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Answer:

Several supplements may have limited benefit in reducing nerve pain caused by conditions such as sciatica, diabetic neuropathy, or postherpetic neuralgia (nerve pain after shingles), but the evidence remains weak. These include acetyl-L-carnitine, fish oil, curcumin, alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) and GLA, vitamin B12, vitamin D, vitamin E, benfotiamine, Ginkgo biloba, palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), and lavender aromatherapy.

Be aware that deficiencies in certain vitamins can cause nerve pain and/or weakness even in people without conditions such as sciatica or diabetes. Having low blood levels of vitamins B-6 or B-12, for example, may cause nerve pain, tingling or weakness -- although getting too much vitamin B-6 can also cause these symptoms.

Sign in for details, including the clinical evidence for topicals containing capsaicin or nutmeg, and for combination supplements promoted to reduce nerve pain, including Nervive Nerve Health, Nervive Nerve Relief, Nerve Relief PM, and Nerve Control 911.

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37 Comments

Dale22843
May 26, 2025

I have been taking Sphingolin ( Myelin Basic Protein) from Ecological Formulas. I have peripheral neuropathy from Sjogren's Disease. I have found that it takes a couple of weeks to feel a difference, but I would say it has reduced the stabbing and burning in my feet and legs by at least 50%. During the day, while wearing my compression knee-highs, I can forget about the pain completely.

ingrid22135
March 04, 2025

Has anyone used Neuronex ST to help with nerve pain?

Cecelia20941
October 23, 2024

I have fibromyalgia and pre-diabetes and 76 yrs old. Have suffered so much pain. LOTS of shows about Magnesium on You Tube. It has helped my restless legs and I am sleeping so much better. Tks CL!!

ConsumerLab.com
October 28, 2024
Cathy20420
August 19, 2024

I have just started using EB-N6 from EBM Medical for my Neuropathy. It is a delayed Release Medical Food capsule. It does require a prescription. I was not very hopeful, but I have to say that I am feeling some relief with tingling being less and able to stand a little longer without pain.

Daliya Robson19464
May 07, 2024

I use alpha lipoic acid and b complex. Have feet massaged two times a day with the reflexology trigger point concept and walk as much as possible. After surgery of broken femur I had to stand and stamp my feet a few times a day as I COULD NOT WALK for 8 months. Is a full time job to stay alive at my age of 89 but the challenges get me excited.

Jo19363
April 22, 2024

I am using capZasin topical analgesic cream mixed with Lasting Touch Advanced Therapy Gel for foot neuropathy. It does help me. I use it once a night at bedtime. Personal experience. I have no connection to either product.

june4278
September 16, 2023

Hello Everyone! I am commenting on a treatment my grand daughter has once a month for her peripheral neuropathy. She had severe Guilliane-Barre as a teenager and still suffers from the nerve damage into her 30's. She discovered an Asian treatment called Reflexology in our area that relieves the pain and tingling in her feet! I think she takes Lyrica also. She's been going for 2 years now and always comes out smiling! I have no financial interest in Reflexology, I am only giving testimony to what my brave grand daughter has experienced.

Chip4276
July 05, 2023

Has anyone heard of or used the product “Nerve Renew”? I would love your opinion of it?

Jairw
April 08, 2023

ALA 300/day has not helped me at all but Pilates has. I have spinal stenosis and neuropathy.

StatinStories.com
June 28, 2023

Pilates is what my physician recommened to me. QUESTION: are there any safe lotions or creams for neuropathic pain?

ConsumerLab.com
December 22, 2023

See our article about topical menthol creams, such as Biofreeze, for pain relief. The article also includes some information about capsaicin cream: https://www.consumerlab.com/answers/topical-menthol-for-pain-relief/menthol-for-pain/

Lida4261
March 18, 2022

Would the supplements mentioned here also help with neuropathy in the feet? Has anyone suffering from this condition found relief?

Samuel4264
October 04, 2022

I can't find any relief!

Angie4262
October 04, 2022

I take 900 mg of Alpha-Lipoic acid plus B12, B1, and B6. It decreased my pain level due to my foot and leg neuropathy by 75%. I still have to take gabapentin, but what a difference.

jennifer19693
June 12, 2024

Me either!

Cesar4259
January 04, 2022

And the brand is Vitacost

Cesar4251
January 04, 2022

I have been taking Alpha Lipoid Acid for over 2 month (600 mg) daily with very good results.

NurseIz
May 14, 2022

For fibro or neuropathy?

Michael Paulson
March 07, 2023

I have been taking ALA for over 8 mo 600 mg BID and have found very little difference in pain, loss of sensation or other symptoms Mike RN,Mph

Ronald S.4255
June 24, 2023

I used to take between 1200 to 1800 MG’s of ALA and did have some positive results. I cardiac doctor was the original one who prescribed it because neuropathy can also affect the heart. He told me that you can take up to 2400 mg a day.

ConsumerLab.com
June 27, 2023

Although ALA has been used with apparent safety in clinical research in doses of 2,400 mg daily for up to 2 weeks (https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1191/1352458505ms1143oa), be aware that such high doses of ALA may be problematic if you suffer from acid reflux or stomach ulcers, as discussed in our Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplements Review: https://www.consumerlab.com/reviews/alpha-lipoic-acid-supplements/alphalipoic/#cautions

StatinStories.com
June 28, 2023

THANK YOU! Are there any topicals that you might recommend for cramping and burning pain in the feet, lower legs, and more--subsequent to 7 months on simvastatin? Cramping started within just a few months, until I was forced to stop simvastatin. But the weakness, cramping, and pain has never gone away. (I don't dare use lidocain topicals or ibuprofen, though the former seems to bring quick relief.)

ConsumerLab.com
August 30, 2023

We are not aware of OTC topicals with evidence of benefit for statin-related muscle pain. However, see our article about supplements and statin treatment for information about supplements that may reduce statin-related muscle pain in some people: https://www.consumerlab.com/answers/which-drugs-should-be-avoided-when-taking-statins/statin-supplement-interactions/

Darla4250
May 30, 2021

I take B-Complex and 2 doses of 300 mg of Alpha Lipoic Acid for sciatic nerve pain. It does help quite a bit. 600 mg per day of ALA was the effective dose for me. However, I found taking a 600mg ALA capsule caused me to have an irregular heartbeat. So I quit taking it. I tried 300 mg once per day and had no irregular heartbeat issue and after taking it for a month, I added a second pill spaced 12 hrs apart and have had no issue since. I will say at least for me, only 300 mg per day was not effective, but I would say start with that and if it works stay with the lower dose. Always best to stick with the lowest effective dose, IMHO.

Tom4248
May 12, 2021

Here is a product that really works on nerve pain. It is similar to a TENS unit but much more sophisticated. You can contact the company to find doctors in your area that have these. I am in no way invested in, or connected to this company, but I have been treated with it. https://www.rstsanexas.com/product

ConsumerLab.com
May 12, 2021

We checked with the FDA, and this product (or a similar version) appears to have been cleared to be marketed in the U.S. (https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfPMN/pmn.cfm?ID=K022433).

Barbara4245
April 09, 2020

I had great success with alpha lipoic acid until it aggravated terribly my esophagus due to reflux. Is there any type of ALA I can safely take? If not, what is the next best option? I have inflammatory demyelinating peripheral neuropathy. Pain is not my problem. I have weakness. When I was taking ALA I felt normal for the first time in 15 years.

ConsumerLab.com
April 30, 2020

Yes, alpha lipoic acid is, after all, an acid and it can contribute to acid reflux, as discussed in the "Concerns and Cautions" section of our Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplements Review at https://www.consumerlab.com/reviews/alpha-lipoic-acid-supplements/alphalipoic/#cautions. An enteric coated or timed release product may help.

marjorie4247
March 14, 2023

i have found taking a gingertrip wafer before swallowing acid producing products is efficacious. I also use what used to be called 'Heartburn Relief' for reflux...excellent. a lot of companies sell similar products now under their own names. it is orange extract...odd, since orange is one of the no-nos for reflux but it works. have used it for years.

JoDell4244
November 19, 2019

What about Ortho-bionomy? Has anyone tried this? Usually done by someone who specializes in Massage Therapy.

Darla4239
November 16, 2016

I have sciatic nerve pain due to a back injury that has become fairly regular even after having had back surgery. Also had numbness in my foot. I tried taking alpha lipoic acid 600 mg once daily and it totally took care of the issue. It only took a couple of doses to get relief. However, after about a month or so of taking it I developed an irregular heartbeat. I quit taking it, but it took another month or so for that arythmia to go away. I've not taken it since. The nerve pain returns sporadically, but the numbness in my foot has not returned. So, just wanted to say it does work, but beware of that side effect. Perhaps starting off with a smaller dose would have been better.

Maggie Ann
September 06, 2015

I have a disc problem with resulting sciatic pain in my legs. Especially bad at night interrupting my sleep. I read an article on the internet that benfotiamine might be helpful. I started with 300 mg. daily. It took about 3 weeks to kick in and the pain was about 90% gone, but three weeks later it returned, so I increased the dosage to 600 mg. daily, and now I can say it is anywhere from 95 - 100% gone.
Also have started exercises to strengthen the back muscles hopefully to eliminate the nerve pain to start with.

ROB4236
November 15, 2015

You might want to try to correct the problem from a different angle. I have great success for problems with SI joint pain and knee and the ball of my foot. I used a therapy called Egoscue. It is therapy that corrects posture which when corrected, eliminates pain in the body. You can go to a clinic and buy the book called Pain Free by Pete Egoscue. This is a different approach from physical therapy or chiropractic care.

Susan4235
November 16, 2015

Great to hear that you have less pain. I would also recommend SOT chiropractic, which is very gentle approach that corrects pressure in the low back by balancing the pelvis with wedges called "blocks." You can find an SOT doctor by going to www.SORSI.com. I would not recommend a chiropractor who does twisting movements of the low back, though, because the problem might involve a weak or bulging disc and forceful adjustments can cause further damage.

JARKKO4231
February 12, 2019

Thanks for the tip. So in your experience 600mg/day works better than 300mg/day.

Pilates classes may help you to remember to use your deep abdominal muscles.

Richard4237
September 03, 2021

I started a Keto diet I saw watching Dr. Berg, I lost 25 lb.’s to 150 lb. I am 68 and many of my aches and pains went away, blood pressure down too! I do 18-2 includes intermittent fasting, 18 hrs and meals at 12PM and 6PM, 25-50 carbs a day, I had to increase to 75 carbs because I kept losing 1 lb. a day. I take supplements as well and electrolytes.

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