Connect← Return to R-Lipoic Acid for neuropathy
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Neuropathy | Last Active: Oct 14 10:22am | Replies (43)
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I am curious about differing results in effectiveness between R-Alpha Lipoic Acid (natural) and Alpha Lipoic Acid (artificially created, in a lab) — is there truly a difference? I have not started on any form yet. My peripheral neuropathy is from nerve inflammation brought about by my lupus (SLE.) I don’t think the source of the neuropathy makes a difference in this treatment, but I thought I would mention it in case any of you have related lupus insights to share. Thank you all in advance. (This is my first post on Mayo Connect!)
Replies to "I am curious about differing results in effectiveness between R-Alpha Lipoic Acid (natural) and Alpha Lipoic..."
@johannamarie the S form of ALA cannot be used within the body’s system.
Connect
Welcome @johannamarie, Happy to see that you found Connect which is a great way to connect with other members sharing their experiences with neuropathy and other conditions. Here's some information on the differences between synthetic and natural Alpha Lipoic Acid:
"Supplements labeled as ALA usually contain a 50/50 mixture of R-ALA and S-ALA; while R-Lipoic Acid supplements specifically contain R-ALA only."
-- R-Lipoic Acid vs Alpha-Lipoic Acid: Which Is Better?
https://www.performancelab.com/blogs/energy/r-lipoic-acid-vs-alpha-lipoic-acid
Basically the synthetic version of ALA (S-ALA) has 40 to 50 percent less bioavailability -
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/lipoic-acid
Since you mentioned your neuropathy is from nerve inflammation caused by Lupus (SLE), I thought you might like to connect with others who mentioned the neuropathy and SLE. Here's a search of Connect with posts by members with similar conditions - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/comments/.
Do you have pain with your neuropathy symptoms?