Neuropathy can cause a tingling, burning, painful, or numb feeling in your arms or legs. Though supplements can’t help reverse or cure neuropathy, some evidence suggests that they may help relieve neuropathy symptoms.
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant that may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. Researchers have studied whether ALA may be a useful option for managing neuropathy, which oxidative stress and inflammation may cause or worsen.
A 2023 study suggests that ALA helps with neuropathy, while a study published in 2024 found little to no improvement in symptoms after six months of supplementation. More high-quality research is needed.
How to take it: You can take supplements of ALA in daily doses of 600-1,800 milligrams for up to six months.
Precautions: ALA is generally safe, even at high doses. Some research suggests it can cause side effects like low blood sugar, headache, heartburn, and vomiting.
Acetyl-L-carnitine, or ALC, is an amino acid (a building block of protein) that helps with brain and nerve health. Adding ALC to your supplements or diet may help with neuropathic inflammation and pain.
Some research suggests that ALC may help improve sensation and how well nerves communicate in people with diabetic neuropathy. More studies are needed, however.
How to take it: ALC comes as a supplement, and natural sources include red meat, dairy products, and fish. The best dosage for neuropathy is not well understood, but 1,500-3,000 milligrams per day may be safe and effective.
Precautions: High doses of ALC may cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea. This supplement may also interact with several medications, like pivalate-conjugated antibiotics for urinary tract infections and some anticonvulsants.
B vitamins—like thiamine (B1), pyridoxine (B6), folate (B9), and cyanocobalamin (B12)—play roles in many processes in the body, including brain and nerve communication and your immune function.
Experts believe that B vitamins may repair damaged nerves and improve overall nerve health, which may help ease neuropathy symptoms. Some research suggests B vitamins may be helpful in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in particular.
How to take them: You can get B vitamins through your diet (poultry, fish, and dairy are good sources) or in supplements such as a B complex vitamin or a multivitamin. The right dosage may depend on which vitamins you’re taking.
Precautions: Different B vitamins have different possible risks, so talk to your healthcare provider to decide if they’re right for you.
N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is an amino acid found in certain foods and as a supplement. As an antioxidant, it helps relieve inflammation.
One study in people with diabetic neuropathy compared those who took the prescription nerve pain medication Lyrica (pregabalin) to people who took Lyrica and NAC. Researchers found that pain was lower and sleep quality was better in people who also took the supplement.
How to take it: Taking 600 milligrams twice per day may be safe and effective. You can also increase your intake with fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy products.
Precautions: NAC supplements may cause nausea, vomiting, gas, and diarrhea.
Vitamin D is important for nerve health. Researchers have found that low vitamin D levels are associated with inflammation and pain, especially in people with type 2 diabetes. It’s unclear whether increasing vitamin D levels can help treat neuropathic pain and inflammation, however.
One study published in 2019 suggests that taking vitamin D supplements may improve blood levels of the vitamin and reduce symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. Overall, more quality research is needed.
How to take it: Research suggests it may be safe and effective to take 2,000 international units (IU) daily or 50,000 IU once a week.
Precautions: Too much vitamin D may cause serious health effects. Take it under the guidance of your doctor.
Glutamine is an amino acid that helps with your immune system, muscle health, and blood sugar control.
Glutamine is commonly used to treat chemotherapy-induced neuropathy. Data is mixed on whether the amino acid improves symptoms. While some argue that the supplement doesn’t help much, others state the amino acid is safe enough to try.
How to take it: Glutamine may be safe in doses up to 40 grams per day in adults. Foods with glutamine include wheat, dairy products, and beef.
Precautions: Possible side effects include cough, diarrhea, constipation, gas, and headache.
Some ways to help manage neuropathy include:
- Limit or avoid alcohol, drug, and nicotine use.
- Manage your blood sugar levels.
- Get regular physical activity.
- Go to physical therapy to improve muscle strength and control.
- Do acupuncture treatment.
- Stay hydrated and maintain a well-balanced diet.
