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Supplements - What helps nerve pain and/or neuropathy?

Neuropathy | Last Active: Jun 13 1:17pm | Replies (169)

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@pacodennis

Has anyone used R-ALA? That is R- Alpha Lipoic Acid? I am new to this...about 4 months of idiopathic PN thus far. I have quite a bit of pain in my feet ankles abdomen sinuses and ears. I am taking 1200mg of Gabapentin. Is it good idea to add R-ALA?

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Replies to "Has anyone used R-ALA? That is R- Alpha Lipoic Acid? I am new to this...about 4..."

Hello @pacodennis. I noticed you are interested in connecting with others on the R-ALA supplement so you will see that I have moved your post into an existing discussion on the topic of supplements for neuropathy here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/supplement-recommendations-can-help/

Members such as @sunnyflower @busterbrown and @johnbishop have all mentioned the supplement you are interested in and may be able to share their experiences.

Is this something you have asked your neurologist about, by chance? If so, what information were you given?

Hello @pacodennis - I take R-ALA as one of the supplements to help with my neuropathy but I don't have any pain, just numbness. I know others have reported it helped with the neuropathy pain. If you do decide to try it, make sure you get the 100% - R-ALA vs the stuff that just says ALA. The cheaper stuff is normally contains 50% R-ALA and 50% S-ALA which is the synthetic stuff that doesn't help. Here's a few references that discuss how it helps...

-- Alpha Lipoic Acid
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/lipoic-acid
-- Research seeks to identify the mode of action of two age-essential micronutrients,
lipoic acid (LA) and acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR)
https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/research/hap/aging-stress-response-and-mitochondrial-decay
-- (R)-Lipoic Acid: Unique ‘Mitochondrial Antioxidant’ Fights Premature Aging
https://nutritionreview.org/2019/07/r-lipoic-acid-unique-mitochondrial-antioxidant-fights-premature-aging/

You can find a complete list of the supplements that help neuropathy symptoms on the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy site here: https://www.foundationforpn.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Complementary-and-Alternative-Treatments-Revised-2020-final.-1.pdf

First of all, thanks for the virtual hug! I have used Alpha Lipoic Acid but it did not help. It was used at the suggestion of the assistant to a Nutritionist I was referred to. I have an appt with him but can't get in to see him until November!