Gamma Linolenic Acid and Acetyl-L-Carnitine for Neuropathy

Yesterday, I talked about how Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) may be beneficial for individuals who suffer from the painful condition of neuropathy, a condition that causes nerve damage in the body’s appendages and is most often the result of diabetes.  However, ALA is not the only supplement that may help reduce neuropathy symptoms and improve nerve function.  Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) and Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC) are two other natural supplements that may help treat neuropathy pain. 

This post is part of a series about natural pain relief for neuropathy.  To read this series from the beginning, please visit my first post on neuropathy and relaxation techniques.

Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA)

GLA is an essential fatty acid, which is typically produced from linolenic acid through an enzyme process in the body.  It is important to note that both GLA and linolenic acid are precursors to the hormones known as prostaglandins.  Prostaglandins are essential in nerve transmission and pain reduction, and help oxygen travel in the bloodstream.  It is also believed that prostaglandins aid nerve growth. 

Because most individuals do not produce enough GLA, they need to supplement their diets with good sources of this fatty acid.  Some good sources of GLA include evening primrose oil, black current oil, and borage oil. 

Effectiveness of GLA for Neuropathy

In one double-blind study, individuals with neuropathy were either given a placebo or 480mg of GLA.  During the study, those who were given 480mg of GLA gradually improved, with gradual improvement in neuropathy symptoms.  The researchers also noticed those who were given GLA also had gradual reversal in nerve damage.  On the contrary, participants who were given a placebo gradually continued to get worse. 

Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC)

ALC is a type of protein that transports fatty acids in and around cells, slows aging processes, and has neuroenhancing and neuroprotective properties. 

ALC’s Effectiveness for Neuropathy

In a study involving diabetic mammals with neuropathy, researchers discovered that mammals treated with ALC for 16 weeks showed improved nerve conduction velocity, which is sometimes used as an indication of good nerve health.  The mammals receiving ALC also showed nerve fiber regeneration (growth). 

In another study, conducted in Italy with 94 people who suffered from peripheral neuropathy, 31 participants received a placebo, 31 participants received 500mg of a source of ALC, known as ST200, and 32 participants received 1g of the ALC source. At the end of the study, researchers discovered that participants who received 1g of ST200 had significantly less neuropathy pain than both participants who received 500mg of ST200 and those who received a placebo. 

GLA and ALC may be beneifical to individuals suffering from neuropathy pain.  You can purchase these supplements where other herbs, vitamins, and supplements are available. 

Information used to write this post was obtained from the book, Numb Toes and Aching Soles: Coping With Peripheral Neuropathy by John A. Senneff.  
 

Follow this series:

1. Neuropathy and Relaxation Techniques

2. Neuropathy and Acupuncture

3. Massage Therapy and Reflexology for Neuropathy

4. Neuropathy and Magnetic Therapy

5. Nueropathy and Vitamin B

6. More B Vitamins and Neuropathy

7. Vitamins C and E for Neuropathy

8. Alpha Lipoic Acid and Neuropathy