Protocol · Neurological Health
Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Supportive Care Protocol
Vitamin D and Coenzyme Q10 are the core of this stack, with 7 supporting supplements. Each row gives the amount the protocol lists and the grade our evidence database holds for that supplement in Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Supportive Care.
We are re-verifying the studies cited on protocol pages; only confirmed citations are shown.
The stack
9 supplements · none graded yet
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | ||||
| Vitamin D | Amount listed: 2,000–4,000 IU daily (test and optimize levels) | Supports muscle function and bone health; CMT patients at risk for osteoporosis and falls | Not graded yet | |
| Coenzyme Q10 | Amount listed: 200–400 mg daily | Supports mitochondrial function and nerve energy metabolism; studied in various neuropathies | Not graded yet | |
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | ||||
| Acetyl-L-Carnitine | Amount listed: 1,000–2,000 mg daily in divided doses | Supports nerve function and energy metabolism; studied for peripheral neuropathies | Not graded yet | |
| Alpha-Lipoic Acid | Amount listed: 600 mg daily | Antioxidant with neuroprotective properties; supports nerve function | Not graded yet | |
| B-Complex Vitamins | Amount listed: B-complex daily (avoid high-dose B6 >100 mg) | Support nerve health and myelin; B1, B6, B12 especially important for peripheral nerves | Not graded yet | |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | Amount listed: 2–3 g EPA+DHA daily | Anti-inflammatory; supports nerve cell membrane health | Not graded yet | |
| Calcium | Amount listed: 1,000–1,200 mg daily from diet + supplements | Supports bone health; CMT patients at increased fall and fracture risk | Not graded yet | |
| Magnesium | Amount listed: 300–400 mg daily | Supports muscle function and nerve signaling; may help with cramps | Not graded yet | |
| Curcumin | Amount listed: 500–1,000 mg daily with piperine | Anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective; studied in animal models of CMT | Not graded yet | |
How this protocol works
In plain language
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a group of inherited disorders that affect the peripheral nerves - the nerves outside your brain and spinal cord. CMT causes progressive muscle weakness and atrophy, typically starting in the feet and legs and sometimes progressing to the hands. It also causes sensory changes (numbness, tingling) and often high-arched feet and hammertoes.
CMT TYPES:
- CMT1: Most common; demyelinating (affects nerve covering); CMT1A is most frequent subtype
- CMT2: Axonal (affects nerve fiber itself)
- CMT3/4/X: Other subtypes with varying inheritance patterns
THERE IS NO CURE FOR CMT, but management includes:
- Physical therapy: Essential for maintaining strength, flexibility, and function
- Occupational therapy: Adaptive strategies for daily activities
- Orthotic devices: AFOs (ankle-foot orthoses), specialized footwear
- Surgery: For severe foot deformities
- Pain management: For neuropathic pain
CAUTION - MEDICATIONS TO AVOID:
Certain medications can worsen CMT symptoms, including vincristine (chemotherapy), high-dose vitamin B6, and certain antibiotics. Always inform healthcare providers about your CMT.
Vitamin D and Calcium* support bone health, which is especially important given the increased fall risk with CMT.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine* has been studied for peripheral neuropathies and may support nerve function.
B Vitamins* support nerve health, but avoid high doses of B6 (>100mg) as excess B6 can cause neuropathy.
CoQ10 and Alpha-Lipoic Acid* support cellular energy and have antioxidant properties.
Expected timeline: CMT is a slowly progressive condition. Supplements may support nerve health but will not reverse the disease. Physical therapy and orthotic devices remain the mainstays of management.