I’ve read over 30 research paper to find the best vitamins and supplements to help heal peripheral neuropathy.
I’ve read 36 research paper and analyzed the scientific evidence supporting the use of vitamins and supplements for peripheral neuropathy, exploring their recommended dosages, potential side effects, and interactions and will share them with you in this article.
Peripheral Neuropathy Overview
Peripheral neuropathy, a common consequence of nerve damage, often manifests as pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the extremities, particularly the hands and feet. Conventional treatments primarily focus on managing the underlying condition and alleviating symptoms, however, certain vitamins and supplements have shown promise in promoting nerve health and reducing neuropathic discomfort. For more information about what Peripheral Neuropathy is, and common treatments for Peripheral Neuropathy, check out other articles.
Vitamins and Supplements for Peripheral Neuropathy
A lot of supplements for neuropathy exists, although research supporting their use is not well established 1. Supplements that reduce oxidative stress (free radical damage) and inflammation in the body are often used for neuropathy. Such supplements include acetyl-L-carnitine, alpha-lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10, gamma-linolenic acid, and saffron 1. Other nutrients associated with nerve formation, function, and the body’s pain response may benefit neuropathic symptoms. These nutrients include B vitamins and magnesium 1.
Best multivitamin for peripheral neuropathy
The following research will give you the exact amounts that research recommends, but the multivitamin below is what helped me with peripheral neuropathy.
I also supplemented with extra R-ALA and B Complex.
Recommended Supplement Dosages to treat Peripheral Neuropathy and Prevent for Harm
| Supplement | Recommended Dosage | Frequency | Potential for Harm with Excessive Intake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) | 25–100 mg for mild deficiency; 100 mg two to three times daily for severe deficiency | Daily | Stomach upset , rare allergic reactions |
| Benfotiamine | 300–900 mg daily | Daily | Likely safe at doses up to 600 mg daily for up to 24 weeks; rare side effects like stomach problems and skin rashes |
| Vitamin B6 | More than 3mg but less than 50mg. Maximum daily dose of 100 mg for adults; neuropathy can occur at doses less than 50 mg | Daily | Peripheral neuropathy (tingling, burning, or numbness in the hands and feet) |
| Vitamin B12 | 1,000–5,000 mcg daily of the active forms (methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin) for 1 month ; for severe deficiency: 1,000 mcg daily for 5 days, followed by 1,000 mcg weekly for 5 weeks, then 100–1,000 mcg monthly for life | Daily/Weekly/Monthly | Generally safe; ‘active’ forms should be avoided by patients with severe anxiety |
| R-Alpha-Lipoic Acid | 600–1,200 mg per day in capsule form | Daily | Generally safe; mild insomnia, fatigue, diarrhea, and skin rash |
| Vitamin D | 50,000 IU once weekly for 12 weeks ; 600,000 IU as a single intramuscular dose | Daily or Weekly/Single Dose | Hypercalcemia (nausea, vomiting, weakness, frequent urination) |
| Vitamin E | 15 milligrams daily | Daily | Increased risk of bleeding, interactions with certain medications |
| Magnesium | See table in previous response for age and gender-specific recommendations | Daily | Diarrhea and gastrointestinal issues |
| Curcumin | 500–2,000 mg of turmeric per day in extract form ; starting dose: 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder mixed with water or milk | Daily | Gastrointestinal issues, interaction with blood thinners, lower blood sugar levels |
| Coenzyme Q10 | 100–200 mg per day | Daily | Generally safe; mild digestive problems or headaches |
| Gamma-Linolenic Acid | 320-480 mg by mouth daily | Daily | Possibly safe when used in doses of up to 2.8 grams daily for up to one year. It can cause side effects such as soft stools, diarrhea, belching, and gas |
| N-Acetylcysteine | 1,200–2,400 mg per day | Daily | Generally safe; nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea |
| Acetyl-L-carnitine | 1,000 mg three times per day | Daily | Generally safe, but can cause mild side effects such as upset stomach and nausea |
| Saffron | 20-100 mg by mouth daily | Daily | Drowsiness, stomach problems, and nausea or vomiting. Allergic reactions are also possible. Taking large amounts of saffron by mouth is possibly unsafe. High doses of 5 grams or more can cause poisoning. Doses of 12-20 grams can cause death |
This table provides a general overview of recommended dosages and potential harm associated with excessive intake. It’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and to consider individual factors such as age, health conditions, and medication use.This table provides a general overview of recommended dosages and potential harm associated with excessive intake. It’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and to consider individual factors such as age, health conditions, and medication use.
B Vitamins to help heal neuropathy
B vitamins are essential for maintaining a healthy nervous system. They support nerve repair, enhance nerve function, and may help alleviate pain and inflammation 2. Supplementation should include B1 (thiamine and benfotiamine), B6, and B12 2. It’s important to note that vitamin B6 is unique in that both its deficiency and excess can cause peripheral neuropathy, highlighting the importance of careful dosage monitoring 4.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine and Benfotiamine)
Vitamin B1, particularly in its fat-soluble form benfotiamine, has demonstrated potential in treating peripheral neuropathy, especially in cases related to diabetes 2.
Recommended Dosage:
- For mild thiamine deficiency: 25–100 mg daily 5
- For severe thiamine deficiency: 100 mg, two to three times daily 5
- For benfotiamine: 300–900 mg daily 2
Potential Side Effects:
While generally safe, high doses of thiamine may cause stomach upset 6. In rare cases, allergic reactions may occur 7. Benfotiamine is likely safe at doses up to 600 mg daily for up to 24 weeks, with rare side effects like stomach problems and skin rashes 8.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is essential for nerve health, but maintaining the correct dosage is crucial.
Recommended Dosage:
- The maximum permitted daily dose is 100 mg for adults 9.
- However, neuropathy can occur at doses less than 50 mg 9.
Potential Side Effects:
High doses of vitamin B6 can cause peripheral neuropathy, characterized by tingling, burning, or numbness in the hands and feet 9. Taking multiple supplements containing vitamin B6, even in low doses, can increase the risk of peripheral neuropathy, so it’s crucial to monitor total B6 intake from various sources 9.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is vital for nerve health and plays a key role in repairing the myelin sheath that protects nerves 10. Deficiency can cause peripheral neuropathy, making supplementation crucial 2.
Recommended Dosage:
- 1,000–5,000 mcg daily of the active forms (methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin) for 1 month 11
- For severe deficiency: 1,000 mcg daily for 5 days, followed by 1,000 mcg weekly for 5 weeks, then 100–1,000 mcg monthly for life 12
Potential Side Effects:
While generally considered safe, it’s important to note that the ‘active’ forms of B12 (methyl-cobalamin and adenysl-cobalamin) should not be taken by patients with a history of severe anxiety 11. Certain vitamin deficiencies, especially vitamin B12 deficiency, can affect your nervous system and cause major problems 13.
R-Alpha-Lipoic Acid for Neuropathy
R-Alpha-lipoic acid (RALA) is a potent antioxidant that improves nerve function, reduces oxidative stress, and may help lower blood sugar levels 3. An oral dose of 600 mg RALA daily appears to provide the optimal risk-to-benefit ratio 14. (not to be mistaken with the generic ALA)
Recommended Dosage:
- 600–1,200 mg per day in capsule form 14
Potential Side Effects:
ALA is generally safe with minimal side effects. Some individuals may experience mild symptoms like insomnia, fatigue, diarrhea, and skin rash 16.
You can also get alpha-lipoic acid in your diet. Foods that contain trace amounts include:
- Broccoli
- Red meat
- Liver
- Brussels sprouts
- Spinach
- Brewer’s yeast 17
Vitamin D to help with Neuropathy
Vitamin D deficiency may contribute to diabetic neuropathy 18. Supplementation may help improve symptoms and nerve function.
Recommended Dosage:
- 50,000 IU once weekly for 12 weeks 19
- 600,000 IU as a single intramuscular dose 20
Potential Side Effects:
While generally safe, excessive vitamin D intake can lead to hypercalcemia, which may cause nausea, vomiting, weakness, and frequent urination 21.
Vitamin E for Neuropathy
Vitamin E deficiency may contribute to peripheral neuropathy 18. Supplementation may help improve nerve health and reduce symptoms.
Recommended Dosage:
- The recommended daily amount for adults is 15 milligrams 22.
Potential Side Effects:
High doses of vitamin E may increase the risk of bleeding and interact with certain medications 22.
Magnesium and Neuropathy
Magnesium plays a vital role in nerve function and may help alleviate neuropathic pain.
Recommended Dosage:
| Age | Male (mg) | Female (mg) |
|---|---|---|
| Birth to 6 months (AI) | 30 | 30 |
| 7–12 months (AI) | 75 | 75 |
| 1–3 years (RDA) | 80 | 80 |
| 4–8 years (RDA) | 130 | 130 |
| 9–13 years (RDA) | 240 | 240 |
| 14–18 years (RDA) | 410 | 360 |
| 19–30 years (RDA) | 400 | 310 |
| 31–50 years (RDA) | 420 | 320 |
| 51+ years (RDA) | 420 | 320 |
| Pregnant females | 320 | |
| Breast-feeding females | 340–355 |
Potential Side Effects:
Magnesium supplements are generally safe, but high doses may cause diarrhea and gastrointestinal issues 23.
Curcumin Helps Neuropathy
Curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that may help prevent chronic pain associated with neuropathy 3.
Recommended Dosage:
- Studies typically use doses of 500–2,000 mg of turmeric per day in extract form 24.
- A usual starting dose is 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder mixed with water or milk 2.
Potential Side Effects:
Curcumin is generally safe, but high doses may cause gastrointestinal issues, interact with blood thinners, and lower blood sugar levels 25.
Coenzyme Q10 and Neuropathy
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an antioxidant that may help improve nerve function and reduce oxidative stress 1.
Recommended Dosage:
- The typical recommended dose is 100–200 mg per day 27.
Potential Side Effects:
CoQ10 is generally safe with minimal side effects. Some individuals may experience mild digestive problems or headaches 28.
Gamma-Linolenic Acid
Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is an omega-6 fatty acid that may help improve nerve function and reduce inflammation 1.
N-Acetylcysteine
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant and amino acid that may help reduce pain and inflammation associated with neuropathy 2.
Recommended Dosage:
- 1,200–2,400 mg per day 2
Potential Side Effects:
NAC is generally safe, but may cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea in some individuals 29.
Supplementing Deficient Vitamins
Some individuals develop neuropathy due to deficiencies in specific vitamins and nutrients. In these cases, supplementation may help reverse or reduce symptoms 18. Some vitamin and mineral deficiencies that may cause neuropathy include:
- B vitamins: People who do not eat any animal products are more vulnerable to B vitamin deficiencies, particularly B12 18. Other deficiencies in B vitamins that may lead to peripheral neuropathy include vitamins B2, B6, and B9 18.
- Copper: Copper deficiency is rare but may damage nerves and lead to excess zinc in the blood 18.
- Vitamin E: Vitamin E deficiency might contribute to peripheral neuropathy 18.
Types of Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy can be categorized into different types based on the cause, location, and symptoms. Some common types include:
- Diabetic Neuropathy: Caused by high blood sugar levels, leading to nerve damage in the legs and feet 30.
- Inflammatory Neuropathy: Resulting from infections or autoimmune processes 30.
- Painful Neuropathy: Characterized by intense pain due to nerve damage 30.
- Sensory Neuropathy: Affecting nerves that transmit sensations like touch, temperature, and pain 32.
- Motor Neuropathy: Affecting nerves that control movement 32.
- Autonomic Neuropathy: Affecting nerves that control bodily functions like digestion, bladder function, and blood pressure 32.
- Mononeuropathy: This type affects only one nerve and is usually caused by injury or repeated stress 33.
- Multiple Mononeuropathy: This type affects two or a few nerves or nerve areas in different parts of the body 33.
- Polyneuropathy: This type affects many or most nerves and is the most common type of neuropathy 33. Polyneuropathy typically starts by affecting the longest nerves first, so symptoms typically begin in the feet and gradually progress upwards, later affecting the hands 34.
While research suggests that certain vitamins and supplements may be more effective for specific types of peripheral neuropathy, further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Interactions Between Vitamins and Supplements
It’s essential to be aware of potential interactions between different vitamins and supplements 10. For example, excessive intake of vitamin B6 can interfere with the absorption of magnesium 10. Other interactions may occur, and consulting a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen is crucial, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications. For instance, high doses of vitamin B6 can lead to a sensory neuropathy, especially with megadoses (greater than 2 g/d), but it has also been reported in patients taking lower doses (50 mg/d) over long periods 4.
Limitations of the Research
It’s important to acknowledge that the evidence surrounding the efficacy and mechanisms of these supplements in neuropathic pain is limited. The scientific literature consists primarily of preclinical animal models, case studies, and small randomized controlled trials (RCTs) 35. Further exploration into large randomized controlled trials is needed to fully inform patients and physicians on the utility of these supplements in neuropathic pain 35.
My favorite vitamins that healed my neuropathy
These are the vitamins I bought to help me cure my peripheral Neuropathy. I took them for 3 months and started feeling better after the first 30 days of taking them.
Conclusion
Vitamins and supplements hold promise as complementary therapies for peripheral neuropathy. While more research is needed to establish definitive treatment protocols and confirm their effectiveness, the evidence suggests that certain vitamins and supplements, such as B vitamins, alpha-lipoic acid, and vitamin D, may help improve nerve health and reduce neuropathic symptoms. However, it’s crucial to remember that individual responses to these supplements may vary, and what works for one person may not work for another. Moreover, the limitations of existing research underscore the need for personalized approaches and further investigation.
It’s essential to consult a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dosage, assess potential interactions with other medications, and develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses the underlying causes of peripheral neuropathy. By combining these supplements with conventional treatments and lifestyle modifications, individuals with peripheral neuropathy may find relief from their symptoms and enhance their overall quality of life.
For more information, check out this podcast episode
Sources
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