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.

there are no controlled clinical studies demonstrating the superiority of the R isomer. almost all ALA supplements contain both the R and the S isomers, and, in fact, some not labeled R actually deliver more of that isomer than do some labelled R — and at much lower cost.

REPLY
Profile picture for dieterreuther @dieterreuther

During my research of what to take for my polyneuropathy I learned from Dr Emily Splichal’s book Barefoot Strong that it has to be R-ALA instead of regular ALA: “Touted as one of the most powerful anti-oxidants, alpha lipoic acid has been shown to improve microcirculation to peripheral nerves while decreasing oxidative stress. A key point about alpha lipoic acid is that it must be taken in the R-lipoic acid form as the “R” form is the one that is biologically active (vs. “S” form).”

Initially I took it mornings and evening, but to be supportive of my silent reflux I now take the whole dosage in the morning.

Jump to this post

@dieterreuther the R-ALA is relatively unstable; Na-R-ALA would be the preferred molecule if you want maximum absorption/bioavailability. Just know you will need to adjust the dose with it being the R form (which is 50% of the racemic form of ALA). I have no adverse effects, I am not taking it, though for neuropathy ... other than an adverse effect on my wallet, it's about 3X ALA.

REPLY
Profile picture for proteusx @proteusx

there are no controlled clinical studies demonstrating the superiority of the R isomer. almost all ALA supplements contain both the R and the S isomers, and, in fact, some not labeled R actually deliver more of that isomer than do some labelled R — and at much lower cost.

Jump to this post

@proteusx, Do you have a reference for that, ie, some not labeled R ALA deliver more than some labelled R ALA?

Could you just mean that a dose of ALA of say 600mg (and therefore 300 mg R ALA) contains more than a dose of R ALA of 200mg?

REPLY

The source here is ConsumerLab, arguably the world’s most reliable third-party tester of nutritional supplements.

REPLY
Profile picture for proteusx @proteusx

The source here is ConsumerLab, arguably the world’s most reliable third-party tester of nutritional supplements.

Jump to this post

@proteusx, Thanks for the reference. Consumer Lab looks to be an excellent site.

REPLY

I had never heard of Consumer Lab. Very interesting. I will explore it. Thanks. p.s. Here's a reference to it in NIH: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC521528/

REPLY
Profile picture for laporta @laporta

I had never heard of Consumer Lab. Very interesting. I will explore it. Thanks. p.s. Here's a reference to it in NIH: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC521528/

Jump to this post

@laporta Been a member for years - they test many supplements so I always ck when I need a supplement and they always have top picks.

REPLY
Profile picture for gnocchi @gnocchi

@laporta Been a member for years - they test many supplements so I always ck when I need a supplement and they always have top picks.

Jump to this post

@gnocchi Cool. Thanks, they just sent me a 30% off introductory coupon. I think I'll go for it.

REPLY
Profile picture for laporta @laporta

@gnocchi Cool. Thanks, they just sent me a 30% off introductory coupon. I think I'll go for it.

Jump to this post

@laporta Just joined, whewhew. Thanks again folks.

REPLY

I tried ALipoicAcid for about 6 months and it didn't help at all, sad to say. I took above usual doses for a couple of weeks, then below stated doses, but no changes at all. Still have numbness, and sensations of cramping at times, in my feet. - - Of all that I've read about Periph.Neuropathy in feet, if it's not diabetic-caused neuropathy, there is no cure. Something I'm concerned about b/c the numbness is rising up, now, beyond my ankles into my calves! Today I read that in mouse studies that psychedelics helped in neuropathies. I have a natural source locally and will try it at varying doses this Oct/November-ish. Lemme know what you think...

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.