Neuropathy, a form of nerve damage, can occur from a variety of both metabolic and traumatic causes. One of the most common causes of neuropathy is high blood sugar levels in diabetes. Excessive blood sugar causes oxidative effects that damage many tissues, including nerve cells. Several nutritional supplements can alleviate the symptoms of neuropathy. Consult your doctor for guidance and supervision when using supplements.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C provides antioxidant benefits that protect nerves from damaging effects of a drug used to treat multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer, according to a study published in the June 2011 issue of the "International Journal of Hematology." In the tissue culture study, vitamin C achieved nearly complete reversal of damage to support nerves called Schwann cells that were exposed to the multiple myeloma drug bortezomib. Researchers concluded that vitamin C may be useful to prevent nerve damage from bortezomib.
N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine
N-acetyl-L-cysteine, or NAC, a nutritional supplement used to detoxify the body from acetominophen overdose, protects nerves from damaging effects of high blood sugar levels in diabetes, according to a study published in the January 2010 issue of the "Journal of Neurochemistry." In the laboratory animal study, doses of 1.5 grams per kilogram body weight of NAC for seven weeks decreased hypersensitivity to pain and improved motor coordination. NAC also restored antioxidant levels and reversed structural damage to nerves. Results of this preliminary study indicate that NAC shows promise as an antioxidant for prevention and treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Gamma-Linolenic Acid
The omega-6 fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA, helps alleviate symptoms of peripheral neuropathy by increasing levels of the anti-inflammatory fatty acid, according to pharmacist Arthur G. Lipman, editor of the book "Pain Management for Primary Care Clinicians." Levels of GLA decline in diabetes due to faulty conversion of linolenic acid, the precursor of GLA. Gamma-linolenic acid deficiency is among the most commonly deficient fatty acids and is a safe, non-toxic option for treating a range of conditions, including diabetic peripheral neuropathy, rheumatoid arthritis, and ADHD, according to a study published in the 2007 issue of the journal "Przeglad Lekarski." Neuropathy symptoms have been shown to respond to doses of GLA between 360 and 480 milligrams per day.
Magnesium
Magnesium may help alleviate diabetic neuropathy by bringing blood sugar levels in balance and by improving blood supply to nerves, according to Dr. Mark Sircus, writing for the National Health Federation. Magnesium is necessary for insulin production and can help lower blood sugar levels by increasing insulin levels. Magnesium also helps relax arteries and helps ensure adequate blood supply to your arms and legs. Magnesium deficiency can lead to peripheral neuropathy even if you don't have diabetes, says Sircus.
References
- "International Journal of Hematology"; Delayed Treatment with Vitamin C and N-acetyl-l-cysteine Protects Schwann Cells Without Compromising the Anti-myeloma Activity of Bortezomib; A. Nakano, et al.; June 2011
- "Journal of Neurochemistry"; N-acetylcysteine Inhibits Hyperglycemia-induced Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis Markers in Diabetic Neuropathy; S. Kamboj, et al.; January 2010
- "Przeglad Lekarski"; The Gamma-linolenic Acid (GLA)--The Therapeutic Value; J. Dobryniewski, et al.; 2007
- TheNationalHealthFederation.com; Magnesium and Diabetic Neuropathy; Mark Sircus; January 2006
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