824]

Here are some additional supplements that are sometimes used to help manage neuropathy:

• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): CoQ10 is an antioxidant that supports cellular energy production. It may help improve nerve function and reduce symptoms of neuropathy, particularly in individuals with certain metabolic disorders.
• Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA): GLA is a type of omega-6 fatty acid found in plant oils like evening primrose oil and borage oil. It has anti-inflammatory properties and may help ease neuropathic pain.
• N-Acetylcysteine (NAC): NAC is a compound that helps the body produce glutathione, a powerful antioxidant. It may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in neuropathic conditions.
• Resveratrol: Resveratrol is a natural compound found in foods like red grapes, berries, and peanuts, but may in much higher doses in supplements. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and may protect nerves from damage and alleviate neuropathy symptoms.
• Ginkgo Biloba: Ginkgo biloba is an herbal supplement known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It may improve blood flow to nerves and help alleviate neuropathic pain.
• Lipoic Acid (ALA): Lipoic acid, similar to alpha-lipoic acid, is an antioxidant that may help protect against oxidative stress and reduce neuropathic pain. It is sometimes used alongside other supplements for neuropathy management.

When you purchase linked products presented on this page, Supplement Sciences, LLC receives affiliate fees so that our dietitians can continue to create great content.

Thank you for your support!

Supplement Safety Information

B vitamins like B1 (Thiamine), B6 (Pyridoxine), and B12 (Cobalamin) play crucial roles in nerve function without significant risks. Alpha-lipoic acid acts as a powerful antioxidant, effectively addressing neuropathic symptoms with minimal side effects. Essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and vitamins D and E provide reliable support for nerve health without posing notable risks. Other supplements like acetyl-L-carnitine, curcumin, zinc, Coenzyme Q10, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), N-acetylcysteine (NAC), resveratrol, and ginkgo biloba offer promising benefits with low risk. Lipoic acid (ALA) is also well-studied and safe for managing neuropathy symptoms. Together, these supplements offer a safe and effective approach to managing neuropathy symptoms.

Medication Interactions:

• Warfarin (blood thinner): Vitamin E may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with warfarin. Monitor for signs of bleeding and adjust warfarin dosage if necessary.
• Anticoagulant medications (blood thinners): Omega-3 fatty acids may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant medications. Monitor for signs of bleeding and adjust medication dosage if necessary.
• Antidiabetic medications: Alpha-lipoic acid may lower blood sugar levels, possibly enhancing the effects of antidiabetic medications. Monitor blood sugar levels closely and adjust medication dosage as needed.
• Levothyroxine (thyroid medication): Calcium, taken concurrently with levothyroxine, may interfere with its absorption. To minimize this interaction, take calcium supplements at least four hours apart from levothyroxine.
• Antacids containing magnesium: Magnesium supplements may interact with antacids containing magnesium, leading to increased magnesium levels in the body. Monitor for symptoms of magnesium toxicity, such as diarrhea, nausea, and weakness.
• Orlistat (weight loss medication): Orlistat may decrease the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamin E. Take vitamin E supplements at least two hours before or after taking orlistat to minimize this interaction.
• Thyroid medications: High doses of iodine, such as those found in kelp supplements, may interfere with thyroid medications by affecting thyroid hormone production. Avoid taking high-dose iodine supplements concurrently with thyroid medications.
• Calcium channel blockers (e.g., amlodipine, diltiazem): High doses of magnesium supplements may enhance the effects of calcium channel blockers, leading to excessively low blood pressure. Monitor blood pressure closely and adjust medication dosage if necessary.
• Blood pressure medications (e.g., ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers): Omega-3 fatty acids may lower blood pressure. When taken with blood pressure medications, they may enhance the effects, leading to excessively low blood pressure. Monitor blood pressure closely and adjust medication dosage if necessary.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): High doses of omega-3 fatty acids may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with NSAIDs. Monitor for signs of bleeding and adjust medication dosage if necessary.
• Anticoagulant medications (blood thinners): Fish oil supplements, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant medications. Monitor for signs of bleeding and adjust medication dosage if necessary.
• Antiplatelet medications (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel): Omega-3 fatty acids may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with antiplatelet medications. Monitor for signs of bleeding and adjust medication dosage if necessary.
• Antidiabetic medications: Alpha-lipoic acid may lower blood sugar levels, could enhance the effects of antidiabetic medications. Monitor blood sugar levels closely and adjust medication dosage as needed.
• Thyroid medications: High doses of iodine, such as those found in kelp supplements, may interfere with thyroid medications by affecting thyroid hormone production. Avoid taking high-dose iodine supplements concurrently with thyroid medications.
• Anticoagulant medications (blood thinners): Omega-3 fatty acids may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant medications. Monitor for signs of bleeding and adjust medication dosage if necessary.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): High doses of omega-3 fatty acids may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with NSAIDs. Monitor for signs of bleeding and adjust medication dosage if necessary.
• Anticoagulant medications (blood thinners): Fish oil supplements, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant medications. Monitor for signs of bleeding and adjust medication dosage if necessary.
• Antiplatelet medications (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel): Omega-3 fatty acids may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with antiplatelet medications. Monitor for signs of bleeding and adjust medication dosage if necessary.
• Antidiabetic medications: Alpha-lipoic acid may lower blood sugar levels, might enhance the effects of antidiabetic medications. Monitor blood sugar levels closely and adjust medication dosage as needed.
• Levothyroxine (thyroid medication): Calcium, taken concurrently with levothyroxine, may interfere with its absorption. To minimize this interaction, take calcium supplements at least four hours apart from levothyroxine.

Supplement Interactions:

• B6 (Pyridoxine): B6 (Pyridoxine) may enhance the absorption of magnesium.
• Alpha-Lipoic Acid: Alpha-lipoic acid may enhance the effects of other antioxidants, such as vitamin C and vitamin E.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids may enhance the effects of other anti-inflammatory supplements, such as curcumin and resveratrol.
• Magnesium: Magnesium may enhance the absorption of vitamin D when taken together.
• Acetyl-L-Carnitine: Acetyl-L-carnitine may enhance the effects of other supplements involved in energy metabolism, such as coenzyme Q10.
• Vitamin D: Vitamin D may enhance the absorption of calcium when taken together.
• Curcumin (from Turmeric): Curcumin may enhance the effects of other anti-inflammatory supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids and resveratrol.
• Zinc: Zinc may enhance the effects of other immune-supportive supplements, such as vitamin C and N-acetylcysteine.
• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): CoQ10 may enhance the effects of other supplements involved in energy metabolism, such as acetyl-L-carnitine.
• Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA): GLA may enhance the effects of other anti-inflammatory supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids and curcumin.
• N-Acetylcysteine (NAC): NAC may enhance the effects of other antioxidants, such as vitamin C and vitamin E.
• Resveratrol: Resveratrol may enhance the effects of other anti-inflammatory supplements, such as curcumin and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Ginkgo Biloba: Ginkgo biloba may enhance the effects of other supplements involved in cognitive function, such as acetyl-L-carnitine and coenzyme Q10.
• Lipoic Acid (ALA): Alpha-lipoic acid may enhance the effects of other antioxidants, such as vitamin C and vitamin E.

When you purchase linked products presented on this page, Supplement Sciences, LLC receives affiliate fees so that our dietitians can continue to create great content.

Thank you for your support!

Order Supplements For Managing Neuropathy

Food First!

Although this article discusses supplements in detail, don’t forget that we are absolutely committed to the “Food First” approach to nutrition. When it comes to your health, the totality of your eating habits far surpasses the impact of individual nutrients or any single supplement you consume. Even though this article doesn’t delve into the broader picture of your overall diet, it’s crucial to keep this element at the forefront of our minds. Your food needs to provide all the vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytochemicals to nourish your body systems down to the cellular level.

Food choices, rather than supplements, are the most critical factors for a healthy gut microbiome. These trillions of tiny inhabitants in your gut affect your brain waves; they orchestrate your immune system. They possess the power to create molecules that can switch genes on or off and are even capable of synthesizing neurotransmitters. Opting for organic foods and steering clear of plastic packaging (including those labeled BPA-free) is a smart move to limit toxin exposure. The sum of all these parts leads to a powerful conclusion: the ultimate key to your health lies in the quality and balance of the food you consume. Supplements are secondary.

To Sum It Up

Supplements like B1 (Thiamine), B6 (Pyridoxine), B12 (Cobalamin), Alpha-Lipoic Acid, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Magnesium, Acetyl-L-Carnitine, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Curcumin (from Turmeric), Zinc, Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA), N-Acetylcysteine (NAC), Resveratrol, Ginkgo Biloba, and Lipoic Acid (ALA) show promising benefits for managing neuropathy. These supplements can aid in nerve function, reduce inflammation, and alleviate symptoms. However, it’s essential to consult with a Registered Dietitian to ensure their safety and suitability for your needs. A Registered Dietitian can provide personalized guidance on incorporating these supplements into your neuropathy management plan. Seeking their expertise can help you make informed decisions and optimize your journey towards better nerve health.

This Article is Not a Substitute for Medical Advice

Dietary supplements are not designed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The Supplement Sciences website seeks to provide comprehensive access to the most relevant supplement information along with convenient online ordering. We do not provide medical advice and cannot guarantee that every product suggested is completely without risk. Since each person is unique in their health history and medication use, it is important to discuss supplements with your personal physician. Specifically, pregnant women and individuals being treated for cancer or liver or kidney problems must consult their physician about every nutritional supplement they plan to take. People taking medications for the treatment of HIV or with a history of organ transplant must not take supplements without consulting with their physician.