ALA Supplement recommendation

Posted by cecelia19 @cecelia19, Sep 26, 2024

Can anyone recommend a specific brand of ALA that works well for them and if R-ALA is more effective? If it is, what brand of R-ALA is a quality one? Also, the dosage that they take. I’ve been taking 400 mg of Best Naturals ALA which used to help when my neuropathy was localized. I’m wondering if switching to an R-ALA product would be better. I’d really appreciate any advice you can give me as I am struggling right now.

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Profile picture for joanihm @joanihm

The Na R ALA seems to be available on Amazon and I just ordered a bottle to try. You may want to try Nervive (7 day) supply to see if it helps. That is where I found relief and now I am experimenting with different sources and dosages. My GP is in support of this.

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I did try Nervive in the earlier days and it didn’t help me. Unfortunately my B12 is kind of high so it may not be a good idea to take Nervive now as it has B12 too. Have ordered plain ALA from Amazon and keeping my fingers crossed.

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I take R- Ala 1200 per day
I am aware of two different types of ALA. R- ALA and S ALA
My understanding is the R is a more natural form and easier to absorb
The neurologist recommended taking in the morning at least 30 minutes before eating.
I do believe it has helped with pins and needles
It is available on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08L7776NB?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1&th=1
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DNJSSXW3/ref=sspa_dk_detail_2?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B0DNJSSXW3&pd_rd_w=oYDOy&content-id=amzn1.sym.8c2f9165-8e93-42a1-8313-73d3809141a2&pf_rd_p=8c2f9165-8e93-42a1-8313-73d3809141a2&pf_rd_r=SM9BJ58Y2WG7XEV1HQ2R&pd_rd_wg=cTxyp&pd_rd_r=f44b9c04-e8a2-4a0d-85b3-699ef904a1b5&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWw

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Profile picture for domiha @domiha

You say your doctor referred you for an ultrasound for claudication. Did that turn up anything. I have never thought to ask about having the veins in my legs checked. Do you wear support socks. I have started wearing knee-high support socks (without toes) at the lower pressure of 15 ro 20 and they seem to help my calves.

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Hi,
The results came back on the ultrasound, everything ok. Good blood flow in my legs. That's a relief!
Where do you get your compression socks? There are so many on the market. Do you want them 24/7 ?

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Hello! Glad to hear you got good news from the ultrasound. I buy my compression socks from Amazon. I prefer the knee-high ones with open toes. I look for the 15 to 20mcg compression. I wear them from morning til night. I was advised by my PT to take them off during sleep. I ordered the brand CHARMKING and they seem to be holding up well. I don't put them in the dryer, but let them hang to dry. Hope this helps. I can tell a difference when I am wearing mine! Best regards! Mike

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I took ALA and benfotiamine and was on a keto diet and practiced intermittent fasting. After losing 70lbs and getting my A1C down below 5 which took about 6 months I found in about 7 months the soles of my feet had feeling restored and my walking stabilized and found I was lifting my feet higher which kept me from tripping and made walking up stairs much easier. The things that didn't get a lot better was feeling in my toes and tingling and burning. After a year and a few months I started taking acetyl-l-carnitine for other reason hoping it would help pick up my energy. What happened was my toes got feeling back in a month or so. The last thing was burning, tingling and the mystery itch. I saw a video where the Dr suggested cod liver oil for those. After a couple of weeks there was significantly less of all of those. Now it's only slight in the tips of my toes. I also started taking aged garlic extract which seems to have improved my circulation when I walk on colder mornings my hands would get very cold now the tips do but the rest of my fingers and hands are actual warm.

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Hello,
I’m sorry about your struggles.
I’ve been using Naturebell R-ALA. R is the natural one and S is the synthetic. As with any medication or supplement and their effectiveness, it varies from one person to another depending on our respective bodies. I guess you need to try the natural one and see if it works for you.
I wish you the best.
Take care and have a sere Sunday,
gus

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Profile picture for domiha @domiha

When I first came to Connect a couple of years ago, I learned about R-ALA and also Benfotiamine, and I have been taking both supplements ever since. I have always purchased via Amazon. Not advising anyone to take the same dosages.... or to take any at all.... but to share, I take 1200mg of R-ALA daily and 600mg Benfotiamine daily. Recently, I found a vegetarian brand that contains 600mg of R-ALA and 300mg of Benfotiamine in each capsule, so I take one capsule in the morning and one in the evening to get my daily totals. Having both in one capsule is convenient. Again, this is just what I do....and I cannot recommend supplements or dosages to anyone else. I would suggest to Google and read about the beneficial effects of R-ALA and Benfotiamine. Watch youtube videos. Read about them here on Connect. Read about any possible side effects. Then, decide if you think they may help with your symptoms. At this point, I can't say my symptoms have greatly improved... but I like to think that my taking the supplements may be preventing symptoms from getting worse. I'm fortunate in that my neuropathy/radiculopathy causes tingling and numbness in my feet, which leads to some balance issues ... but I have no terrible pain as many do. I am NOT diabetic. My symptoms began following a lumber laminectomy L2-S1 two years ago. I wish you well. Mike

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@domiha Hi there! Your comment is super helpful. We just recently found out that my dad is severely diabetic. I’m trying to find vegetarian ALA capsules. What brand is it that you’re taking. Thank you in advance.

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Profile picture for gus0557 @gus0557

Hello,
I’m sorry about your struggles.
I’ve been using Naturebell R-ALA. R is the natural one and S is the synthetic. As with any medication or supplement and their effectiveness, it varies from one person to another depending on our respective bodies. I guess you need to try the natural one and see if it works for you.
I wish you the best.
Take care and have a sere Sunday,
gus

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@gus0557
I've been taking 600 mgs of ALA; I am guessing that 1200 mgs is safe? It sounds like a lot, but I am willing to try if it works without issues. Thanks.

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Profile picture for windyjane8 @windyjane8

@gus0557
I've been taking 600 mgs of ALA; I am guessing that 1200 mgs is safe? It sounds like a lot, but I am willing to try if it works without issues. Thanks.

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Hello,
As for dose and since I have no idea about your medical history, I suggest to check with your doctor to make sure what dose you can take.
Take care,
gus

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Profile picture for windyjane8 @windyjane8

@gus0557
I've been taking 600 mgs of ALA; I am guessing that 1200 mgs is safe? It sounds like a lot, but I am willing to try if it works without issues. Thanks.

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Hello,
As for dose, I really suggest you check with your doctor since she or he should know your medical history.
Take care,
gus

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