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Alpha Lipoic Acid vs B12: Two Different Things
Alpha lipoic acid vs B12 is not a contest, because they are different things. B12 is a vitamin, and a shortfall can cause numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. Alpha lipoic acid is a compound studied in diabetic nerve symptoms with mixed results. Flow Nerves names alpha lipoic acid and no B12.
Written by the Flow Nerves label deskUpdated · 4 min read
The basics
What is the difference between alpha lipoic acid and B12?
B12 is a vitamin your body needs. Alpha lipoic acid is a compound that is sold as a supplement. They are not substitutes for each other.
The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements says that with B12 deficiency, neurological changes such as numbness and tingling in the hands and feet can occur (NIH ODS, Vitamin B12). Alpha lipoic acid is another matter: NCCIH says studies in diabetic neuropathy led to no clear conclusions (NCCIH, Diabetes and supplements).
| Vitamin B12 | Alpha lipoic acid | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A vitamin | A compound sold as a supplement |
| What sources say | A shortfall can cause numbness and tingling (NIH ODS, Vitamin B12) | Mixed, limited results in diabetes (NCCIH, Diabetes and supplements) |
| In Flow Nerves? | Not among the six names | Yes, no amount printed |
| Medicine caution | Ask your doctor | May add to diabetes medicine (MSK, Alpha-lipoic acid) |
Which one matters?
Can low B12 cause the same symptoms as nerve damage?
Yes, it is one of the checkable causes. Mayo Clinic lists low B vitamins, with copper and vitamin E, among causes of peripheral neuropathy (Mayo Clinic, Peripheral neuropathy).
Diabetes is the leading cause in the U.S. (NINDS, Peripheral neuropathy). The same numb or tingling feet can come from several causes, so a doctor needs to sort them out.
Here are the causes the sources list. Tap one to read more.
- DiabetesThe leading cause of peripheral neuropathy in the U.S.; about two thirds of people with diabetes have nerve problems of some degree. (NINDS, Peripheral neuropathy) (ADA, Neuropathy and diabetes)
- A vitamin shortfallB vitamins, copper and vitamin E matter to nerves. With low B12, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet can occur. (Mayo Clinic, Peripheral neuropathy) (NIH ODS, Vitamin B12)
- AlcoholAlcohol use disorder can damage nerves directly and by lowering vitamins. (Cleveland Clinic, Peripheral neuropathy) (Mayo Clinic, Peripheral neuropathy)
- Injury or pressureA crush, a fracture, a slipped disk or repeated pressure on a nerve can all cause symptoms. (NINDS, Peripheral neuropathy) (Mayo Clinic, Peripheral neuropathy)
- MedicinesSome medicines, especially chemotherapy, can cause peripheral neuropathy. (Mayo Clinic, Peripheral neuropathy)
- Other health problemsInfections such as shingles, autoimmune conditions, kidney, liver or thyroid disease, and inherited conditions are on the list. Sometimes no cause is found. (Mayo Clinic, Peripheral neuropathy) (MedlinePlus, Peripheral nerve disorders)
On this label
Does Flow Nerves have B12?
No. The six names are magnesium glycinate, alpha lipoic acid, butcher's broom root extract, L-carnitine, turmeric extract and coenzyme Q10. None is B12.
So if a shortfall of B12 sits behind your symptoms, this label does not address it. We do not say that any of these names fixes a shortfall.
MSK says alpha lipoic acid is sold for nerve pain due to diabetes, and that high doses can cause hypoglycemic symptoms (MSK, Alpha-lipoic acid). Ask about diabetes medicine first.
Next step
What should you do about numb or tingling hands and feet?
See a doctor first. Mayo Clinic says to seek medical care right away for tingling, weakness or pain in your hands or feet (Mayo Clinic, Peripheral neuropathy).
A visit can sort out causes and tests. A supplement choice comes after that, if at all.
FAQ
Flow Nerves questions people ask
Is alpha lipoic acid better than B12?
They do different things, so neither is better. B12 is a vitamin whose shortfall can cause numbness and tingling (NIH ODS, Vitamin B12). Alpha lipoic acid has mixed study results (NCCIH, Diabetes and supplements).
Can you take alpha lipoic acid and B12 together?
We found no source on the pair. Ask your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you take diabetes medicine.
Does alpha lipoic acid replace B12?
No. It is a different compound, and nothing we read says it fixes a B12 shortfall.
How do I know if my tingling is a B12 problem?
Ask a doctor. Low B12 is one of several causes listed by Mayo Clinic (Mayo Clinic, Peripheral neuropathy).
Who wrote this
Written and reviewed by
Pages built from the label, the brand panels and linked NIH, FDA, CDC, FTC and peer-reviewed sources.
Last updated . Read our editorial standards and how we check reviews. This website is the information site for a U.S. stocking partner for Flow Nerves. It is not the manufacturer or a distributor named on the label. We earn money when you buy through our order links.
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