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Neuropathyis a debilitating pop in of pain brought on by injury or damage tonerves.
Some supplements may help manage neuropathic pain.
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant supplements may reduce nerve damage and improve symptoms of neuropathy.
Hospitalized older woman in glasses taking medication.Olga Rolenko / Getty Images
However, whether research supports the use of these supplements for neuropathy is not well established.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Acetyl-L-carnitineis a naturally occurringamino acid.
It reduces the number of pro-inflammatory molecules in the body and helps produce proteins that protect neurons.
People onhemodialysisregularly supplement with acetyl-L-carnitine to help fight chronic inflammation and oxidative stress.
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA)is anomega-3 fatty acidand antioxidant.
Benefits include:
ALA is relatively safe and well tolerated, even when taken above the recommended dosage.
This means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
Children ages 1017 may safely take ALA orally in doses of up to 600 mg daily for three months.
ALA may be unsafe for younger children, especially when administered in larger doses.
ALA slows blood clotting when taken with blood thinners, and can decrease the effects of your thyroid medication.
Similarly, ALA may lower blood sugar levels when taken with anantidiabetic(blood sugar lowering) medication.
B Vitamins
B vitamins are essential for countless body reactions.
B vitamin deficiencies lead to neuropathy, so getting enough B vitamins is essential to imrpove neuropathy symptoms.
B vitamins seem to benefit those who have neuropathy best if they have a nutrient deficiency.
Consider discussing with your healthcare provider and checking your vitamin B levels before starting a supplement.
There are eight types of B vitamins required for health.
Maintaining adequate levels of these B vitamins prevents nutritional neuropathies (neuropathy triggered by lack of nutrients.
Additional research is required to understand the role of B12 in neuropathy fully.
B Vitamin Interactions
The following medications impact your B vitamin levels:
4.
Capsaicin
Capsaicinis the compound inchili peppersthat makes them spicy.
Capsaicin is typically applied as a cream.
But these side effects are generally short term.Avoid contact with the eyes.
Do not apply capsaicin to damaged or burned skin.
Capsaicin interacts with the following medications:
5.
Cannabidiol
Cannabidiol (CBD)is a compound found in the marijuana plant.
CBD comes from hemp or non-hemp plants.
The 2018 Agriculture Improvement Act legalized cannabidiol derived from hemp at the federal level.
Research on cannabidiol is new and evolving, so there is no set recommended intake.
Dosage will vary depending on topical or oral CBD use.
Exercise caution when consuming CBD because limited data on its safety exists.
Possible side effects of CBD include the following:
CBD is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
CBD Interactions
CBD interacts with certain medications, including the following:
CBD also interacts with food.
Taking CBD with food may increase the amount absorbed by the body.
Side effects of CoQ10 are generally mild and include insomnia and digestive issues.
Few severe side effects have been reported.
Gamma-Linolenic Acid
Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)is an omega-6 essential fatty acid.
GLA can be obtained from the diet via borage, black currant oil, andevening primrose oil.
Magnesium
Magnesiumis a mineral involved in many bodily processes, including muscle and nerve function.
Neuropathy can result from the following:
It is also possible for neuropathy to develop without a known cause.
Neuropathy symptoms vary depending on the nerves and the body area affected.
Common symptoms include the following:
What Else Can You Do for Neuropathy?
Besides supplements, lifestyle modifications focusing on diet, stress, and movement alleviate neuropathic pain.
Exercise
Exercise has the potential to reduce neuropathic pain.
Certain forms of exercise are more effective than others at alleviating symptoms of different neuropathies.
Participating in a mix of aerobic and higher-intensity exercise may particularly benefit those with diabetic neuropathy.
Exercise may also prevent the development of neuropathy because regular physical activity helps control blood sugar.
A mix ofaerobicand progressive strength training enhances other treatment methods for HIV-related neuropathy.
Summary
Supplements such as ALA and acetyl-L-carnitine may provide some relief from neuropathic pain.
Talk with your primary healthcare provider to review the risks and benefits of introducing supplements into your routine.
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