Peripheral neuropathy is a possible side effect of chemotherapy for cancer, and is a result of nerve damage in the arms and legs. This can cause pain, tingling, numbness, muscle weakness and temperature sensitivity in the arms, legs, hands and feet, says the American Cancer Society. While this condition may subside in some individuals, it is permanent in others. There is no cure, but there are some supplements that may help reduce neuropathic symptoms. Prior to taking any supplements, it is best to consult with a health care professional to avoid any adverse effects or complications.
Capsaicin
Capsaicin is a substance in cayenne pepper, or red pepper. It is known for its pain-relieving effects and can be taken orally or applied topically, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. When applied to the skin, capsaicin blocks something called substance P, which is a chemical that alerts the brain to pain. When this substance is blocked, those messages do not reach the brain, and no pain is felt. According to the University of Maryland, capsaicin is effective in treating peripheral neuropathy due to diabetes, but not HIV. The American Cancer Society states that capsaicin may be used for relief of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. The topical capsaicin cream should be tested on a small patch of skin to make sure no allergies are present, and since it may interfere with some medications, a health care professional should be consulted prior to using the cream.
Carnitine (L-Carnitine)
Carnitine, also called L-carnitine or acetyl L-carnitine, may also help reduce symptoms of peripheral neuropathy caused by chemotherapy. According to Dr. Linda Vahdat at Living Beyond Breast Cancer, acetyl L-carnitine may alleviate discomfort caused by neuropathy. Carnitine helps the body produce energy from fat and is naturally produced by the liver and kidneys, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Although more research is necessary regarding carnitine and peripheral neuropathy, in diabetic neuropathy it has been shown to reduce pain and restore some normal feeling in affected nerves, according to the University of Maryland. The National Cancer Institute adds that it has shown benefits in studies of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in animals.
Alpha-lipoic Acid
The National Cancer Institute lists alpha-lipoic acid as a possible supplement that may reduce chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. This substance is an antioxidant naturally made by the body and is found in every cell. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, these acids are fat- and water-soluble and attack free radicals that cause cell damage throughout the body. For peripheral neuropathy, alpha-lipoic acid may reduce pain and numbness by attacking free radicals. The University of Maryland states that this acid has been used in Europe to treat diabetes-related neuropathy and has been shown to reduce symptoms when given intravenously. More studies need to be performed to yield definitive results.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Cayenne
- American Cancer Society: Peripheral neuropathy caused by chemotherapy
- Living Beyond Breast Cancer: Dr. Linda Vahdat: Neuropathy
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Carnitine
- National Cancer Institute: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Alpha-lipoic acid
