Connie (Slc, Utah, Usa) on 04/14/2012:
Hi Mark; This doesn't look easy, but I'll put forth some guesses. Zinc may be needed. It is often times low in people who have become ill with cancer and a large variety of infections. Zinc is active throughout the body, including the nerves. The symptoms of zinc deficiency usually include problems with taste and smell, gastrological disturbance, gonadal disturbance, and growth problems, but there can be many more symptoms. Some types that are easier to find are; zinc gluconate and opti-zinc; I have found these to be effective. Also, a food derived zinc may be gentler on the stomach if sub-divided. There's a zinc-l-carnosine type that may also be easier on the stomach. If taken for long term, a small amount of copper may be needed. ( There are cases of neuropathy that were caused by zinc toxicity that then caused a copper deficiency. These cases were the result of extreme amounts of zinc used, however... in the form of denture adhesives.)
Also, some supplements can worsen neuropathy if taken in too high doses for an individual. B1, B6, ALA, Acetyl-L-Carnitine, etc, may cause irritation.
I found B12 to be most effective for my neuropathy, but it took many months to heal... About a year. But I've also found Zinc to be enormously beneficial for nerve healing. It may take a month or so to see results.
