It seems every year we discover new and exciting treatments for disorders that have plagued humans for centuries. One of my favorites (because I have seen such wonderful success from it) is the use of antioxidants for the treatment of peripheral neuropathy.

Peripheral neuropathy ( neuropathy = neuro- , "nervous system" and  -pathy , "disease of") is damage to or disease affecting  nerves , which may impair sensation, movement, gland or organ function, or other aspects of health, depending on the type of nerve affected. Common causes include systemic diseases (such as  diabetes ),  vitamin/mineral deficiency, medication (e.g., chemotherapy) ,  traumatic injury ,  radiation therapy , excessive alcohol consumption, immune system disease,  Celiac disease , or viral infection.

Neuropathy can also be genetic   (present from birth) or  idiopathic   (with no known cause). Most people describe the sensation as 'needle pricks' or numbness with 'pricking sensations' around and through the area. It can be anything from slightly annoying to incredibly painful and debilitating.

One very promising study with patients suffering from diabetic neuropathy used intravenous Alpha Lipoic Acid (www.ncbi.nlm), and the results were astounding! The effects of this wonderful antioxidant were studied in two multi-center, randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trails. In the Alpha-Lipoic Acid in Diabetic Neuropathy Study, 328 patients with symptomatic peripheral neuropathy were randomly assigned to treatment with intravenous infusion of alpha-lipoic acid using three doses (1,200 mg, 600 mg and 100 mg) or placebo over three weeks. The total symptom score (pain, burning, paresthesia and numbness) in the feet decreased significantly from baseline to day 19 in ALA 1,200 mg and 600 mg, compared to the placebo group.

In my clinical practice we have seen wonderful resolve of neuropathy symptoms in diabetics as well as with other forms of clinically diagnosed neuropathy.

In the Deutsche Kardiale Autonome Neuropathie Studie (www.ncbi.nlm), patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes and cardiac autonomic neuropathy diagnosed by reduced heart rate variability were randomly assigned to treatment with a daily dose of 800 mg alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) or placebo for 4 months. Two out of four parameters of heart rate variability at rest were significantly improved in ALA compared with placebo. A trend toward a favorable effect of ALA was noted for the remaining two indexes. In both studies, no significant adverse events were observed.

In conclusion, intravenous treatment with ALA (1,200 mg) over three weeks is safe and effective in reducing symptoms of peripheral neuropathy and oral treatment with 800 mg/day for 4 months may improve cardiac autonomic dysfunction.

Dr. Susan Godman