Posted by Beckett on September 1, 2014, at 17:06:50
In reply to Reversing nerve damage, posted by Lamdage22 on August 31, 2014, at 2:48:29
I found this, and it discusses diabetic neuropathy. I wonder if AP use can contribute to the development of nerve damage by raising blood sugar levels even if one does not have diabetes. This discusses Alpha Lipoic acid. Vitamin B is important, too. I forget which B is the most essential for nerve regeneration.
>For this modality to be effective for the treatment of symptomatic diabetic neuropathy, one should administer alpha lipoic acid at a dosage of at least 600 mg daily although dosages as high as 1,800 mg daily may be required for some patients.2 When utilizing alpha lipoic acid for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy, it is important to emphasize to the patient that an adequate dosage of alpha lipoic acid is required in order to be effective in the relief of symptoms and reversal of the progression of neuropathy. There are many over-the-counter and other "neuropathy curing" products available to the diabetic patient that contain alpha lipoic acid. However, as noted, a minimum of 600 mg daily is required to effect clinical effectiveness.
Known as thioctic acid in Europe, alpha lipoic acid provided meaningful symptom improvement and delay in the progression of neurologic deficit in patients with diabetic neuropathy in the four-year NATHAN study (Neurological Assessment of Thioctic Acid in diabetic Neuropathy).3 Researchers have suggested that a decrease in the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy secondary to a reduction in oxidative stress may be a potential mechanism of action consistent with the antioxidant activity of alpha lipoic acid.4
Alpha lipoic acid is approved in Germany for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy although a recent Medline and EMBASE review noted unclear relevance to symptom improvement after the use of oral alpha lipoic acid.5 Numerous studies have demonstrated the ability of alpha lipoic acid at an adequate dose to relieve pain associated with diabetic neuropathy.6-9
Studies have also evaluated the effects of alpha lipoic acid on motor neuropathy as well as cardiac autonomic neuropathy.10,11 The combination of alpha lipoic acid with vitamin E has been helpful for the reduction of symptoms in diabetic neuropathy.12
Many patients suffer from the effects of symptomatic and non-symptomatic diabetic neuropathy. There is oftentimes a reluctance of the healthcare provider to utilize medications for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy given the potential side effects and sequela from these medications that require monitoring. Supplements and medical foods offer the ability to provide relief of symptoms and stop the progression of sensory, motor and autonomic neuropathy with few concerns for side effects.
For example, a study recently demonstrated that alpha lipoic acid attenuates oxidative stress pathway initiated apoptosis of Schwann cells in the presence of hyperglycemia.13 Researchers have suggested the reduction of oxidative stress with alpha lipoic acid for the effective management of advancing neuroprotection following brain injury and for protection of the optic nerve as well as other complications which may occur in association with diabetes and neuropathy.
poster:Beckett
thread:1070548
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20140828/msgs/1070637.html