Top Supplements for Neuropathy Relief and Nerve Regeneration
Alpha Lipoic Acid
B Vitamins (B1
h3-b-vitamins-b-1-b-6-b-12
Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Curcumin
Magnesium
Vitamin D
Corydalis Extract
Safety and Side Effects of Neuropathy Supplements
If you suffer from nerve pain, supplements are among the natural remedies for neuropathy that you can try at home. This guide will introduce you to essential nutrients for supporting nerve health. You can increase your intake of these nutrients through your diet as well as supplementation.
Top Supplements for Neuropathy Relief and Nerve Regeneration
Below we go over the best nutrients for neuropathy. These include alpha lipoic acid, B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and more, aimed at prolonging nerve health and regeneration.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant that is derived from caprylic acid. In high doses (600-1800mg), it may be helpful in curbing some of the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. It can be taken orally, or injected, the latter of which requires a prescription.
This systematic review found that treating diabetic neuropathy with ALA reduced sensory symptoms. In addition to exerting antioxidant effects, ALA also can help to reduce inflammatory markers.
Vitamin B1: This vitamin, also called thiamine, is an antioxidant, combating oxidative stress.
Vitamin B6: This vitamin helps to balance nerve metabolism.
Vitamin B12: This vitamin helps to maintain the myelin sheaths that protect the nerves.
Try to get more of these vitamins in your diet, or take a supplement containing them.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR or ALC) is a compound that plays a role in converting fat into energy, and can boost nerve cell activity. As Mayo Clinic explains, it is involved with converting fat into energy, and it can boost nerve cell activity. For these reasons, it is a popular supplement among people with MS (which is a common cause of neuropathy), who may be treating both fatigue and nerve pain. It’s also produced naturally by the liver, brain, heart, and kidneys.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
There is a lot of research that shows that eating a higher proportion of omega-3 fatty acids is a good way to control inflammation levels (you should also avoid too many omega-6 fatty acids). There is also research showing omega-3 fatty acids can support healthy nerve function and combat neuropathic pain.
Curcumin
Another popular supplement for fighting inflammation is turmeric curcumin. You may recognize turmeric as a spice that is used in Indian cuisine. Curcumin is good for reducing inflammation. It can also help to protect nerve fibers after an injury to a peripheral nerve.
Magnesium
Magnesium can help peripheral nerves to regenerate. It can also help muscles relax, and increase overall relaxation.
Vitamin D
You likely are aware that vitamin D is important for immunity. But not getting enough vitamin D can also increase neuropathic pain. So, make sure you are getting enough of it. Many people are vitamin D deficient and do not know it.
Corydalis Extract
This herbal supplement has pain-fighting properties. One of its active components is a compound called berberine. Researchers have found that this compound can counteract neuropathic pain in particular.
Safety and Side Effects of Neuropathy Supplements
Each of the supplements above is safe and well-tolerated by most users. That said, they need to be taken in appropriate doses to be safe and effective. You also need to make sure you are buying quality supplements from reputable brands. Finally, look up the possible interactions for any new supplement prior to starting it and seek advice from a medical professional prior to taking a new supplement.
If a nutrient deficiency is causing neuropathy, then yes, in theory, taking the right supplement may help reverse it.
Which vitamin repairs nerve damage?
B complex vitamins are ideal for repairing nerve damage.
Does B12 really help with neuropathy?
Yes, it can. It helps to maintain the myelin sheaths that protect your nerves.
What are the worst foods for neuropathy?
Some of the worst foods for neuropathy are those that are high in inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids, such as fried foods.
Is coffee bad for neuropathy?
We see a mixture of claims regarding coffee, caffeine and neuropathy at the time of this writing.
Are there supplements to avoid if you have neuropathy?
Excess vitamin B6 can worsen neuropathy or cause it, so make sure you only take this vitamin in appropriate dosages.
What else can you do at home to help neuropathy?
Along with making changes to your diet and incorporating supplements, many patients benefit from strategies such as exercising. Working out can reduce inflammation and help you to retrain your gait if you are experiencing neuropathy-related foot drop.
It is easier and safer to exercise with neuropathy with therapeutic footwear. Browse neuropathy footwear to find comfortable shoes that will increase your stability as you walk.
Posted by: Johannes Sauer
Johannes is the CEO and Co-Founder of Cadense and passionate about helping people with walking difficulties. Johannes is the CEO and Co-Founder of Cadense and passionate about helping people with walking difficulties.
He was immediately drawn to the mission of the company because his cousin lost his lower leg in a tragic motorcycle accident a few years ago and is experiencing walking difficulties ever since.
Johannes brings over a decade of experience in working for consumer product companies to Cadense. He holds an MBA from the University of Graz in Austria.
Johannes lives with his family in Santa Barbara, CA.
Emilee, originally from Augusta, Georgia, earned her Master's degree from Georgia College in May 2018. Emilee, originally from Augusta, Georgia, earned her Master's degree from Georgia College in May 2018. During her time at Augusta University, she researched the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cell lines, while her graduate thesis focused on the re-localization of cellular proteins during adenovirus infection. Emilee has been recognized for her research by the American Physiological Society and the Georgia College Department of Biological Sciences. With a strong passion for virology and immunology, her work has been published in theGeorgia Journal of ScienceandMolecular Carcinogenesis.
Medical Disclaimer: This website is not intended for the purpose of providing medical advice. This website’s information, content, and material are for informational purposes only and are not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider. Cadense Inc. may not be held liable for any damages whether incidental, ordinary or consequential. Cadense does not make any guarantee of any particular end result. Cadense makes no claims or guarantees of payment/reimbursement by any insurance companies. Cadense adaptive shoes are intended to provide greater mobility to those with walking difficulties.