Has anyone developed half-penny size, extremely itchy rashes from ALA?

ALA is a supplement that works with glucose management. So if your neuropathy is related to diabetes or some other metabolic condition that is impacted by glucose issues then ALA is probably the best supplement you can take. If your neuropathy is not related to glucose metabolism (probably diabetes) then don't expect much impact. Check PubMed and look up the effects of alpha lipoic acid.

The ALA I take is Nature's Truth 600 mg X 2

I have developed these itchy rashes that look very much like those in the photo but I do not take ALA. My doctor says it is due to very dry skin and recommended I use lotion for dry skin, but it does not seem to help much.

Thank you so much! Do you take it with food to avoid reflux or is this not a problem with this brand?

Hi Cecelia,

I have an appointment with my primary this week. I will let you know his diagnosis.

My speculation about the cause being the ALA is just that. I continue to be at a loss.

I continue reading on most websites that you're supposed to take it with an empty stomach. The only discomfort after it dissolves is a cooling sensation for about 20 minutes.

Thank you for your replies. I will be looking forward to hearing what your PCP says is the diagnosis. So far, all I’ve gotten is “idiopathic small fiber neuropathy”.

Found this thread in a google search for "ALA hives". This is the second time i've broken out in my torso in massive hives that have become large welts. The first time, I assumed it was the ALA but I was hypersensitive to most medications at that time, and I thought i had taken it since (I probably haven't, in hindsight). My Integrative Health doc today recommended i add it to my protocol and voila, here i am covered in welts, itching up a storm. So I'm now certain I'm allergic to ALA and will never take it again. According to Dr. Google, this is considered "very rare". As with the last time, I"ve slathered myself in heated olive oil and have taken a bendryl. I only took 250mg and the half-life is like 30 mins so I'm hoping this doesn't last too long. We have dinner plans tonight - ha!

THANK YOU! Until I saw your message, I had no idea ALA could cause such terrible itching on limbs and body. The timing works as I recently began using a new stronger brand of it. So hoping not taking more will do the trick! (I need to go now to apologize to my dog for my suspicions in spite of his willingly accepting all his flea treatments.)

There’s 2 kinds:
1) synthetic S-ALA which us usually labeled just as ALA
2) R-ALA which is derived from natural food and is more readily assimilated
Check your label. If it just says ALA then try the more expensive form of R-ALA.
You can also get a lower dose of it or take it less often to see if that helps with your allergy