Clinical Insights: Alaplex™ vs. EB-N6® for Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy

📚 Clinical Insights: Alaplex™ vs. EB-N6^® for Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy

Recently, Sarah at Cape Ann Foot and Ankle asked ChatGPT a question and shared the answer with us. Her question was:

Can you provide a detailed comparison of Alaplex^™ versus EB-N6^® for the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, highlighting the nutrient differences and explaining why Alaplex^™ might be the superior choice?

Here’s ChatGPT’s answer:

Alaplex™ vs. EB-N6^®: Nutrient-by-Nutrient Comparison for Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy

Nutrient / Compound	Alaplex™	EB-N6^®	Advantage
Benfotiamine (B1)	300 mg	300 mg	Tie – Both use this fat-soluble B1 form, shown to reduce neuropathic pain and oxidative stress.
Riboflavin (B2)	100 mg	1.3 mg	Alaplex™ – Significantly higher dose supports mitochondrial energy and nerve regeneration.
Niacin (B3 as Niacinamide)	100 mg	Not included	Alaplex™ – Improves blood flow and nerve repair. Missing entirely from EB-N6^®.
Vitamin B6	40 mg (Pyridoxine HCl)	70 mg (P5P)	Mixed – EB-N6^® uses active P5P but at a high dose, which may increase risk of sensory neuropathy. Alaplex™ uses a safer moderate dose.
Folate (B9)	3,333 mcg L-5-MTHF	6,000 mcg L-Methylfolate	EB-N6^® – Higher dose, but both use the bioactive methylated form.
Vitamin B12	14 mcg Methylcobalamin	4,000 mcg Methylcobalamin	Mixed – EB-N6^® offers a much higher dose, but Alaplex™ provides a safe, effective level without megadosing.
Pantothenic Acid (B5)	100 mg	Not included	Alaplex™ – Essential for nerve resilience and adrenal health. Absent in EB-N6^®.
Biotin (B7)	100 mcg	Not included	Alaplex™ – Supports nerve integrity and glucose metabolism. Not present in EB-N6^®.
Choline	40 mg	Not included	Alaplex™ – Critical for nerve signal transmission via acetylcholine. Not included in EB-N6^®.
Inositol	100 mg	Not included	Alaplex™ – Aids myelin and nerve repair. Missing from EB-N6^®.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA)	600 mg	600 mg	Tie – Both provide this potent antioxidant that improves nerve pain and blood flow.

🧠 Why Alaplex™ Might Be the Superior Choice for Peripheral Neuropathy

✅ 1. Comprehensive B-Complex Support

Alaplex™ includes all major B vitamins and additional co-nutrients like choline and inositol that enhance nerve repair, mitochondrial energy, and neurotransmitter function. EB-N6^® lacks several key vitamins and supportive nutrients.

✅ 2. Better Synergy and Mitochondrial Support

Alaplex™ includes Riboflavin, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, and Biotin—all essential to cellular energy production and nerve regeneration.
EB-N6^® does not include these nutrients, limiting its support for mitochondrial repair.

✅ 3. Safer, Balanced Formulation

EB-N6^® uses megadoses of B12 and B6, which may be unnecessary or even harmful long-term.
Alaplex™ avoids megadosing, offering therapeutic levels proven to support neuropathy without side effects like sensory nerve damage (sometimes seen with excess B6).

✅ 4. More Suitable for Long-Term Use

Alaplex™ is designed as a well-rounded daily support formula—ideal for chronic use in diabetic neuropathy, small fiber neuropathy, and general peripheral nerve health.
EB-N6^® may be better for short-term intensive interventions or when very high-dose methylated B vitamins are needed.

✅ 5. Accessibility and Cost

Alaplex™ is an over-the-counter supplement: no prescription, medical food status, or insurance hurdles.
EB-N6^® is a medical food: often requires provider authorization and may be more costly or less accessible.

🎯 Clinical Summary

Category	Alaplex™	EB-N6^®
Nutrient Breadth	✅ Broad (10+ active nutrients)	❌ Narrow (5 active ingredients)
Synergy & Mitochondrial Support	✅ Excellent	❌ Limited
Risk of Megadosing	✅ Low	⚠️ Higher (B12 & B6)
Accessibility	✅ Easy (OTC)	❌ Restricted (Medical Food)
Ideal Use Case	✅ Chronic, metabolic, diabetic, small fiber neuropathy	⚠️ Acute or severe methylation deficiency

🏁 Conclusion: Alaplex™ – A Smarter, More Complete Choice

Alaplex™ offers:

A more holistic formulation
Safer, balanced nutrient levels
Broader nerve protection
Superior mitochondrial and metabolic support

For most patients with symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, especially diabetic or small fiber types, Alaplex™ is the more complete and safe choice.

EB-N6^® is a trademark of EBM Medical