Vitamins and nutritional supplements can play an important role in the treatment peripheral neuropathy. Even the prestigious Mayo Clinic has published a report on the benefits of a particular supplement-Alpha Lipoic Acid.
In most instances vitamins and supplements will not cure neuropathy. Yet on rare occasions when the neuropathy is in fact caused by Vitamin B deficiency, adequate supplementation can reverse the symptoms. Realistically speaking nutritional therapy can be been helpful in reducing some neuropathy symptoms and slowing down the progression of the condition. It certainly is not a panacea and it does not work for everyone, but it is nice conservative alternative, with far less side effects than some of the traditional prescription drugs.
Getting back to the Mayo Clinic study-A collaborative study between the Mayo Clinic and a medical center in Russia found that alpha lipoic acid (ALA) significantly and rapidly reduces the frequency and severity of symptoms of the most common kind of diabetic neuropathy. Symptoms decreased include burning, and sharply cutting pain, prickling sensations and numbness. Dr. Peter Dyck, director of the study added: “it’s very safe and there have been no known complications. The alternatives for managing the symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy-narcotics, analgesics or antiepileptic drugs-are less than ideal.”
Other essential vitamins used in treating neuropathy include Vitamin B complex which includes all of the “B’s.” Of special importance in this complex is Vitamin B12. Many research studies have shown that Vitamin B12 plays an important role in maintain and supporting nerve health. The most effective way of taking Vitamin B 12 is sublingually-under the tongue.
Acetly-L-Carnitine is an amino acid which assists the body in metabolism. This nutritional supplement has been shown to be beneficial in reducing symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.
Other important supplements that should be added to the list are the essential fatty acids-including Omega 3 and Omega 6. The Omegas offer many health benefits. According to the American Heart Association, Omega 3 fatty acids benefit the heart of the healthy people and those at high risk of-or who have cardiovascular disease. Omega 3 fatty acids also decrease triglyceride levels, slow growth rate of atherosclerotic plaque and may lower blood pressure. Atherosclerotic plaque or “hardening of the arteries” as it is commonly known leads to circulation problems. Poor circulation to the legs and feet can certainly exacerbate peripheral neuropathy symptoms.