Alpha lipoic acid for Neuropathy

Posted by bjbates53 @bjbates53, Oct 8, 2022

I have had CIDP for 20 years and have done fairly well. But when I have a setback, my legs are very weak. In the past, I have found ALA caps to help me a lot. However, I have reflux and can't tolerate it. A pharmacist suggesting putting the capsule inside an empty capsule and see if that would help. It did not. I take it with food and lots of water. Still causes problems. Has anyone tried ALA as a tablet and had success with it? Any other suggestions would be welcome. I also take Cerefolin NAC.

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snagydude | @snagydude | Feb 10, 2023

In reply to @gbrodnan1945 "Has any one used and had success with Metanx. I have used it for 10 years..." + (show)

My podiatrist also recommended this product. I did a thorough search and suggest that you do the same. This is essentially a vitamin B product that is overpriced because it is purchased via prescription. There were about 10 similar products when I did my search. Do your homework and you will find that you can buy a similar product on Amazon for less than $20. By the way, GRAS (generally regarded as safe) vitamins etc. are not regulated by the FDA and therefore don't need a prescription. Some doctors feel that their clients are always looking for a prescription, so this product fits that bill.

gbrodnan1945 | @gbrodnan1945 | Feb 10, 2023

In reply to @snagydude "My podiatrist also recommended this product. I did a thorough search and suggest that you do..." + (show)

Thank you for the information regarding cheaper options of metanx. I would still like to know if these b vitamins help neuropathy symptoms. Have you noticed they have made a difference

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Feb 10, 2023

In reply to @gbrodnan1945 "Thank you for the information regarding cheaper options of metanx. I would still like to know..." + (show)

B vitamins have been shown to help with neuropathy. The only concern I might have is too much B6 since it can accumulate and cause neuropathy (B6 toxicity). They are part of the protocol I take and I feel they are helping although I don't have pain, just the numbness. I shared my story in another discussion here - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/310341/.

The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy has a list of supplements that help with neuropathy including B vitamins. It's at the end of this Complementary and Alternative Treatments -- https://www.foundationforpn.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Complementary-and-Alternative-Treatments-Revised-2020-final.-1.pdf.

alfer | @alfer | Feb 11, 2023

In reply to @eirrol "From eirrol — I recently found out about R -lipoic acid from Mayo Connect. My kidney..." + (show)

I have been taking a B-complex + R-ALA for over a year now and it works wonders for me. The product I use is Nervive but there are a number of similar products on the market. Amount of R-ALA is important. I take 900mg per day. Small amounts didn’t help. Buy your products on Amazon not expensive. Good luck.

snagydude | @snagydude | Feb 11, 2023

In reply to @gbrodnan1945 "Thank you for the information regarding cheaper options of metanx. I would still like to know..." + (show)

They don't seem to do much for me. BUT there are so many forms of neuropathy that b vitamins are a reasonable supplement. Just stay away from B 6 since it is somewhat suspect in promoting discomfort in some people. B vitamins are water soluble and are very short-lived in your body. I'm self-taught and I'm certain that a nutritionist could tell you more.

crossette | @crossette | Feb 13, 2023

In reply to @gbrodnan1945 "Has any one used and had success with Metanx. I have used it for 10 years..." + (show)

Metanx is just a B vitamin supplement. There should be no need to stop it. We all need B vitamins. Hope you are not overpaying for a prescription drug when you can buy B vitamins at any drug store (in the USA). Here is what it contains:
Metanx is a prescription medical food made by Alfasigma that contains L-methylfolate (as Metafolin, a calcium salt of vitamin B9), methylcobalamin (vitamin B12) and pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (vitamin B6). It is a vitamin B supplement. Metanx is indicated for the dietary management of peripheral neuropathy (i.e. DPN).[1]

gbrodnan1945 | @gbrodnan1945 | Feb 14, 2023

In reply to @eirrol "From eirrol — I recently found out about R -lipoic acid from Mayo Connect. My kidney..." + (show)

Thank you. I over paid for years and just recently followed your suggestion. I have a hard time telling if the vitamins are making a difference, but am reluctant to stop. Symptoms have been manageable for almost 12 years. Recently, it has moved up my leg.

eirrol | @eirrol | Feb 15, 2023

In reply to @eirrol "From eirrol — I recently found out about R -lipoic acid from Mayo Connect. My kidney..." + (show)

I wonder if any supplement company is making a multiple B vitamin with a very low amount of B6 . I take a sublingual B12 for neuropathy but need to be very careful of B6 levels with my low functioning kidneys. Insurance companies no longer would pay for a prescription because they said it was available over the counter. — from eirrol

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Feb 15, 2023

In reply to @eirrol "I wonder if any supplement company is making a multiple B vitamin with a very low..." + (show)

I think there are several different B complex products without B6 on the market. You can get this one through Walmart or Amazon - https://www.desertharvest.com/b-complex-without-b6-90-capsules.html but I would discuss it with your doctor first.