TITLE:
Effectiveness of Metanx Prescription Medical Food on Small Nerve Fibers and Monofilament Sensation in Patients with Diabetic Peripheral Polyneuropathy
AUTHORS:
Victor F. McNamara, Aaron I. Vinik, Lori Barrentine, Edward B. De Vol
KEYWORDS:
Diabetic Neuropathy, Epidermal Nerve Fiber Density, LMF-MC-PP, Monofilament Testing, Small Nerve Fibers
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Diabetes Mellitus,
Vol.6 No.2,
May
6,
2016
ABSTRACT: Purpose: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is prevalent among the
population with type 2 diabetes, and treatment approaches are limited. The
combination of L-methylfolate-methylcobalamin-pyridoxal-5-phospate (LMF-MC-PP,
Metanx?) is a prescription medical food that has demonstrated
significant improvements in sensory perception and quality of life as well as reduced
neuropathic pain in patients with DPN. The present study examined the effects
of LMF-MC-PP on sensory perception and epidermal nerve fiber density (ENFD)
among patients with confirmed DPN. Methods: Patients with type 2 diabetes and
diagnosed with diabetic peripheral polyneuropathy, based on loss of vibratory
perception, warm-cold discrimination or monofilament sensation, underwent
bilateral lower extremity ENFD assessments via skin punch biopsy and were
started on LMF-MC-PP. ENFD and monofilament testing were repeated at 6 months. Findings:
Of 123 patients evaluated, all had monofilament testing at baseline and 6
months and 122 had assessments at both time points. A significant (p