Connect
Has anyone had success taking Alpha lipoic acid for neuropathy?
Has anyone had good results taking Alpha lipoic acid for neuropathy caused from Chemo (CIPN)? A fellow patient told me she didn't have neuropathy anymore and when I asked why, she said she was taking Alpha lipoic acid. I bought some and after getting approval from my oncologist, started taking 2 a day, the recommended dosage. When I did research to validate the benefits, some info was positive while some was indifferent. I honestly think it's working. It's been about 2 weeks. I will suggest if you do start using it, take it with a soda. I tried water, milk, after a meal and I had heartburn so bad. When I decided to take it with soda I had no heartburn at all. Dr Pepper works for me and I take it on an
empty stomach with my regular morning meds. I was just curious if someone had any positive feedback. Thanks
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.
Connect
I've been taking R-ALA as one of my supplements to help with my idiopathic small fiber PN since 2016 and feel it has helped slow, maybe stopped the progression of my neuropathy. Hasn't helped with the old age and balance though 🙃. I shared my neuropathy journey in another discussion here - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/310341/.
If you haven't already seen it, there is another discussion you might find helpful.
-- Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy: What helps get rid of it?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/chemotherapy-induced-neuropathy/
Also, the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy has quite a bit of information on chemo induced neuropathy that you might want to scan through to see if something might be helpful - https://www.foundationforpn.org/.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@johnbishop how can you tell the R from the S kind? My bottle has neither on it.
@john bishop I am 77 years old. I also have PN and recently have had trouble with balance and dizziness. I went to a neurologist and found out that I have an inner ear problem. The two problems were not related. Go see a neurologist!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionMy doctor recommended taking ALA for the neuropathy in my feet on top of the 3600mg of Gabapentin that I take every day. I feel like it's helping because ever since I added it to my huge list of prescribed drugs and supplements, I haven't had one of my night time flare ups.
I'm taking 1200mg of it daily.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@carol1024, The ingredients label on the bottle normally specify the amount of R-ALA and S-ALA.
"Supplements labeled as ALA usually contain a 50/50 mixture of R-ALA and S-ALA; while R-Lipoic Acid supplements specifically contain R-ALA only."
-- R-Lipoic Acid vs Alpha-Lipoic Acid: Which Is Better?
https://www.performancelab.com/blogs/energy/r-lipoic-acid-vs-alpha-lipoic-acid
You might want to check out the following discussion:
-- Which type of ALA does my supplement include?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/which-type-of-ala-does-my-supplement-include/
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@drf7191948 I have seen a neurologist. Lots of different causes of balance problems so it is good to discuss it with your doctor which I've done many times. At 82, I'm glad I can walk as well as I do 🙃
@johnbishop my balance and neuropathy issues are related to the chemotherapy. I'm only 67 and they began this year when I started chemo. I will admit I have fallen about 4 times since March but it's because of what I call "stupid" things. Lol Totally preventable. I will say though that it's a good thing I'm healthy and have that extra padding to cushion the fall. No broken bones, just bruised ego. 🤣