Can Micronutrients Help Relieve Neuropathic Pain?
By Brian McCurdy, Senior Editor How much of an impact can nutritional supplements have for patients with diabetic neuropathic pain? Within a recent article in Practical Pain Management, researchers discussed findings from a six-month study of nutritional supplements for patients with diabetic neuropathy. The study involved 28 patients with neuropathy, most of whom had comorbid conditions such as hypertension, obesity and hyperlipidemia. Researchers provided five nutritional supplements, which included N-acetyl-cysteine, alpha-lipoic-acid, L-carnitine, vitamin C and selenium. According to the study, researchers asked patients to rate eight parameters: burning pain; numbness; overall pain; and perceived level of impairment of function, concentration, thought clarity, alertness and energy. Patients experienced significantly reduced burning pain, overall pain and numbness, according to the study. Authors also noted that several patients chose to remain on the medication after the study due
