I,too, have hypothyroidism and I have been taking the Nerve Support Formula. I've been having symptoms of my thyroid being low and was on the verge of calling my doctor when I just happened across some important information. That Support Formula has R-Alpha Lipoic Acid in it. R-Alpha Lipoic is often used to help Peripheral Neuropathy. But - it also lessens your body's ability to convert T-4 to T-3. My doctor knows that I'm taking that formula but didn't warn me about the consequences to my thyroid levels. The information I've found says that I can continue taking the formula but my doctor needs to adjust my thyroid medication. I'll be calling my doctor this morning about this.

Plus, as you probably know, low thyroid levels can cause peripheral neuropathy. So keep a close eye on your thyroid levels.

The formula has helped me in a limited way but not a great deal. But perhaps the effect on my thyroid levels has caused that limitation. So I plan to get my medication adjusted and continue the formula for a while longer to see what happens.

I was wondering what you think of Phosphatidyl Complex. I saw it in one of those combination nerve support supplements and also a few posts on brain health. The blurb about it on the supplement page said "Phosphatidyl Complex contains lipids that comprise 76% of the myelin sheath" which I found interesting. Have you researched this supplement?

Also, I'm curious if any enzymes like bromelain have any effect. Thanks!

To the best of my knowledge, there is only a study on animals showing ALA...mixed version of lipoic acid... had an effect on T4 conversion.

R-lipoic does not appear yet in studies in humans demonstrating this effect.

People with thyroid issues, may just need adjustments periodically.
Low zinc and selenium are also factors in the enzymes that convert T4 to T3 in tissues. You can get low in zinc if you take acid blocking drugs, or ACE inhibitors for blood pressure.

Since ALA has been used for over a decade in Europe, human studies have not been done or anecdotal papers have not appeared in regards to humans having this effect with the supplement.

What lipoic acid may do however, is lower biotin utilization because it shares a cofactor transporter in the body. So chronic use of lipoic may need biotin to be added daily...preferably taken at a different time of day.

Years ago, started with Hyperthroid; doctor prescribed Tapazole. Eventuall went into remission for a couple of years. For the past 8 or 9 years have been hypothroid and take synthroid daily. But, every since I was found to have throid disease; have had bloodwork done every 4 -6 months, and a doctor visit the following week. The only time, since being hypothroid, I had reading change was when I used a generic instead of the brand synthroid. I read, on the internet, that in the case of hypothroid DO NOT use a generic. While everything shoudl be the same; it is not. I asked my doctor not to raise my prescription; but to put "Brand Only" on my prescription and started using Snythroid daily. Went back for bloodwork three months later and everything was within normal range again. Did not change doseage; only the Synthroid Brand. This had been a few years now and still within normal and no prescription change.

Just a little "did you know" using a generic could change outcome of blood test.


(Gerry)

bump for new members:

My husband has PN in his toes and takes the usual 2 capsules of metanx daily. They are so expensive that we are looking for a supplement recommendation if possible. I've read other thresds/post by you and i'm just a little confused. I guess I'd just like to know "which suplements, dosage, frequency and where to purchase the purest, quality contolled supplements" All the discussion of p5p and other products made me wonder which we should get. Thank you for helping poeple with this issue

I'll give you the names of brands that are GMP and quality:

NOW (makes P5P)
http://www.iherb.com/Now-Foods-P-5-P...1&sr=null&ic=3

Solgar ( Metafolin) online mostly.
Doctor's Best:
http://www.iherb.com/Doctor-s-Best-B...3&sr=null&ic=1
this is a fairly new product and very affordable and quality.

Jarrow: (methylcobalamin).
Puritan's
Doctor's Best

Make sure you take the B12 on an empty stomach so it is absorbed properly.
And you don't need the high dose of methylfolate that is in Metanx. Start at 800mcg.

I am using the Costco generic now for my methylB12. It works out to 6 cents a day.
But I previously used Puritan's 5mg and was tested after 3months with very high levels. So I know that worked and was absorbed.
Methylcobalamin is making its way into stores locally, finally.
The other two less likely locally, and better online.
iherb.com and Amazon both have highly reduced prices.

For someone with small fibre neuropathy, caused by inflammation. No Autoimmune disease. Possible Epstein Barr Virus caused the Neuropathy in the past few years.

My condition is Ehlers Danlos Syndrome Hypermobility, it doesn't really effect me bar from the neuropathy, which is not caused directly by the genetic condition, but makes it easier for inflammation and viruses to damage them etc, which is why I believe I can heal.

Would this be helpful for regeneration of nerves.

Paleo Diet - All Organic Fruits, Vegetable and 100% Grass Fed Meats/Eggs.
Vitamin D 1000UI
General Multi Vitamin
Vitamin C 1000mg
Methylcobalamin 1000UG
Fish Oils 1.5-3.0mg EPA/D etc.
Aceyl L-Cartinine
COQ-10 100mg
Alpha Lipoic Acid 250mg
Benfotiamine

Please feel free to add suggestions and advice, I want to give my body the best chance of repairing my nerves, reducing inflammation to prevent further damage.

Hi! Has there been any recent research on neuropathy and vitamin d deficiency?
I've read lots of posts from 2010.

My level is 20 and I've had burning in feet at first and then calves. Going on 5 months. I've only taken vitamin d for 3 weeks now. Didn't know if vitamin d deficiency can cause neuropathy ?

Thx kathy

Low Vit D impacts the nervous system. MS patients typically are raised to levels higher than anyone else.

I have a post on here somewhere about Vit D and diabetic PN.
Increasing Vit D also helps with chronic pain.

Vit D is not a vitamin, it is a pro-hormone and affects many things in the body. So fixing it and bringing up levels to at least 50 may help. You must use D3 and not D2...D2 ergocalciferol, does not work in humans very well.