The Potential Role of Magnesium Supplementation in Managing Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathic Pain
I’ve seen the ravages of diabetic neuropathy from years of EMS work and family members. It’s terrible.
Neuropathic pain – can also be a debilitating side effect of chemotherapy, especially with drugs like vincristine – often remains untreated. However, emerging research suggests that magnesium, an essential mineral, could be pivotal in managing this form of pain.
Vincristine is the primary chemotherapy Lander was given. We were given a lot of warnings about the side effects affecting the extremities, especially the feet. This is where I dove into the research and felt that I was very fortunate to have implemented a strategy that prevented my baby from suffering, supported by the following study. [1]
The research highlighted the link between a lack of magnesium and nerve pain caused by vincristine, a chemotherapy drug. Vincristine lowers the amount of magnesium inside cells, triggering the tumor necrosis factor-α/nuclear factor-κB pathway. This pathway causes changes in the nervous system known as spinal pathological plasticity and nociceptive sensitization, which are scientific terms that essentially mean that our perception of pain increases.
In a study done on rats, giving them magnesium-L-threonate, a type of magnesium, prevented magnesium shortage and reduced changes in the brain that cause pain. This exciting result suggests that magnesium might help control nerve pain in those undergoing chemotherapy.
Coincidentally, constipation is a primary side effect of vincristine and magnesium deficit.
However, it’s important to note that the study used magnesium-L-threonate, one specific type of magnesium. Other types, like chelate, glycinate, orotate, carbonate, and citrate, could offer similar benefits. These types of magnesium can be absorbed and used by our bodies, and they’ve been shown to have various health benefits.
Certain types of magnesium, such as chelate and glycinate, are known to be absorbed into the body better than others. Magnesium orotate is especially interesting because it uses orotic acid to deliver magnesium to the body, and orotic acid is used to help the liver regenerate.
Different types of magnesium could help prevent a lack of magnesium in patients going through chemotherapy and manage a kind of pain known as neuropathic pain. Also, making sure to get enough magnesium could lead to other health benefits. This is because magnesium is very important and helps with hundreds of processes in our bodies.
This breakdown is precisely why I love BiOptimizer’s Magnesium Breakthrough, with 7 forms in the capsule and 8 in the drink mix. That’s a lot of different forms that can be utilized by the body in even more ways.
Like any other treatment, talking to your doctor before taking magnesium supplements is important. But, many believe that magnesium could be a helpful tool to combat the nerve pain caused by chemotherapy treatment.
Resources
[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28306698/
About Author
Logan Duvall, an operator of Me & McGee Market and founder of Sowing Prosperity, is transforming his community through health and sustainability. After his son’s cancer diagnosis, he committed to creating healthier lifestyles, evident in his store, Lander’s Corner, which provides nutritious food options grown sustainably and organically. Through his book, “Father’s Heart,” TV show, and Sowing Prosperity platform, Logan shares holistic health insights and champions regenerative farming. Inspired by Blue Zones, he continues to boost personal wellness and strengthen local economies, proving that healthier communities are within our reach.