Neuropathy and natural supplements such as magnesium and alpha acid

Hi Judy @judyeccles, Sorry you haven't found anything that really helps. There are quite a few different discussions on supplements for neuropathy if you want to scan through the list here - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/discussions/?search=neuropathy%20supplements.

I don't have the pain that you have but do have the numbness that I've been dealing with for over 40 years. I didn't bother to get a diagnosis until 2016 and when I did I got the same answer from my Mayo neurologist after being diagnosed with idiopathic small fiber peripheral neuropathy - there aren't any medications that can help with the numbness. That got me looking into supplements and although it's not a cure I do believe it's helped reduce and possibly stopped the progression of my numbness symptoms. I shared my journey in another discussion here - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/310341/.

The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy has a list of supplements shown to help folks with neuropathy at the end of their complementary and alternative therapies document here - https://www.foundationforpn.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Complementary-and-Alternative-Treatments.pdf. They don't really say what the therapeutic dose for each are but I take most of them with the protocol that I have used since 2016. Here's a document put together by group that I order mine from but some you may be able to purchase the supplements elsewhere. I would just make sure the quality is good and is R-ALA for the alpha lipoic acid. I would also check with my doctor before starting the supplements.

Hope this helps.

I'm sorry that you've been invited to join our little group of neuropathy sufferers against your own will, it's not a lot of fun to deal with. I've been dealing with idiopathic poly neuropathy in my feet for 10 years now, and have tried a few different treatments/supplements.
I have tried taking magnesium a few years ago, with zero noticeable differences. My doctor recommended adding alpha lipoic acid to my list of other supplements that I already take, and this has had some positive results. I'm taking 3600mg of gabapentin a day to dull the pain in my feet, and it seems like the ALA has taken some of the edge off of the pain. I haven't had one of my really bad days since I started taking it about 4 months ago.
I hope this helps.

Thank you so very much, I appreciate your response and input. I’m almost up to your dose of gabapentin. Yes, I’m sorry we are in this group together but the encouragement sure does help.
Thank you again,
Judy

Thank you again John for your help, I really appreciate you and the time you take to share, encourage and help. I will look into the few sites you have given me. You are a blessing and I couldn’t thank you more. I hope one day some form of supplements will come along to help you with the numbness in your feet.
Thank you again,
Judy

Hi Judy,
Indeed neuropathy is not a condition that is easily understood and can take a major toll on us. I have been recently diagnosed with it and it is progressing very fast. My new neurologist started me on 600 mg of alpha lipoic acid which in essence is a nerve vitamin. As with all vitamins, they take time to start working if they are going to work on the person taking them. I feel, but may be wrong, 600 mgwill be phine for you. The brand I found on Amazon is Naturebell and comes with B1 complex. It's for about $20.00 for 300 pills. Your doctor can also send in a script to your pharmacy. As for magnesium, you need to get something that your digestive system can tolerate. In general, magnesium glycinate is the easiest to digest. As for the dose, I think you might want to ask your primary care physician.
Dealing with the psychological aspect of this condition is not easy at all. In fact, it's very difficult. Having people around us who care and support makes a huge difference on how we cope with the condition. I am saying this because I am dealing with it all alone even though I ahve a family.
one day at a time. yesterday is history. tomorow is an unknown future.
Best of luck and take care,
gus

Thank you Gus,
I really appreciate your input as every experience others have and share is of a very important value. You have purpose as we all do in sharing, then we can come together on our good days and bad days without judgement.
Thank you again,
Judy

Hi Judy,
You are most welcome and, believe me, we (with neuropathy) only have each other for support since people around us don't show enough care to learn about the difficulty and challenges of this condition. They have no idea how tough it can be. The psychologicalk challenge is the toughest part.
Take care and keep smiling no matter how tough it gets. As the saying goes: "what doesn't kill you will only make you stronger".
gus

Thank you Gus, I will keep smiling, you too!
I wanted to say that they have webinars on here, I don’t know how I found the one, but found it very helpful. They have another coming up on the 4th if I can only find it again. It was so beneficial.

Hello again Judy,
You might also want to check the following website which you might already know about. They offer support groups with video chats. https://www.foundationforpn.org/
You might also want to check this youtube video from the same foundation:

@judyeccles
I take alpha Lipoic acid, Acetyl l carnitine and magnesium for small fiber neuropathy. What type of neuropathy were you diagnosed with? Did you have a neurologist do a skin punch biopsy for small fibers or did you have a EMG/nerve conduction study that showed you have large fiber neuropathy?

You may want to go to a nutritionist/dietitian and naturopath to review your diet/supplementa/herbs that may help.

1. https://neuropathyprogram.com/diet-and-neuropathy-what-to-eat-and-what-to-avoid/
2. https://www.foundationforpn.org/lifestyles/peripheral-neuropathy-nutrition/
3. https://www.verywellhealth.com/supplements-for-neuropathy-11693153
4. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326917
5. https://www.usenourish.com/blog/7-foods-that-heal-nerve-damage
6. https://www.healthline.com/health/neuropathy-supplements
7. https://www.everydayhealth.com/neuropathy/diet-understanding-connection/