Supplements - What helps nerve pain and/or neuropathy?

Just as an FYI, most over the counter Alpha Lipoic Acid contains both the synthetic (S- ALA) and the active (R-ALA). The R-form of alpha-lipoic acid is the active, natural form. The S-form occurs when alpha lipoic acid is synthetically manufactured, creating both the S-form and the active R-form. If the label doesn't specify R-ALA, then it more than likely is part S-ALA and not as effective for treatment.

Alpha Lipoic Acid
-- http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/lipoic-acid

Different Forms of Lipoic Acid: What You Need to Know
-- https://geronova.com/consumers/different-forms-of-lipoic-acid/

Hi John, my experience taking ALA has been very positive for almost 2 years: I take the combo R+S total 550 mg. 2Xday. The cost is less than $30 for 120 capsules compared to $103 for the ones in the article. That is a huge difference in cost without knowing if the more expensive actually works any better. Just my 2cents. I have seen less expensive R-ALA available on-line also. I also read about the un- stabilized ALA which just meant to store it away from heat.

Hi Helen, I'm glad it's helping you which is more important. I used to take the cheaper stuff with synthetic ALA included but decided to switch as the other wasn't helping me...but then I don't have pain so that may factor in if it's helping you. I take 2 R-ALA 300 mg tablets twice a day where the S-ALA has been removed and it does cost more to remove the synthetic ALA during the process which is why it's not removed by a lot of companies selling it. The one I use is $30 for 90 capsules. There are different brands available but this is the one I use: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M0QS5C7/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl

<p>Alpha-Lipoic Acid 600 for burning?</p><p>A neurologist at a teaching hospital suggested trying this over-the-counter supplement for burning in my calves at night. He also thought it was worthwhile to try a lotion called "Two Old Goats." I tried an Alpha-Lipoic last night and it may have helped, but one night isn't much of a trial. And experiences with either or both of the things?</p>

Hello @robtlhughes, You will notice we moved your post to an existing discussion on supplements in the Neuropathy group. If you click the VIEW & REPLY button it will take you to this reply to your post in the discussion Supplement recommendations: What can help neuropathy?.

I take active form of Alpha Lipoic Acid (R-ALA) as I'm sure others also take to help with their neuropathy. I have never tried Two Old Goats products but I have my doubts since what I get from reading their website is they are a proprietary blend of several different essential oils. I tried mixing my own essential oils early on in my experimenting to see if it would help me and I didn't find that it gave my numbness any relief. It may help for pain but I would have to leave that for someone else to share their experience. You might want to read my post above which talks about the 2 versions of Alpha Lipoic Acid (S-ALA and R-ALA). Here is a link to the post - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/supplement-recommendations-can-help/?pg=1#comment-346329

Here's another list that you may find helpful from Medical News Today - Which supplements can help with neuropathy?: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326917

You might also be interested in joining in the following discussion and learning what other have shared...
Small Fiber Neuropathy burning?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/small-fiber-neuropathy-burning/

@rwinney @jesfactsmon @katec and other members may have some suggestions to share with you on the burning symptom.

Do you use any kind of lotion on your legs at night now?

I have used R-Alpha Lipoic acid for 2 yrs. 600mg. 2Xday and it does make a difference in my pain. I take Acetyl-L-Carnitine along with it which also helps. I noticed a difference when I stopped taking them, both seem to offer benefits other than just alleviating nerve pain. I purchase both on Amazon. Helen

My wife ordered 2 old goats from amazon back in 2015. She said at the time that it gave her some relief to her PN but not that much. She only ordered it once, if that tells you anything. It's got a cute name though. We both take 300mg of Life Extension RALA daily. We take so many supplement neither of us has a clue whether it's working or what it's doing if it is. So many people say to take it though that we do. And it's supposed to work synergystically with acetyl l carnitine which we both take as well. It's hard to know whether supplements are really helping a lot of times. It seems to not be hurting anything as far as we can tell, other than our pocketbook.😉 It's definitely not cheap.

Many thanks for getting me in the right place and sharing your take. No, I don't use anything now, but I'll give Two Old Goats a try and report back after Amazon gets it here. Thanks again.

Hi @robtlhughes. I take R Alpha Lipoic Acid - 1200 mg per day along with Acetyl L Carnitine 1000 mg per day for my neuropathy and do believe it helps with my odd misfires and sensations. Both were recommended by my Neurologist.

Hi @robtlhughes , there are a few other things people have used topically for their PN which have been mentioned by people here on Connect. A couple that my wife Linda has tried, in addition to the 2 Old Goats, which, as I said, did not do much for her, were Wisemen's Healing Balm, which Linda only used briefly for some reason. I believe @lorirenee1 has liked that product and other's on Connect swear by it as well. You can search Connect to find references to it. Another thing that was mentioned just in the last day in the "burning hand" discussion is Uber Numb which has lidocaine in it. Linda has not tried that yet. The only thing she has tried and has gotten relief from is Penetrex roll on (there is also a cream but the roll on is way less messy to use), which has a lot of ingredients, including a homeopathic based ingredient. One other thing I remember being mentioned by somebody (I am wracking my brain at this point) is Topricin. Know nothing about it except someone said they have used it. Everything I have mentioned can be found on Amazon. Thought maybe this info might be useful. Best, Hank