Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), vitamin D, and acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) show promise for managing diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), but there is no evidence supporting the use of supplements for managing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), according to a study published in Pain Practice.
Current pharmacologic treatments for managing neuropathic pain are often poorly tolerated and ineffective. Thus, dietary interventions, vitamins, and nutritional supplementation are increasingly important in pain management. Researchers conducted a systematic review to evaluate the efficacy of these methods in managing CIPN in adults. Literature published between January 1, 2000, and October 21, 2021, was analyzed. A total of 40 papers were included in the review. A313 Vitamin A Pommade 200.000 Ui
The change in pain scores for CIPN was assessed in 22 studies, including 3367 patients. Goshajinkigan, vitamin E, and vitamin B had mixed results in decreasing pain scores. Guilongtongluofang and Ninjin’yoeito revealed reductions in peripheral neuropathy. Glutamine, N-acetylcysteine, l-carnosine, magnesium or calcium, and crocin improved pain scores. Multiple antioxidants were found to increase CIPN compared with nonusers.
DPN was assessed in 13 studies, which included 2540 patients. ALA revealed significant improvements in pain scores. In 1 study, vitamin B12 revealed significant improvements. ALCAR revealed improvements, and vitamin E, vitamin D, and alpha-lipoic acid significantly improved pain scores. Additionally, a low-fat, plant-based diet in combination with vitamin B12 revealed significant improvements. The study authors recommend ALA due to a significant reduction in neuropathy total symptom score.
Study limitations included a lack of high-quality studies, small patient populations, and the heterogeneity of the scales measuring neuropathic pain.
Researchers concluded, “For DPN, our review supports the use of ALA, vitamin D, and ALCAR in the management of DPN and is equivocal regarding the use of B vitamins, vitamin E, and diet. Our review failed to find overwhelming evidence to support the use of any supplement in CIPN.”
Frediani JK, Lal AA, Kim E, et al. The role of diet and non-pharmacologic supplements in the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain: A systematic review. Pain Pract. Published online August 31, 2023. doi:10.1111/papr.13291
Latest News Your top articles for Wednesday
Haymarket Medical Network Top Picks
Continuing Medical Education (CME/CE) Courses
Please login or register first to view this content.
Copyright © 2023 Haymarket Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in any form without prior authorization. Your use of this website constitutes acceptance of Haymarket Media’s Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.
Enjoying our content? Thanks for visiting Clinical Pain Advisor. We hope you’re enjoying the latest clinical news, full-length features, case studies, and more.
You’ve viewed {{metering-count}} of {{metering-total}} articles this month. If you wish to read unlimited content, please log in or register below. Registration is free.
Log in to continue reading this article.
Don’t miss out on today’s top content on Clinical Pain Advisor. Register for free and gain unlimited access to:
- Clinical News, with personalized daily picks for you - Case Studies - Conference Coverage - Full-Length Features - Drug Monographs - And More
A313 Vitamin A Pommade 200.000 Ui Please login or register first to view this content.