1. < Neuropathy

Supplements - What helps nerve pain and/or neuropathy?

Posted by newzbug @newzbug, Nov 15, 2019

I was diagnosed earlier this year with "Sensorimotor Peripheral Neuropathy" over my whole body, though I am not yet showing symptoms everywhere. I do have numbness in all my toes, feet, a large section of my upper right thigh, large section of the side of my left calf, occasional ... numbness in my hands in the middle of the night. Anyway, my neurologist did suggest Alpha Lipoic Acid (otc supplement) to help with the neuropathy. She said that although studies suggest people who also have diabetes have had some success with taking this (I don't have diabetes), she said I might get some help from it. So, yep, it's been about 8 months I have been taking 600mg/daily and it seems to have helped lessen my feelings of 'burning feet'. I am going to increase my dosage to 800mg when I finish my current bottle. I use a brand that has no additives (colors, flavors, etc). Brand: Best Vitamins. Though I don't have diabetes, and it may be helpful only because I believe in it, that is something.

My husband periodically gives me massage on my ankles, tops of my feet and calves which seems to offer some help with the emptiness feeling on that lower part of my body. I am doing some reading research on any other supplements which could be of help. I try not to think about neuropathy too much, because I have since been diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension and CTEPH. I stick to reputable sites like the Mayo Clinic and PubMed as well as those of us who have personal experiences. Thanks to everyone here for your help. Maybe someday there will be a definitive cure for this wicked torture.

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

helenholland3 | @helenholland3 | Jan 14, 2021
In reply to @dpowell "@helennicola, what brand of RAla have you found to be most helpful. Thanks" + (show)
@dpowell

@helennicola, what brand of RAla have you found to be most helpful. Thanks

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Can I please ask what's a RAla? What's it for?

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1 reply
Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jan 14, 2021
In reply to @helenholland3 "Can I please ask what's a RAla? What's it for?" + (show)
@helenholland3

Can I please ask what's a RAla? What's it for?

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@helenholland3 - Here's some information that describes the Alpha Lipoic Acid types.

"R-ALA and S-ALA are referred to as “enantiomers” and a combination mixture of both is referred to as a “racemic” mixture. R-ALA is the natural, nutritionally active form found in the body and in food whereas S-ALA is chemically produced in the manufacture of R-ALA and has less, if any nutritional value." - Accurate Education – Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) - Accurate Clinic: http://accurateclinic.com/accurate-education-alpha-lipoic-acid-ala/

Here's some more information on the topic: Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Lipoic Acid:
https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/lipoic-acid

R-ALA is used mostly along with other supplements to help peripheral neuropathy. Here is a list of common supplements used to help with neuropathy from the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy: https://29fvx519grkh3bdqrc16zioc-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Supplements.pdf

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chuckfrasher | @chuckfrasher | Jan 22, 2021
In reply to @johnbishop "Hi Helen, I'm glad it's helping you which is more important. I used to take the..." + (show)
@johnbishop

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

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This is the best price I have seen. I hope this is a reliable company, as far as quality control and that sort of thing. 😊

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chuckfrasher | @chuckfrasher | Jan 22, 2021
In reply to @johnbishop "Hi Helen, I'm glad it's helping you which is more important. I used to take the..." + (show)
@johnbishop

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

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I can’t seem to find this brand on the internet at all. Just this one product on Amazon.

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1 reply
Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jan 22, 2021
In reply to @chuckfrasher "I can’t seem to find this brand on the internet at all. Just this one product..." + (show)
@chuckfrasher

I can’t seem to find this brand on the internet at all. Just this one product on Amazon.

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Hello @chuckfrasher, Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I've used several different brands of the R-ALA but was using the Premium Supplements brand before I switched to the Protocol 525 product (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/have-you-tried-the-new-protocol-525-product-for-neuropathy-relief/). Here's a product ranking page for 2021 if you want to compare a few of the top ones and prices.

Ranking the best alpha-lipoic acid supplements of 2021: https://bodynutrition.org/alpha-lipoic-acid/

There is another discussion you might find helpful if you want to learn what other members have shared:
- Member Neuropathy Journey Stories: What's Yours?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/member-neuoropathy-journey-stories-whats-yours/

Have you been diagnosed with neuropathy?

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helennicola | @helennicola | Jan 22, 2021
In reply to @dpowell "@helennicola, what brand of RAla have you found to be most helpful. Thanks" + (show)
@dpowell

@helennicola, what brand of RAla have you found to be most helpful. Thanks

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powell, sorry for my late response; I use Horbaach RAla 300mg. which I get on Amazon. I have used other brands in the past, don’t know if there is a difference. Helen

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1 reply
Hank | @jesfactsmon | Jan 23, 2021
In reply to @helennicola "powell, sorry for my late response; I use Horbaach RAla 300mg. which I get on Amazon...." + (show)
@helennicola

powell, sorry for my late response; I use Horbaach RAla 300mg. which I get on Amazon. I have used other brands in the past, don’t know if there is a difference. Helen

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@helennicola
Hi Helen, I wanted to compare the rala I take to yours. I looked for it on Amazon but could not find it. Wondering if you could send the Amazon URL link to this product? (I did see a couple other Horbach products but not the r alpha lipoic acid). Thanks, Hank

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2 replies
helennicola | @helennicola | Jan 23, 2021
In reply to @jesfactsmon "@helennicola Hi Helen, I wanted to compare the rala I take to yours. I looked for..." + (show)
@jesfactsmon

@helennicola
Hi Helen, I wanted to compare the rala I take to yours. I looked for it on Amazon but could not find it. Wondering if you could send the Amazon URL link to this product? (I did see a couple other Horbach products but not the r alpha lipoic acid). Thanks, Hank

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hi Hank, sorry but it looks to be currently unavailable.

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howardm | @howardm | Jan 24, 2021

It seems like there are a lot of supplements listed here, but quality and prices can drive a person nuts. Instead, you may want to talk to your doctor about the brand name Metanx, also available in generic. I have used it for years to prevent/alleviate neuropathy issues, and it has worked well for me. Basically it’s a mixture of high-dose vitamins and is considered a “medical food”. The individual items in this mixture would cost significantly more, with questionable quality.

Many insurance companies will cover Metanx (it’s prescription only); I’m very satisfied with the results. I’m using the generic version called L-Methyl-B6/B12, and with GoodRx I’m paying around $90 for a 90 day supply (2 pills per day).

It’s worth talking to your doctor, if you’re still interested.

Howard

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1 reply
Hank | @jesfactsmon | Jan 24, 2021
In reply to @howardm "It seems like there are a lot of supplements listed here, but quality and prices can..." + (show)
@howardm

It seems like there are a lot of supplements listed here, but quality and prices can drive a person nuts. Instead, you may want to talk to your doctor about the brand name Metanx, also available in generic. I have used it for years to prevent/alleviate neuropathy issues, and it has worked well for me. Basically it’s a mixture of high-dose vitamins and is considered a “medical food”. The individual items in this mixture would cost significantly more, with questionable quality.

Many insurance companies will cover Metanx (it’s prescription only); I’m very satisfied with the results. I’m using the generic version called L-Methyl-B6/B12, and with GoodRx I’m paying around $90 for a 90 day supply (2 pills per day).

It’s worth talking to your doctor, if you’re still interested.

Howard

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@howardm
Hi, thanks for the recommendation. I just looked up some info about Metanx online. It sounds like an unusual product and could be good for certain people (you for one, obviously). One thing I would mention to anyone with PN is that it does contain vitamin B6 (I couldn't find out how much) which is something to be aware of for them. B6 is known to exacerbate neuropathy in some people. Just FYI. Best, Hank

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