Walk around any exhibitor hall and you’ll see companies selling nutriceuticals and supplements claiming to improve both pain and nerve function in diabetic peripheral neuropathy. These claims do not have to be proven since the FDA does not require efficacy studies to market nutritional supplements (remember seeing “These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA†on television advertisements). It is, therefore, incumbent on the physician to determine if these supplements might be a benefit to our patients.

It is hard enough to find a treatment with sufficient evidence, but many nutritional supplements have little, or no, evidence behind them.

When a patient comes to us with painful neuropathy, they trust that we will provide them options that are effective at reducing pain. No reputable physician would treat cancer pain with a nutritional supplement, why would we treat neuropathic pain with one?

If you use a supplement for diabetic neuropathy, which one? And why do you use it?

Hi Lee,

I recommend Alpha Lipoic Acid to my patients. Many enjoy a significant amount of relief, while others don't experience any change. I haven't had anyone have a negative reaction.

The book COMPLEMENTARY & ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE SUPPLEMENT USE IN PEOPLE WITH DIABETES: A CLINICIAN'S GUIDE (ADA - 2007) supports its use with data from the ALADIN (Alpha-Lipoic Acid in Diabetic Neuropathy)trials in which burning, paresthesia, and numbness decreased significantly. It also presents results from the NATHAN 1 (Neurological Assessment of Thioctic Acid in Neuropathy) and SIDNEY trials.

Alpha Lipoic Acid is currently believed to be a benign supplement.


Janis Roszler, RD, CDE, LD/N
Miami Beach, FL

I have used Folgard 2.2, a combination of Folic Acid, Vit B6 and Vit B12 . Most of the patients have had had some or significant decrease in symptoms. Some have no changes either. Side effects are rare and many come back stating they have more energy and upbeat. Many of my patients who used to take neurontin have reduced or stopped taking it.