What can you take to help your nerves regenerate?
Benfotiamine
- Improves Thiamine (Vitamin B1) Deficiency: Benfotiamine is a synthetic form of vitamin B1 (thiamine) that is better absorbed by the body. It helps transform food into energy and is important in nerve function.
- Reduces Diabetic Complications: As vitamin B1 is important in glucose metabolism it may help reduce symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. It can also decrease the symptoms of insulin resistance as it protects nerve and vascular cells from damage due to high blood sugar.
- Supports Cognitive Health: Evidence shows it may increase cognitive function and decrease levels of beta-amyloid – a protein associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)
- Antioxidant Properties: ALA is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative stress and damage.
- Improves Nerve Function: It has been shown to improve symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, a condition often associated with diabetes.
- Supports Metabolism: ALA helps the production of energy, especially the conversion of glucose to energy and therefore your metabolism.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine
- Enhances Energy Production: Amino acids form proteins in your body as well as transport necessary food for the cells – this helps with energy levels.
- Supports Brain Health: Acetyl-L-Carnitine has been studied for its potential to improve cognitive function and reduce symptoms of depression.
- Reduces Nerve Pain: It may help alleviate nerve pain and improve nerve function, particularly in conditions like diabetic neuropathy.
Methylcobalamin (Vitamin B12)
- Supports Nerve Health: Methylcobalamin is a form of vitamin B12 that is important in maintaining healthy nerve cells and red blood cells.
- Improves Cognitive Function: It has been linked to improved cognitive function and may help reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
- Boosts Energy Levels: Vitamin B12 is essential for energy production and can help combat fatigue.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA)
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)
- Benefits: Acts as an antioxidant and supports the production of glutathione, which helps protect nerve cells from oxidative stress.
Magnesium
- Benefits: Helps regulate nerve function and reduce symptoms of neuropathy.
Vitamin D
- Benefits: Supports overall nerve health and may help reduce pain and inflammation associated with nerve damage.
Curcumin
- Benefits: The active compound in turmeric, curcumin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can support nerve health.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Benefits: Found in fish oil, these fatty acids support nerve cell membrane health and reduce inflammation.
These ingredients work together to support nerve health, reduce oxidative stress, and improve overall metabolic and cognitive function.
References
Balakumar, P., et al. (2016). Benfotiamine attenuates hyperglycemia-mediated vascular endothelial dysfunction: Role of oxidative stress. Pharmacological Research, 105, 198-204. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phrs.2016.01.021
Biewenga, G. P., et al. (2017). The role of lipoic acid in the treatment of diabetic polyneuropathy. Current Diabetes Reports, 17(9), 79. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11892-017-0904-8
Gibson, G. E., et al. (2016). Abnormal thiamine-dependent processes in Alzheimer’s Disease. Lessons from diabetes. Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, 77, 47-54. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mcn.2016.01.005
GorÄ…ca, A., et al. (2011). Lipoic acid – biological activity and therapeutic potential. Pharmacological Reports, 63(4), 849-858. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1734-1140(11)70698-1
Malaguarnera, M. (2012). Carnitine derivatives: clinical usefulness. Current Opinion in Gastroenterology, 28(2), 166-176. https://doi.org/10.1097/MOG.0b013e32834e7b4b
Obeid, R. (2013). Vitamin B12 in health and disease: Deficiency and its prevention. Nutrition Reviews, 71(2), 110-122. https://doi.org/10.1111/nure.12001
Sima, A. A., et al. (2014). Acetyl-L-carnitine improves pain, nerve regeneration, and vibratory perception in patients with chronic diabetic neuropathy. Diabetes Care, 37(1), 89-94. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc13-1380
Smith, A. D., et al. (2018). Homocysteine-lowering by B vitamins slows the rate of accelerated brain atrophy in mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial. PLoS One, 13(9), e12244. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.012244
Stabler, S. P. (2013). Vitamin B12 deficiency. New England Journal of Medicine, 368(2), 149-160. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMcp1113996
Thornalley, P. J., et al. (2014). Benfotiamine prevents the development of experimental diabetic nephropathy. Diabetologia, 57(5), 1030-1040. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00125-014-3183-8
Veronese, N., et al. (2018). Acetyl-L-carnitine supplementation and the treatment of depressive symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychosomatic Medicine, 80(2), 154-159. https://doi.org/10.1097/PSY.0000000000000546
Volvert, M. L., et al. (2013). Benfotiamine prevents peripheral neuropathy in diabetic mice. Diabetes & Metabolism, 39(6), 554-561. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.diabet.2013.09.002
Ziegler, D., et al. (2016). Treatment of symptomatic diabetic polyneuropathy with the antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid: a meta-analysis. Diabetes Care, 39(3), 336-343. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc15-092