Nerve health supplements have caught the attention of many doctors as a way to help reduce symptoms of neuropathy, such as numbness, pain, tingling, and burning sensations. In fact, experts suggest that patients try these vitamins and herbs for nerve pain alongside other treatments to speed up nerve recovery.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT NEUROPATHY SUPPLEMENT IS IMPORTANT.
Besides consulting with your doctor, make sure the neuropathy supplements you’re considering include these four essential vitamins.
This fat-soluble form of thiamine, known as Vitamin B1, is more effective in promoting nerve health because it stays in the body longer. Unlike regular thiamine, benfotiamine is only dissolved by fat, which means it remains in the digestive system longer and is more readily absorbed by the body. Multiple studies have shown that benfotiamine helps alleviate neuropathic symptoms, especially in diabetic patients. High blood sugar levels in diabetics can damage nerve cells, and they also experience high levels of oxidative stress leading to nerve damage. Benfotiamine differs from other diabetes medications as it reduces intracellular glucose and helps break down toxins from blood sugar, making it a valuable addition to diabetes treatment.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) is a fatty acid naturally found in the body. Experts recommend it for diabetes and neuropathy treatment due to its role in improving insulin resistance. Even non-diabetic patients with nerve damage symptoms, like pain, prickling, and tingling, have benefited from ALA supplements. However, more research is needed to determine the correct dosage of ALA.
Methylcobalamin, or methyl B-12, is a fat-soluble form of Vitamin B-12 and is better retained in the body since it takes longer to metabolize. It is considered the most effective form of cobalamin. A deficiency in cobalamin can cause several health issues, including fatigue, thinning hair, infertility, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and anemia. People with chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia and neuropathy often lack this nutrient. Supplementing with methyl B-12 may also improve auditory and sensory symptoms in multiple sclerosis patients by aiding in the regeneration of the myelin sheath, which protects the nerves.
MAGNESIUM IS VITAL FOR NERVE FUNCTION, EVEN THOUGH IT’S MOSTLY FOUND IN BONES.
A study presented at the International Conference on AIDS in 1994 highlighted a link between magnesium deficiency and peripheral neuropathy. More recent research on animals showed that magnesium supplements benefit diabetic mice by helping to prevent peripheral neuropathy. Topical magnesium has also been shown to help with cell regeneration and reduce nerve pain by improving the effectiveness of opioid painkillers while reducing their side effects. Magnesium helps by preventing overstimulation of NMDA receptors, which are involved in pain transmission, and reducing pro-inflammatory markers.
Choosing a neuropathy supplement should be done carefully. Take your time, do your research, consult with your doctor, and make an informed decision for a healthier future.