Supplements for Symptoms of Neuropathy
A form of nerve damage that affects more than 20 million Americans, neuropathy is the most prevalent and debilitating form of chronic pain. Neuropathic pain often accompanies diseases of the somatosensory system—a subset of the sensory nervous system associated with the conscious perception of touch, temperature, pressure and pain.
Types of Neuropathy
Often referred to as peripheral neuropathy, there are more than 100 types of neuropathy across four categories of the condition, including:
- Motor neuropathy: Resulting from damage to the nerves that control muscles and movement, individuals with motor neuropathy may lose control of their limbs or have trouble speaking.
- Sensory neuropathy: Caused by damage to the nerves that control sensory feelings of temperature, light touch and pain.
- Autonomic nerve neuropathy: The most serious form of neuropathy, autonomic neuropathy results from damage to the nerves that control unconscious bodily functions such as breathing and heartbeat, leading to respiratory and heart problems.
- Combination neuropathies: Combining more than one type of neuropathy, the pairing of motor and sensory neuropathies is most common.
Neuropathy Symptoms and Causes
The symptoms of neuropathy vary depending on the type and the part of the body affected. Early signs may include muscle weakness, cramps, twitching, loss of sensation or lightheadedness. Some people have trouble with motor control or pain in the feet, legs and hands. As neuropathy progresses, symptoms can include sleeplessness, difficulties with balance or emotional distress.
Neuropathy may be caused by injury or other health problems, including shingles, cancer or autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV and Guillain-Barre syndrome. The most common cause of neuropathy is diabetes, with as many as 50 percent of people with diabetes suffering from the symptoms of neuropathy.
Some individuals may inherit neuropathy from their parents. Others at risk are those who abuse alcohol, have vitamin deficiencies—especially vitamin B12—or have a hormone imbalance or kidney conditions.
Addressing the Underlying Cause of Neuropathy
For most patients, neuropathy is a chronic condition that requires ongoing symptom management. The most effective approach is to treat the underlying cause of neuropathy. Unless nerve damage is significant and long-term, patients may experience less pain and regain function if the underlying cause is treated effectively.
Prescriptions often given for neuropathy include anti-depressants, anti-anxiety and epileptic medications used off label but have only moderate efficacy. And, due to their undesirable side effects, prescribing them for the treatment of pain is less common.
Supplements for Treating Neuropathy Symptoms
While clinical support for their effectiveness is limited, many patients turn to over-the-counter treatments—including nutritional supplements—for analgesic treatment of neuropathy and neuropathic pain. Some of these nutraceuticals have shown potential for providing relief for conditions including diabetic neuropathy, chemotherapy-related neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia, though more rigorous human studies are needed as few studies have been conducted, mostly due to funding restrictions.
Turmeric Curcumin Supplement
Contains 1000 mg of turmeric extract, which is standardized to contain 95% curcuminoids, and 10 mg of black pepper in 3 vegetarian capsules. Physician formulated to support a healthy inflammatory response.
$35.98 Add to cartCurcumin
A compound found in the herb turmeric, curcumin is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and pain-relieving properties and may help relieve numbness and tingling in hands and feet. In one clinical trial involving patients experiencing neuropathic pain, a multi-ingredient compound containing curcumin phytosome was tested as an adjunct to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug dexibuprofen. Not only did this adjunct treatment of curcumin supplements reduce neuropathy pain without significant side effects, it significantly decreased the use of the anti-inflammatory drug.
Cooper Complete Turmeric Curcumin supplement contains 1000 mg of curcumin extract in every daily serving of three vegetarian capsules.
Vitamin D
Because of its association with chronic pain conditions that share clinical characteristics with neuropathic pain, vitamin D deficiency has been studied for its role in the development of peripheral neuropathy, diabetic foot ulcers and cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes.
One study concluded vitamin D supplements helped reduce neuropathic pain in patients with diabetic neuropathy, but also suggested vitamin replacement may accompany anti-diabetic therapies to address vitamin D deficiency common among diabetics. Other studies achieved similar results, suggesting supplementation may serve as an effective therapy when applied after initial treatments that reduce neuropathic pain in multiple pain measurement methodologies and may slow or stop the progression of neural damage.
Ask your doctor to test your levels to determine if you’re at risk of vitamin D deficiency. Cooper Complete offers Vitamin D3 supplements in 25 mcg (1000 IU) and 125 mcg (5000 IU) softgels and in liquid drop form at 25 mcg (1000 IU).
Vitamin B12 Methylcobalamin Supplement 1000 mcg
Cooper Complete B12 Methylcobalamin Supplement contains the most active, absorbable form of vitamin B12 as it does not require conversion in the body. (Note: This product was previously offered in a liquid form.)
$19.98 Add to cartVitamin B12
Due to its role as an essential vitamin in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, researchers have established a clear link between vitamin B12 deficiency and peripheral neuropathy among patients with Crohn’s or Celiac disease or those previously following a vegetarian diet. Additionally, other B complex vitamins, including thiamine (B1), pyridoxine (B6) and folate (B9) play roles in physiological processes such as in DNA and RNA synthesis, immunity and metabolism.
A pair of studies showed different compounds—both containing vitamin B12—produced significant improvements in neuropathic pain, as measured by the Neuropathy Total Symptom Score (NTSS), global pain scores and reduced need for pain treatment with analgesics. While additional and larger trials are needed to demonstrate the relationships between each specific B vitamin and neuropathic pain relief, these studies suggest B vitamins may be an effective treatment for individuals with diabetes.
Cooper Complete offers a 1000 mcg Vitamin B-12 supplement in the highly absorbable methylated form and Advanced B Complex, which contains all the B vitamins in each daily serving.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
The anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil may be useful in treating neuropathy, as well as aiding in the repair of damaged nerves. A small clinical trial involving patients with a variety of diagnoses—including fibromyalgia—showed significant reductions in pain and improved function as long as 19 months following treatment. There is a need, however, for larger, better-controlled clinical trials to investigate the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on peripheral nerve integrity.
Cooper Complete Advanced Omega-3 supplement contains 720 mg EPA, 480 mg DHA and 200 mg of other omega-3 fatty acids in each daily serving, while Cooper Complete Advanced Omega-3 Liquid Supplement contains 1300 mg EPA, 850 mg DHA, and 175 mg DPA per teaspoon (5 mL) serving.
Magnesium Supplements
Magnesium plays an essential role in the formation of the myelin sheath, an insulating layer formed around nerves—including those in the brain and spinal cord—and regulating the transmission of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin (5-HT). Furthermore, magnesium deficiency is closely related to diabetic peripheral neuropathy and various neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
One study conducted in the Netherlands showed adding magnesium supplements to the diet, along with calcium, reduced pain from peripheral neuropathy among patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment.
Cooper Complete Magnesium Glycinate supplement contains 120 mg magnesium from magnesium glycinate in each daily serving and is well absorbed without significant laxative side effects. Cooper Complete Cognitive Health Magnesium L-Threonate contains 2 grams of Magtein® and 144 mg of elemental magnesium. Magnesium L-Threonate is the only magnesium on the market that crosses the blood-brain barrier.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Because the onset of some forms of neuropathy is associated with damage caused by oxidative stress—an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in the body—the medical community is exploring antioxidant therapies in the search for effective treatments. One series of studies found the naturally-occurring antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) may offer potential as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of neuropathy symptoms.
Alpha-lipoic acid is found in foods, including carrots, beets, spinach and broccoli, and is also available in supplements. While studies on its effectiveness are limited, small trials suggest alpha-lipoic acid supplements may improve neuropathy pain caused by diabetes. Alpha-lipoic acid supplements are considered safe when taken in recommended doses unless thiamin (vitamin B1) deficiency is present—common among individuals who consume large amounts of alcohol.
Cooper Complete Berberine Complex contains 200 mg of alpha lipoic acid per daily serving. (See this article to learn about other health benefits of Berberine.)
St John’s Wort
While St. John’s Wort is sometimes taken for relief of nerve pain (neuralgia) through topical application, it is more often used to treat mild depression. Doctors do not recommend it, however, due to its many side effects—including elevated heartbeat, increased blood pressure and upset stomach—and potentially dangerous interactions with common medications, including blood thinners, antidepressants and birth control pills, among others.
It is always important to consult your physician before adding any new supplement to your regimen. Your physician understands your health profile best, so talk with them about which supplements are best for you and your neuropathy issues.