7/3/2025
Author: Designed by FreepikZaprojektowano przez FreepikTable Of Contents
Rehabilitation of the face after facial nerve palsy is a process that requires time and patience. Many people wonder whether there are dietary supplements that can speed up the regeneration of the damaged nerve. Can vitamins or herbs help us regain our smile and facial expressions more quickly? In this article, we will look at what science has to say on this topic. We will discuss the most important substances that have been studied for nerve regeneration—from vitamins to antioxidants—and examine the results of those studies. However, let us remember that even the most promising supplements are only supportive, and the basis for recovery is professional therapy under the care of a physician and physiotherapist.
A damaged nerve (e.g., the facial nerve) has the ability to regenerate, but the process is slow. For years, scientists have been searching for ways to enhance this process. Various nutrients have been tested in laboratory models—particularly on animals—for their impact on nerve repair. A 2022 review found that substances such as alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), CDP-choline (cytidine-5′-diphosphocholine), curcumin, melatonin, vitamin B₁₂, and vitamin E achieved significant success in improving peripheral nerve regeneration in animals. In other words, rats or mice with injured nerves showed faster return of function after administration of these supplements. Unfortunately, evidence of efficacy in humans remains limited—so far, clear results confirming such strong regenerative effects of supplements in patients are lacking.
Note: Every case of nerve injury is different. Supplements may potentially support regeneration, but they do not replace treatment. Always consult your doctor before beginning any supplementation. Below we present scientific information intended for educational purposes—not as recommendations for self-treatment.
B vitamins play an important role in nervous system health. Deficiencies can lead to nerve damage—for example, lack of vitamin B₁₂ can cause neuropathy (damage to peripheral nerves). In people with neuropathy, correcting a B₁₂ deficiency may thus be beneficial for nerve function. In the context of regeneration: vitamin B₁₂ (methylcobalamin) is especially valuable. Studies indicate that B₁₂ can accelerate the rebuilding of the myelin sheath around nerve fibers and improve nerve conduction, which helps alleviate neuropathy symptoms (e.g., pain). In other words, providing B₁₂ supports nerves in repair and function. Meanwhile, vitamin B₆ helps maintain nerve sheath integrity, though very high doses can themselves cause nerve damage. Vitamin B₁ (thiamine) is also important—its active form, benfotiamine, has shown promising results in improving nerve function in diabetic neuropathies. Overall, a B-complex is often recommended to support nervous system regeneration. Reviews highlight that B-vitamin supplementation has the potential to accelerate nerve tissue regeneration and improve function of damaged nerves. It is worth noting that folic acid (vitamin B₉) may also support nerve repair—animal experiments showed that folate administration promotes Schwann cell proliferation and secretion of nerve growth factors, leading to better fiber regeneration.
Vitamin D is chiefly associated with immunity and bone health, but it also plays a role in the nervous system. Animal studies of nerve injury have shown that high doses of vitamin D₃ lead to markedly better nerve regeneration: the number of regenerating fibers, their thickness, and the degree of remyelination (restoration of the myelin sheath) all increased. Rats given vitamin D after nerve injury regained motor function faster than those without supplementation. The mechanism appears related to vitamin D’s influence on genes controlling regeneration and myelination—it activates genes that promote myelin sheath repair. Although these are mainly animal results, they suggest that maintaining adequate vitamin D levels in the body may be beneficial for regenerating nerves. Vitamin D deficiency is common in humans, so it is worthwhile to keep levels optimal (of course, in consultation with a physician).
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative stress. When a nerve is injured, oxidative stress—an excess of harmful free radicals—can hinder healing. Providing antioxidants thus has a sound rationale. In a study on rats with sciatic nerve injury, vitamin E supplementation led to improvements: less muscle atrophy, reduced pain hypersensitivity, and more efficient signal conduction compared to the group without vitamin E. The mechanism likely involves reduction of oxidative stress—vitamin E lowered levels of harmful lipid peroxidation products in nerve tissues. Interestingly, combining vitamin E with vitamin C yields even better effects. These two vitamins act synergistically as antioxidants—in another experiment, combined vitamin C + E reduced neuropathic pain after nerve injury by lowering inflammation and free radicals. Therefore, a diet rich in antioxidants (vegetables, fruits, nuts—sources of vitamins E and C) may support nervous system recovery.
Magnesium is essential for the nervous system—it influences impulse conduction and neuron function. Does additional magnesium supplementation help nerve regeneration? The scientific data are limited, but there are indications that it does. In one animal study of nerve injury, a magnesium-rich diet raised tissue magnesium levels, and the animals exhibited improved motor and sensory functions related to the injured nerve. Magnesium also reduced inflammatory infiltration around the nerve and limited cell death (apoptosis) at the injury site. In other words, the nerve regenerated in a more favorable environment with less inflammation. The study authors concluded that magnesium positively affects fiber outgrowth and protects Schwann cells (the nerve’s “caretaker” cells) from dying. In humans, magnesium is often recommended for muscle tension and cramps, but perhaps future research will demonstrate its direct impact on regeneration of damaged nerves.
Much attention is given to omega-3 fatty acids, known for their anti-inflammatory action and beneficial effects on the nervous system. Omega-3s (such as EPA and DHA, found in fish oil) are building blocks of neuronal membranes and support their functions. Experimental studies indeed indicate that omega-3s can aid nerve regeneration. In one mouse study, oral administration of EPA + DHA following nerve injury accelerated fiber regrowth and had neuroprotective effects. Omega-3s appear to act on multiple levels: reducing inflammation and oxidative stress at the injury site, and modulating receptors and ion channels in neurons to promote healing. Although the precise mechanism is not fully known, the results are promising enough that omega-3s are viewed as supportive in nerve injury therapy. An additional benefit is their positive effect on cardiovascular health—improved circulation may indirectly enhance blood flow to regenerating nerves. Sources of omega-3 include fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines) as well as flaxseed and walnuts.
ALA is a compound with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is widely used in diabetic neuropathies—many patients with nerve damage in diabetes receive ALA because it alleviates symptoms (tingling, pain) and likely protects nerves from further harm. In the context of regeneration: experiments in rats with nerve transection showed that ALA can accelerate fiber outgrowth. In one study, ALA administered after nerve transection acted neuroprotectively—reducing apoptosis (cell death) and inflammation, resulting in better nerve regeneration. In another approach, researchers used novel ALA-impregnated nanofiber implants combined with a cholesterol-lowering drug, which also improved regeneration and return of sensation/movement in animals. ALA thus appears to support nerves on multiple fronts: scavenging free radicals, improving tissue oxygen utilization, and possibly influencing cellular healing signals. Note that ALA is available to humans as a supplement (thioctic acid) and is often recommended for neuropathic pain. While more clinical trials are needed, preclinical results are promising, highlighting ALA as one of the most important supplements for nerve regeneration.
Curcumin, the active component of turmeric spice, is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions. Traditional medicine has attributed many benefits to it, and science is beginning to confirm them. Regarding nerves, curcumin has attracted attention as a potential neuroregenerative agent. In a rat study of crush injury, curcumin was administered for four weeks at various doses and compared with a group receiving vitamin B₁₂ (methylcobalamin) and placebo. It was found that curcumin significantly enhanced nerve regeneration—functional tests and tissue analyses showed better axonal regrowth and faster recovery of motor function compared to no treatment. Interestingly, combining curcumin with vitamin B₁₂ yielded very good results, suggesting potential synergy. Higher doses of curcumin produced better effects than lower ones, indicating a dose-dependent response. The mechanisms likely include inflammation reduction (curcumin inhibits many inflammatory pathways) and stimulation of nerve growth factor production. Some studies also suggest curcumin can raise levels of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and NGF (nerve growth factor)—substances that promote neuron survival and growth. Of course, curcumin’s poor bioavailability is a challenge—special formulations (e.g., with piperine from black pepper or as phytosomes) have been developed to increase absorption. Despite these challenges, curcumin emerges as an interesting, natural support for nerve regeneration, confirmed by numerous animal studies.
Melatonin is best known as the “sleep hormone,” regulating our circadian rhythm. Fewer people know that melatonin also has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies of nerve injury have shown that melatonin can beneficially influence nerve regrowth. In a rat model of sciatic nerve transection, melatonin administration significantly improved nerve regeneration and accelerated the return of motor function. Analyses showed that melatonin acted on multiple fronts: reducing inflammation, limiting apoptosis (cell death), and stimulating nerve growth factors needed for repair. Interestingly, the effect was stronger when melatonin was given at the time corresponding to its natural nocturnal secretion (i.e., in alignment with the animal’s sleep cycle) than during the day. This suggests that melatonin serves as a “nighttime regenerator”—during sleep it may support the body’s repair processes, including nerve regeneration. In humans, melatonin is a safe supplement for sleep disorders; it could potentially be considered as an adjunct in neurological rehabilitation, especially for patients with sleep disturbances after injury. However, clinical studies in this direction are still lacking—evidence comes mainly from animal experiments.
CDP-choline (cytidine diphosphocholine), also known as citicoline, is a building block of cell membranes and an important precursor of neurotransmitters (e.g., acetylcholine). It has long been used in neurology—for example, in stroke and head injury—to support neural tissue regeneration. Concerning peripheral nerves, animal studies have shown that CDP-choline can accelerate their healing. In one experiment, rats with sciatic nerve injury received intraperitoneal choline injections. The results were positive—the sciatic nerve regenerated more effectively, and limb function recovered better than in untreated animals. Choline’s mechanisms may include supplying materials for neuron membrane repair (phospholipids) and neuroprotective effects (limiting neuronal damage). It is also noted for enhancing parasympathetic activity and growth factor secretion. Importantly, choline is well studied in humans (for other indications), so it could more easily be adopted in therapy if future studies confirm its benefits. Already, some clinicians recommend citicoline to support recovery after stroke or brain injury; similar applications in facial nerve regeneration may follow, though we must wait for evidence.
Other substances: Beyond those listed above, studies have also examined acetyl-L-carnitine (an amino acid that in many animal experiments accelerated nerve regeneration), N-acetylcysteine (NAC), herbal extracts (e.g., green tea – EGCG, evening primrose oil, sesame oil), and even creatine. Most of these studies are in animals and indicate certain benefits (e.g., EGCG from green tea may be neuroprotective, evening primrose oil improved regeneration in rats). However, before recommending all these supplements to humans, additional clinical trials are needed. Nevertheless, it is already clear that an appropriate diet rich in antioxidants, omega fatty acids, and vitamins certainly creates favorable conditions for nervous system health.
Scientists have identified several key mechanisms through which supplements may support regeneration of damaged nerves:
It is worth noting that often a combination of interventions yields the best outcomes. For example, anti-inflammatory action (e.g., ALA, curcumin) plus antioxidants (vitamins E, C) along with essential building vitamins (B, D) together create a favorable environment for nerve regeneration. Many experts emphasize a holistic approach: a healthy diet, avoidance of harmful factors (e.g., excessive alcohol, which impairs nerve regeneration), and exercise-based rehabilitation are pillars that supplements can only complement.
Scientific research offers hope that certain supplements can support regeneration of the damaged facial nerve. In particular, vitamins (B₁₂, D, E, folates), antioxidants (ALA, vitamins E, C), and omega-3 fatty acids have shown promising effects in research models. However, remember that most evidence comes from animal experiments. The human body is more complex, and the course of facial nerve palsy can vary between patients. Therefore, for now, supplements should be treated as potential support, not a miracle cure for nerve injury. The most important thing is always collaboration with a physician and physiotherapist, adherence to rehabilitation protocols (facial exercises, therapeutic massages, electrostimulation, etc.), and maintaining overall health.
Our NeuroFace app was created precisely to support patients in facial rehabilitation. It is an advanced technological tool that provides personalized facial muscle exercises, helps track progress, and motivates regular therapy. Remember—nerve regeneration takes time, but with consistent rehabilitation and appropriate support, you can gradually regain your full smile.
Try NeuroFace and discover how modern technology can help you return to full function! Let supplements be only an addition to solid therapy—real results come from hard work and specialist care.
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