Vitamin E Supplementation May Help Support Nerve Function

When nerve function decreases, individuals may experience numbness, loss of sensation, and sometimes pain in your feet, legs, or hands. A recent study suggests that supplementation with tocotrienol-rich vitamin E may help improve nerve function.

Participants in the study included 80 adults suffering from diabetic peripheral neuropathy.  They received 400 mg of tocotrienol-rich vitamin E or a placebo daily for 8 weeks. Nerve function was measured at the end of the study period via a nerve conduction velocity test performed on the median, sural, and tibial nerves. Blood samples were taken to evaluate serum biomarkers of nerve growth factor, oxidative stress, and inflammation.

Participants in the vitamin E group saw significant improvements in nerve function compared to the placebo group. Specific improvements were +1.25 m/s in the median nerve, +1.60 in the sural nerve, and +0.75 in the tibial nerve. They also saw increased levels of serum nerve growth factor. No differences were seen in biomarkers of oxidative stress or inflammation.

The study was conducted by researchers from Monash University Malaysia. It was published online ahead on print on May 23, 2020 in the journal Nutrients.