Alpha lipoic acid for Neuropathy

Posted by bjbates53 @bjbates53, Oct 8, 2022

I have had CIDP for 20 years and have done fairly well. But when I have a setback, my legs are very weak. In the past, I have found ALA caps to help me a lot. However, I have reflux and can't tolerate it. A pharmacist suggesting putting the capsule inside an empty capsule and see if that would help. It did not. I take it with food and lots of water. Still causes problems. Has anyone tried ALA as a tablet and had success with it? Any other suggestions would be welcome. I also take Cerefolin NAC.

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@boilerup

Hi @delia74, thank you for sharing your experience! Did the R-ALA provide any relief from numbness or weakness for the short time you used the supplement?

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Only took the R ALA for a few days, but while taking regular ALA for several years, yes, it provided levels of relief for the peripheral neuropathy. Did not take it away totally, but did contribute to relief. Same for my husband, who is diabetic and has particularly serious PN in his feet. When whatever factors act up and intensifies his painful foot neuropathy, he applies Vicks, wears socks. THAT has helped him get through the really bad episodes. But he religiously takes daily ALA.

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I tried alpha lipoic acid and found that it did nothing for me.

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I have just started taking 200mg per day of R-ALA.What is the best time scale to increase the dose to 600mg per day.

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@bigjohnscho

I have just started taking 200mg per day of R-ALA.What is the best time scale to increase the dose to 600mg per day.

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I did not scale but started taking ALA daily 600 mg with no problems. It helped reduce the burning in my feet. I also take Acetyl l carnitine which helps small fiber neuropathy/nerve health.

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@bigjohnscho

I have just started taking 200mg per day of R-ALA.What is the best time scale to increase the dose to 600mg per day.

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Would you mind letting me know what brand you use

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@dlydailyhope

I did not scale but started taking ALA daily 600 mg with no problems. It helped reduce the burning in my feet. I also take Acetyl l carnitine which helps small fiber neuropathy/nerve health.

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How long should someone take Acetyl L-Carnitine to see any effectiveness? I am taking 1,500mg per day for the past 2 weeks and really have not noticed anything

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@dbchip

How long should someone take Acetyl L-Carnitine to see any effectiveness? I am taking 1,500mg per day for the past 2 weeks and really have not noticed anything

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Not sure anyone can answer your question. Too many variables with each of us and if you are talking providing nerves the supplements that may help them heal then it may take more than one specific supplement. Here's some information for Acetyl L-Carnatine.

"The amino acid acetyl‐L‐carnitine (ALC) plays a role in the transfer of long‐chain fatty acids into mitochondria for β‐oxidation. ALC supplementation also induces neuroprotective and neurotrophic effects in the peripheral nervous system." https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31201734/.

The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy has a list of supplements known to help with neuropathy at the end of their list of Complementary and Alternative Treatments here - https://www.foundationforpn.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Complementary-and-Alternative-Treatments-Revised-2020-final.-1.pdf.

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@paulbse

I tried alpha lipoic acid and found that it did nothing for me.

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As with most supplements (and even some prescribed medications) it takes a period of time (varies by person) before the ALA "kicks in," so unless one is committed to allowing for that, of course it's not unusual to declare that the ALA, or any other supplement, is ineffective...
ALA is not a panacea, definitely not a "miracle" pill. But it CAN and DOES bring levels of relief. Beats taking gabapentin and other drugs that so many of us are unable to deal with the side effects.

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@delia74

As with most supplements (and even some prescribed medications) it takes a period of time (varies by person) before the ALA "kicks in," so unless one is committed to allowing for that, of course it's not unusual to declare that the ALA, or any other supplement, is ineffective...
ALA is not a panacea, definitely not a "miracle" pill. But it CAN and DOES bring levels of relief. Beats taking gabapentin and other drugs that so many of us are unable to deal with the side effects.

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Is 6 months long enough to tell if it will bring any relief?

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@paulbse

Is 6 months long enough to tell if it will bring any relief?

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I'm not in a position to address your question. As I posted, the majority of medications and supplements can take a period of time before one can begin to have evidence of results. Again, based on personal knowledge and from past educationas sources, factors vary by person. Info is generally provided online, on medication/supplement inserts. I won't deal with any company that does not provide information/address questions. From personal experience, I know how vexing it can be to have to wait, thinking in the interim "what a waste"...So, sorry, I can not give you an answer. Review the sources that I've suggested checking. I can say this much: 6 months certainly seems like a wide enough window, and I always make notations in a Log. (Great when communicating with members on medical team, and for personal erudition). If you haven't been able to write notes about improvements, (or have negative effects), I'd definitely consider eliminating that item.🤔. This is a great idea with medications, since I can then inform doctors SPECIFICALLY why I will not stay on an especially troublesome medication; same goes for supplements. My new urogynecologist is young and incorporates herbs, etc. for bladder and GYN health, but two herbs in particular were definite No-No's for me, and two others were very contraindicated based on my history. Although a tad miffed, she respected my decisions. I strongly encourage keeping a Medical and a Prescription/Supplements Log. Mine are online, so I can add/delete, and definitely convenient to do a print out when seeing a new doctor. My arthritic fingers thank me, and the office staff is saved from trying to decipher the "writing."😊

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