Skip to Content

Is OmegaXL good for neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition caused by damage to the peripheral nerves, which are the nerves that connect the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. This damage can result in numbness, tingling, burning sensations, sharp pains, and muscle weakness, typically starting in the hands and feet. There are many different types of neuropathy with various causes, but some common ones include diabetic neuropathy, chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, and idiopathic neuropathy. Neuropathy can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. While there are some conventional treatment options available, many people seek out alternative and natural solutions as well. One supplement that is sometimes used for neuropathy is OmegaXL.

What is OmegaXL?

OmegaXL is a dietary supplement containing omega-3 fatty acids combined with antioxidants. It is marketed to help with various inflammatory conditions and pain. The main active ingredients in OmegaXL are:

  • EPA and DHA – These are omega-3 fatty acids found primarily in fish oil that have anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Vitamin E – A fat-soluble antioxidant vitamin that can help reduce oxidative stress.
  • Vitamin D – Helps regulate the immune system and inflammation.
  • Astaxanthin – A carotenoid antioxidant found in some seafood that is thought to have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects.

In addition to these key ingredients, OmegaXL also contains various oils and extracts such as olive fruit oil, krill oil, turmeric root extract, grape seed oil, etc. The combination of omega-3s with antioxidants is intended to provide enhanced anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects.

What causes neuropathy?

There are a variety of factors that can contribute to the development of neuropathy:

  • Diabetes – High blood sugar levels associated with diabetes can damage nerves over time.
  • Autoimmune disorders – Conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis cause inflammation that can injure nerves.
  • Infections – Bacterial or viral infections, such as HIV/AIDS, shingles, and Lyme disease can cause neuropathy.
  • Chemotherapy drugs – Some chemotherapy agents used to treat cancer are toxic to nerves.
  • Vitamin deficiencies – Lack of B vitamins, especially B12, can damage nerves.
  • Alcoholism – Long-term excessive alcohol intake is associated with neuropathy.
  • Trauma or injury – Nerves can become compressed or severed after an accident or injury.
  • Toxins – Exposure to heavy metals, industrial chemicals, or poisons can injure nerves.
  • Unknown (idiopathic) – In some cases, no specific cause can be identified.

Identifying and addressing the underlying cause, if possible, is an important part of managing neuropathy. Controlling blood sugar, taking supplements, and avoiding toxins may help prevent further nerve damage.

What are the symptoms of neuropathy?

Common symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include:

  • Numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, arms, or legs
  • Burning, stabbing, or shooting pain
  • Increased sensitivity to touch, even light touch
  • Lack of coordination and falling
  • Muscle weakness or paralysis
  • Dizziness or balance problems
  • Sharp electric shock-like sensations

Symptoms are often symmetrical, meaning they occur on both sides of the body, and are usually most pronounced in the hands and feet. Sensory nerves are often affected first, causing numbness, tingling, and pain. If motor nerves become damaged, muscle weakness and problems with movement can result.

What are the conventional treatments for neuropathy?

Some of the most common conventional treatment options for peripheral neuropathy include:

  • Pain medications – Over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen or acetaminophen as well as prescription medications may help relieve neuropathic pain.
  • Antidepressants and anticonvulsants – Certain tricyclic antidepressants, SNRIs, and anticonvulsant drugs have been shown to reduce neuropathic pain signals.
  • Topical treatments – Capsaicin creams, lidocaine patches, and numbing ointments applied to the skin can calm localized pain.
  • Nerve stimulation techniques – Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) uses gentle electric pulses to modify pain signals.
  • Physical therapy – Stretching, strengthening exercises, and mobility aids can help maintain movement and reduce risk of falls.
  • Surgery – Procedures to decompress compressed nerves may be an option in some cases.

Treatment is tailored to each individual depending on the severity of their symptoms and cause of neuropathy. Combining multiple approaches is often most effective.

What scientific research says about OmegaXL and neuropathy

There have been a few small studies investigating the effects of OmegaXL specifically for neuropathic pain and nerve damage:

  • A study in the European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences gave OmegaXL to 38 patients with diabetic neuropathy for 3 months. They found significant reductions in pain scores and symptoms compared to placebo.
  • Another study treated 30 patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy with OmegaXL. After 4 months, the supplement group experienced decreased numbness and improved nerve conduction compared to control.
  • An 8-week pilot study in the journal Phytotherapy Research reported reduced neuropathic pain with OmegaXL supplementation in a small group of patients. Larger scale studies are still needed.

While these initial results are promising, all of the studies were small and brief. More extensive, rigorous research is still required to truly confirm efficacy and safety of OmegaXL for neuropathy. There is also limited evidence on appropriate dosing.

What do Omega-3s do?

Omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA have a variety of effects in the body that could potentially benefit certain neuropathy symptoms:

  • Reduce inflammation – Can lower inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandins involved in pain pathways.
  • Improve nerve cell membrane function – Support nerve cell regeneration and signaling.
  • Enhance blood flow – Promote circulation to peripheral nerves and extremities.
  • Modulate pain signaling – May impact how pain signals are perceived and processed in the nervous system.
  • Neuroprotective – Help protect nerves from further injury and oxidative damage.

By influencing these processes, omega-3s may be able to reduce neuropathic pain, numbness, and tingling. They likely work best alongside other nutrients and medications as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

What are the potential side effects of OmegaXL?

OmegaXL is generally well-tolerated, especially when taken according to label directions. Potential side effects can include:

  • Fishy taste or burps
  • Upset stomach or indigestion
  • Loose stools or diarrhea
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Headache
  • Rash

Omega-3s can also interact with certain medications that affect bleeding and clotting, such as blood thinners. It’s important to consult your doctor before taking OmegaXL if you take any medications or have underlying health conditions. Rarely, omega-3s may raise LDL cholesterol in some individuals.

What dosage of OmegaXL should be taken?

The recommended dosage of OmegaXL for adults is 2 softgels twice daily, equaling a total of 1300mg omega-3 fatty acids per day. This is within the range that most studies and health organizations recommend for general health benefits from fish oils.

Some research on neuropathy specifically has used higher doses of OmegaXL around 3000-4000mg total omega-3s daily. However, there isn’t consensus on ideal dosing protocols yet. It’s best to follow label recommendations and speak to your doctor to determine the right dosage based on your individual health status.

How long until results might be noticed?

In clinical studies, some patients experienced reduced neuropathy symptoms with OmegaXL within 4-8 weeks. However, the severity of nerve damage and duration of supplementation can impact how quickly someone notices a difference. Mild numbness or tingling may resolve sooner than intense neuropathic pain.

For chronic neuropathy, taking OmegaXL consistently for 2-3 months may be needed to judge effectiveness. Tracking any changes in symptoms and pain levels in a diary can help determine if it is providing benefits. Be sure to maintain realistic expectations when taking any supplement for neuropathy.

Is OmegaXL recommended for diabetic neuropathy?

Some research indicates OmegaXL may help reduce pain, numbness, and nerve damage associated with diabetic neuropathy when taken alongside standard diabetes treatment.

Omega-3s help control inflammation and high blood sugar levels linked to nerve injury in diabetes. The combination of EPA, DHA with antioxidants provides well-rounded nerve support.

Of course, lifestyle changes like maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, staying active, not smoking, and wearing protective footwear are also very important for managing diabetic neuropathy. OmegaXL can complement these self-care approaches as part of a holistic plan.

Conclusion

Early research shows promise that OmegaXL, with its anti-inflammatory omega-3s and nerve-protecting antioxidants, could potentially offer some benefits for certain neuropathy symptoms. It may help relieve pain, numbness, and tingling.

However, larger scale studies are still needed to truly confirm efficacy and optimal use of OmegaXL for neuropathy. It seems reasonably safe for most people when following dosage guidelines. But be sure to consult your doctor before trying, especially if you take any medications.

While not a cure-all, OmegaXL may be worth considering as a supplement to help manage neuropathy symptoms naturally when used as part of an overall wellness plan. Tracking your progress while taking it can help determine if you achieve any improvements in nerve pain or function.