While lifestyle changes and conventional treatments may ease symptoms of neuropathy, supplements, such as glutamine, B vitamins, and alpha-lipoic acid, may also help.

Neuropathy is nerve damage that often occurs in people with diabetes and as a side effect of chemotherapy.

Treatment for neuropathy usually involves managing the condition that has caused it and relieving symptoms. Research into using supplements and natural remedies for neuropathy is ongoing. Supplements may have fewer side effects than conventional treatments and have other health benefits.

As with any medication, anyone wanting to try supplements needs to discuss the risks and benefits with a doctor first. Anyone experiencing severe side effects should seek medical advice as soon as possible.

In this article, we examine vitamin and supplements that may help reduce symptoms of neuropathy, prevent it from occurring, or even reverse nerve damage. We also discuss dietary and lifestyle tips for neuropathy and look at when to seek advice from a doctor.

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Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) is a popular supplement for treating a wide variety of symptoms. The liver, brain, and kidneys naturally produce it.

A 2019 review suggests that ALC may help reduce pain and may improve nerve function in people with neuropathy. Review authors note it may be particularly effective for those with diabetic neuropathy. However, they also note that further larger-scale studies are necessary.

Further resources

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A 2022 review of research indicates that B vitamins, including vitamin B1 and B12, play an important role in nervous system function and may also ease symptoms of neuropathy.

The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) notes that vitamin B12 deficiency is one possible cause of peripheral neuropathy, which people can treat by taking vitamin B12 supplements.

People may want to try individual B vitamin supplements or B-complex vitamins, which include all eight types of B vitamins in one supplement. However, they should speak with a doctor before doing so to make sure B vitamins are safe to take for them.

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA may help reverseTrusted Source free radical damage and intensify the effects of antioxidants, which may slow or stop nerve damage in individuals with diabetic neuropathy.

The NHS also notes that ALA is a possible complementary therapy for people with peripheral neuropathy.

A 2021 study found that ALA may be safe and effective to treat pain in people with various types of neuropathy. However, researchers note further research on the topic is needed.

A 2021 review concluded that magnesium may promote peripheral nerve regeneration. However, further research is necessary.

Additionally, a 2018 study involving people undergoing chemotherapy found that those who had high levels of magnesium in their diet were less likely to experience chemotherapy-related neuropathy. However, more studies are needed.

A 2023 analysis found that both excessive and insufficient intake of magnesium and calcium may increase the likelihood of developing peripheral neuropathy. Therefore, they should always seek a doctor’s advice before taking any magnesium supplements.

According to a 2023 analysis, both insufficient and excessive intake of calcium and magnesium may increase the chances of developing peripheral neuropathy. Therefore, a person should speak with a healthcare professional before taking calcium supplements.

Rich dietary sources of calcium include dairy foods, such as milk and cheese, as well as nondairy foods, like almonds and chia seeds.

Glutamine is a type of amino acid. It may improve many side effects of chemotherapy, including neuropathy.

Food sources of glutamine include:

  • wheat
  • barley
  • peanuts
  • corn
  • soybeans
  • egg whites
  • milk

Glutamine is also available as a pill or an injection.

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is present in foods such as lentils, beans, and bananas. NAC may protect the neurological system from inflammation and damage, which may help prevent or treat neuropathy.

A 2019 study found that complementary therapy with NAC over 8 weeks was more effective at improving diabetic neuropathy pain than a placebo. Researchers note this may be due to the antioxidant effects of NAC. However, further research is needed.

A 2020 studyTrusted Source suggests there may be a link between vitamin D deficiency and diabetic neuropathy.

A 2020 reviewTrusted Source of previous studies supports these findings. Researchers suggest that vitamin D may help relieve pain in people with diabetic neuropathy.

However, further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

A 2021 meta-analysis found that vitamin E supplementation may help prevent chemotherapy-related neuropathy.

However, a different 2021 meta-analysis notes that while there is some evidence to support the use of vitamin E to prevent and manage the symptoms of chemotherapy-related neuropathy, further high quality research is necessary to confirm these findings.

Some people develop neuropathy because they have a deficiency in particular vitamins and nutrients. Supplements may help reverse or reduce symptoms.

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. Other deficiencies in B vitamins that may lead to peripheral neuropathy include vitamins B2, B6, and B9.
  • Copper: Copper deficiency is rare. It may damage nerves and lead to excess zinc in the blood. People with too little copper may need chronic treatment.
  • Vitamin E: Vitamin E deficiency might contribute to peripheral neuropathy. Research into vitamin E as a treatment for neuropathy is ongoing.
  • Vitamin D: Some researchTrusted Source indicates that vitamin D deficiency may contribute to diabetic neuropathy, but again, further research is necessary.

Taking too much of any supplement can cause serious health problems, including worsening neuropathy. People who suspect they have a nutrient deficiency can ask a doctor to check their levels and then consult a nutrition expert about which supplement to use and at what dosage.

Neuropathy is a complex symptom. The right treatment varies from person to person.

Diet and lifestyle strategies that may help a person reduce their symptoms or even prevent neuropathy includeTrusted Source:

People with conditions that may cause neuropathy can discuss prevention strategies with a healthcare professional.

It is also important to talk with a doctor if:

  • neuropathy symptoms appear for the first time
  • neuropathy symptoms are unbearable or worsening
  • treatment for neuropathy is not working
  • the feet go completely numb, or neuropathy makes walking difficult or impossible

Vitamins and supplements that may help with neuropathy include ALC, B vitamins, ALA, and more.

Experts recommend people always speak with a healthcare professional before taking any vitamins or supplements for neuropathy to make sure it is safe for them to do so.

A doctor can also recommend diet and lifestyle modifications that may help manage neuropathy.