I am going to start Alpha Lipoic Acid @600 mg/d to determine...

Posted by pontedeleon @pontedeleon, Feb 6, 2025

if it is effective to address pain in feet from peripheral neuropathy. Should I expect to see a drop in levels of B-12 in serum? Should I begin supplementation now of B-12? What is consensus on this?

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

bk7707 | @bk7707 | Feb 8 4:23pm

In reply to @blowerk1216 "@bk7707 please check the nature of the ALA that you are using it must be the..." + (show)

@blowerk1216
It is R Alpha Lipoic Acid 600mg with Coconut Oil, 120 Softgels | Highly Bioavailable Active Form

blowerk1216 | @blowerk1216 | Feb 8 6:29pm

In reply to @bk7707 "@blowerk1216 It is R Alpha Lipoic Acid 600mg with Coconut Oil, 120 Softgels | Highly Bioavailable..." + (show)

@bk7707 good deal

jav | @jav | Feb 12 6:37am

Was recommended by Neurologist with not much further info?
What dose of R Alpha Lipoic Acid per day?
Can't seem to get consistent information

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Feb 12 8:06am

In reply to @jav "Was recommended by Neurologist with not much further info? What dose of R Alpha Lipoic Acid..." + (show)

Welcome @jav, I've been taking 1200 mg daily (600 morning/evening) along with other neuropathy related supplements. There is another discussion on your question that might be helpful to learn from the experience of other members:
-- How much R-ALA to take?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/how-much-r-ala-to-take/

When starting a R-ALA, some people experience nausea and stomach issues. I never experienced any stomach issues with taking R-ALA but some of those that did mentioned starting with a low daily dosage and gradually getting to the therapeutic dose in a week or so.
Here's a reference that provides more information - Alpha-Lipoic Acid - Uses, Side Effects, and More: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-767/alpha-lipoic-acid. The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy also has some information on vitamins and supplements for nerve health - https://www.foundationforpn.org/vitamins-and-supplements-for-nerve-health/.

There is a lot of information out there and I think you are right about being difficult to find consistent information. One of the better sources I've found is the Oregon State University, Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center which does show some dosages for different diseases - https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/lipoic-acid.

cleveland26 | @cleveland26 | Feb 13 3:35pm

@john Volunteer Mentor
Thank you for those reference sources. Especially the Oregon State University (Linus Pauling Institute). I had not heard of that. I live in Washington State and one of my granddaughters goes to school at OSU.

I began taking r alpha lipoic acid two and s half weeks ago at 300mg . I increased it to 600mg four days ago, at night before bed on empty stomach. I can't say yet if it makes a difference in my mild diabetic neuropathy.

However I will say that having started vitamin b12 (1000mcg) six weeks ago, I have been able to decrease gabapentin from 2400 mg to 1500 mg.

Thanks to all here.

debeve | @debeve | Feb 14 9:00am

In reply to @cleveland26 "@John Volunteer Mentor Thank you for those reference sources. Especially the Oregon State University (Linus Pauling..." + (show)

@cleveland26 i began ALA a while back. I started noticing a strong odor when urinating. My husband noticed also. It happened after showering so it wasnt from anything else. It wasnt until my brother mentioned the same thing happening to him too. He also takes ALA. We are wondering if anyone else is experiencing this same issue.

clange921 | @clange921 | Feb 14 1:43pm

In reply to @debeve "@cleveland26 i began ALA a while back. I started noticing a strong odor when urinating. My..." + (show)

@debeve
It’s the same smell you get after eating asparagus for dinner .

cleveland26 | @cleveland26 | Feb 14 4:21pm

In reply to @debeve "@cleveland26 i began ALA a while back. I started noticing a strong odor when urinating. My..." + (show)

@debeve

I have not noticed different odor in urine. --- But, I also take two meds for diabetes2, Mounjaro and Jardiance, which increase thirst and therefore increase water intake. So I urinate more often than an average person.
So maybe the extra water dilutes the urine.

coalesce | @coalesce | Feb 14 4:58pm

In reply to @kinura8 "@slakenkraken Try the R-Alpha Lipoic Acid....Sold on Amazon. I was online checking with different studies for..." + (show)

@kinura8 I have had BMS for 16 years, but no doctors have recommended R-ALA to me. I tried ALA for months without any improvement.
I just read that Stabilized sodium-salt R-ALA (Na-R-ALA) stabilizes R-ALA, allowing its potency to be stabilized. Has anyone tried this?

coalesce | @coalesce | Feb 14 5:07pm

In reply to @fatalfflaw "I remebered reading that a racemic mix might be better , but I think I originally..." + (show)

@fatalfflaw I read that Stabilized sodium-salt R-ALA (Na-R-ALA) causes R-ALA to remain stabilized, making it more potent than racemic ALA. Has anyone tried this? I have BMS (for 16 yrs) and sharp foot neuropathy pain. I don't want to spend much money, but I will for something that works.