Replied by Bill (San Fernando) on 11/18/2014

You can take the magnesium citrate or gluconate forms but I prefer to take the magnesium chloride form. I started to get cramps again last week -- I've was a bit lax taking the magnesium due to laptops going dead on me -- so I took about 2 grams of magnesium chloride with 1/8 sea salt with a glass of water to help it absorb into the body. The cramps completely disappeared. Just me being lazy(and stressed!! ).

You can also buy(or make it yourself) magnesium oil which is only 70% magnesium chloride crystals in 30% water. You can take 10 drops magnesium oil in water with meals twice a day or you can use it transdermally, rubbed over the regions where you have the neuropathy. The mag oil will be directly absorbed from the skin into the blood for more benefit. You can also rub the magnesium oil directly on the skin over regions where you have cramps for direct delivery of of magnesium there.

Generally if you have peripheral neuropathy you should also take Alpha Lipoic Acid (300 mgs twice a day with meals) together with all the B vitamins(as B50 complex once a day with meals). Take at least 1000 mcg Vitamin B12 as well. All the B's help the nerves.

I would also take larger dose niacin in the slow release form -- as inositol hexanicotinate so there should be no niacin flush. This will gently help to open up the capillaries in your hands and feet to aid delivery of nutrients and healing at the peripherals of your body. Both the magnesium chloride and the niacin will help to relax you as well for better sleep.

In case you also have a liver problem I would also take at least a teaspoon of granulated lecithin twice a day and 200 mcgs selenium twice a day with meals as Ted from Bangkok advises.

Replied by Rita (Wareham, Ma.) on 11/18/2014