Alpha lipoic acid for Neuropathy

Welcome @bjbates53, The protocol of supplements I take for my neuropathy include – R-ALA which some members of our group have had stomach issues when starting out. They have a document with ramp-up instructions for the ALA dosage that has helped them get to the therapeutic dose of R-ALA that we take in the protocol which is 1200 mg (two 300 mg capsules in the morning and two in the evening). I attached a copy of the document that you might find helpful. I normally take a small bite of a banana if my stomach is queasy when I'm taking my supplements.

I posted my story earlier on Connect here – https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/310341/.

They also have members with CIDP that have found the protocol helpful. There is a discussion on the protocol here with links to the groups website and Facebook page.
— Have you tried the new Protocol 525 product for neuropathy relief?:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/have-you-tried-the-new-protocol-525-product-for-neuropathy-relief/
How large of a dose of ALA do you take? Also, is it R-ALA or does it include S-ALA (synthetic)?

I have this problem sometimes, but I have better luck with R- ALA. ALA was much worse.
If I have reflux, chewing gum always helps! If not, then I take quarter of a teaspoon soda bicarbonate in some water, but rarely need that.
Using NAC and R-ALA etc from
Seeking Health brand, no unnecessary fillers. Some brands use magnesium stearate in supplements, and I found to have sometimes problems digesting it.

Sorry for the late response. I just now saw your post. The protocol is very intriguing. I will give that serious consideration. I did find a time release ALA tablet, but alas, although the stomach upset was not as severe as it was with the capsules it is still significant enough that I will not be able to take it. So sad about that. It doesn't say on the label if it is R-ALA so I have to assume it isn't. I have always taken R in the past and could not tolerate it either. I took prescription PodiaPN a few years ago with phenomenal results on my neuropathy. It contained methylfolate, B6 and R-ALA. About 6 weeks in, I began to experience severe heartburn and have had reflux ever since. I don't blame the beginnings of GERD on the med but it certainly exacerbated it. By the way, I've always taken one 600 mg capsule.

I’ve found references to positive effects of taking R Lipoic Avid supplements. Suggested was 300-600 mg once or twice daily.

If you have used this treatment I’d like to hear from you.

I have been diagnosed with SFN and began taking Alpha Lipoic Acid a couple of years ago. I take 200 mg 3 times a day with meals for a total daily dose of 600 mg. It reduces my symptoms to a point where they are just noticeable. Without it my symptoms are severe enough that I am unable to sleep. It works for me. Best of luck and I hope you find something that helps you.

Good to know that Alpha Lipoic Acid is helping you. Did you also make any major diet changes during this period? Wish you and others suffering from this debilitating disease a permanent relief.

Good Question.
There were no specific changes to my diet. That being said, the best way I can be helpful is to say that I watch my diet carefully as I have found that what I eat directly affects the amount of symptoms I have. There are foods that are more inflammatory for me than others and will spike my symptoms. For me salt, caffeine and cinnamon (yes, cinnamon) are the worst offenders.

My Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) symptoms are more sensitive to what I eat than the SFN symptoms. I will do anything it takes to avoid increasing my RLS symptoms! Paying attention to what I eat every day helps keep my symptoms from both SFN and RLS at lower levels.

What do I eat?
I eat a low inflammatory diet which means a lot of fruits, vegetables and leafy greens. I also eat chicken (boneless, skinless breast) and some fish and nuts and seeds.

I avoid all grains including rice and especially avoid refined sugars. I do not drink alcohol, coffee or tea (anything with caffeine) or any soft drinks.

I am unable to tolerate soy and am also gluten intolerant. Adding in low-cholesterol and low sodium gives you the full picture.

I think most people would find my diet repetitive, boring and tasteless, which is how I find it. But it works for me as I can manage my symptoms best by eating the way I do. I also feel healthier.

It has taken research, monitoring what I eat and self discipline, but its worth it.

Hope this is helpful. I am off to have blueberries and mixed nuts for breakfast. Yummiest meal of the day!

Hello @cherman. I wanted to bring you into an existing discussion on this topic so you will notice that I have moved your post here:
– Alpha lipoic acid for Neuropathy: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/alpha-lipoic-acid-2/

I see that @lbmorgan44 has joined you to share how they are using the supplement and @nukhan has also joined to learn more.

You might also benefit from some information that was shared earlier in this discussion by @johnbishop which you can find if you hit "View and Reply" in this notification and scroll up to John's post.

I find your diet quite excellent. Mine is similar and I only drink decaf organic green tea each morning. Only 4 mg of actual caffeine. I do also eat salmon and turkey. I avoid sugar like the devil. Last year I stopped drinking a beer at nite. I happen to love oven roasted chicken and nuts and berries 🍒. Good job. Johnmacc

I am going to begin 600 mg ALA. hope it helps. I’ll report after a period.