Specific ALA Recommendations Needed

Posted by cecelia19 @cecelia19, Nov 17, 2024

I’ve been taking ALA 600 mg since August after my PN exploded to the next stage. No neurologist I’ve seen, even at a major medical center will answer me
1) R form, S form, or combination (their answer is always it doesn’t matter, just make sure you take 600mg).
2) Brand
3) Does it matter if you take it with or without food?
4) Time of day
5) Is there any benefit to taking more than 600mg?

I take two 300mg (total 600mg) of a timed release “S” form but I will gladly change to anything that will be the most beneficial. As I understand it, ALA treats the underlying nerve condition rather than just mask the pain. My goal is to stop or slow the progression of my SFN. Since no neurologist has been able to give me answers to any one of these questions, does it truly not matter which one I use?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.

dlydailyhope | @dlydailyhope | 3 days ago

In reply to @aunttonipage "I’ve also noticed walking & warmer weather makes mine worse. Did you take the R-ALA or..." + (show)

@aunttonipage
I took regular ALA. I have read that some recommend R-ALA but I do not know the difference.

I have taken these brands and I am sure there are other good brands:
https://a.co/d/7aNiNiA
https://a.co/d/aCaIYKv

aunttonipage | @aunttonipage | 3 days ago

That’s the ALA I take.

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | 3 days ago

In reply to @dlydailyhope "@aunttonipage I took regular ALA. I have read that some recommend R-ALA but I do not..." + (show)

I think the difference that unless they specify na-R-ALA or R-ALA, Alpha Lipoic Acid contains a percentage of S-ALA which is synthetic ALA and is less bioavailable. You can read more here if you want the details. For me the takeaway is that the ones that don't specify R-ALA definitely contain a high percentage of the S-ALA because it costs more to take all of the synthetic ALA out during the manufacturing process.

R-Lipoic Acid vs Alpha-Lipoic Acid: Which Is Better?
https://www.performancelab.com/blogs/energy/r-lipoic-acid-vs-alpha-lipoic-acid

dgjestson | @dgjestson | 2 days ago

I am an 85-year-old male diagnosed with PN 10 years ago who started to take 150 mg of ALA soon after the diagnosis and detected a lessening of foot numbness. As the numbness eventually began to increase in intensity, I increased the dose to 300 mg of stabilized R-Lipolic Acid with Biotin optimizer to some effect. Reading of others with stronger dosage, I'm contemplating increasing to 600 mg if my primary agrees there is no conflict with other meds I'm taking.

cboydb | @cboydb | 1 day ago

In reply to @dgjestson "I am an 85-year-old male diagnosed with PN 10 years ago who started to take 150..." + (show)

My neurologist recommended 600 mg at night but I have been taking 300 mg in the morning and the same at night. I may start doing it just at night as that is when the symptoms are experienced more. I found more effect with the R version and I am not using the Biotin variety. You should definitely checkout any effects with other meds. ALA is pretty unstable so other meds could affect it's viability but also ALA could maybe interact negatively with others? Good to check out.