Alpha-Lipoic Acid, Curcumin and B Vitamins Impact Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

According to a new study published in January 2014, supplementation with alpha-lipoic acid,
curcumin phytosome and B vitamins before and after surgical intervention improves symptoms
of carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common entrapment neuropathy
in which the median nerve is compressed, affecting approximately three to six percent of adults
in the general population.

The subjects included 180 individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome scheduled to undergo surgical decompression of the median nerve. The subjects received:

1. supplementation with alpha-lipoic acid, curcumin phytosome and B vitamins twice daily for three months before and after surgery,

2. supplementation with alpha-lipoic acid, curcumin phytosome and B vitamins twice daily for three months before surgery only or

3. surgery alone.

The researches found that the subjects that received supplementation before and after surgery
showed significantly lower nocturnal symptom scores compared with the subjects who did not
receive any supplementation at 40 days and three months after surgery. In addition, the subjects who received supplementation before and after surgery showed significantly lower number of positive Phalen’s tests (a test used to evaluate compression at the carpal tunnel) at three months compared to the subjects who received supplementation prior to surgery or no supplementation.

The investigators stated, “We conclude that oral supplementation with alpha-lipoic acid,
curcumin phytosome and B-group vitamins twice a day both before and after surgery is safe and
effective in carpal tunnel syndrome patients scheduled to undergo surgical decompression of the
median nerve.”

To schedule an appointment contact the office of Rimma L. Sherman, M.D., F.A.C.I.M., F.A.C.P. at Integrative Medicine of New Jersey: Call 973-736-5300

Reference:

Pajardi G, et al. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2014; 2014: 891310.