Improvement of cutaneous sensitivity in diabetic peripheral neuropathy with combination L-methylfolate, methylcobalamin, and pyridoxal 5'-phosphate

Rev Neurol Dis. 2010;7(4):132-9.

Abstract

Studies of monotherapy with L-methylfolate, methylcobalamin, or pyridoxal 5'-phosphate suggest that these B vitamins may reverse both the symptoms and the pathophysiology of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). The efficacy of oral-combination L-methylfolate, 3 mg; methylcobalamin, 2 mg; and pyridoxal 5'-phosphate, 35 mg (LMF-MC-PP) in restoring cutaneous sensitivity in patients with type 2 diabetes with DPN was evaluated in 20 type 2 diabetic patients who were given LMF-MC-PP twice daily for 4 weeks and then once daily for an additional 48 weeks. Statistically significant improvement in 1-point (tactile) and 2-point (discriminatory) static testing at the right and left great toe and heel in the patients was observed in all 3 follow-up periods: 1) baseline to 6 months, 2) baseline to 1 year, and 3) 6 months to 1 year. The greatest improvement occurred between baseline and 1 year of treatment. Treatment with oral LMF-MC-PP appears to promote restoration of lost cutaneous sensation in DPN.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / complications
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / drug therapy
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / metabolism
  • Diabetic Neuropathies / drug therapy*
  • Diabetic Neuropathies / etiology
  • Diabetic Neuropathies / metabolism
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Pilot Projects
  • Pyridoxal Phosphate / administration & dosage*
  • Sensory Thresholds / drug effects
  • Sensory Thresholds / physiology
  • Tetrahydrofolates / administration & dosage*
  • Touch / drug effects*
  • Touch / physiology
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vitamin B 12 / administration & dosage
  • Vitamin B 12 / analogs & derivatives*

Substances

  • Tetrahydrofolates
  • Pyridoxal Phosphate
  • mecobalamin
  • Vitamin B 12
  • 5-methyltetrahydrofolate