Has anyone had success taking Alpha lipoic acid for neuropathy?

Posted by carol1024 @carol1024, Nov 18 8:22am

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

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John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Nov 18 9:59am

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/.

carol1024 | @carol1024 | Nov 18 12:32pm

In reply to @johnbishop "I've been taking R-ALA as one of my supplements to help with my idiopathic small fiber..." + (show)

@johnbishop how can you tell the R from the S kind? My bottle has neither on it.

drf7191948 | @drf7191948 | Nov 18 12:58pm

In reply to @johnbishop "I've been taking R-ALA as one of my supplements to help with my idiopathic small fiber..." + (show)

@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!

mrmacabre | @mrmacabre | Nov 18 2:06pm

My 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.

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Nov 18 2:51pm

In reply to @carol1024 "@johnbishop how can you tell the R from the S kind? My bottle has neither on..." + (show)

@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/

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Nov 18 2:54pm

In reply to @drf7191948 "@john bishop I am 77 years old. I also have PN and recently have had trouble..." + (show)

@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 🙃

carol1024 | @carol1024 | Nov 19 12:52am

In reply to @johnbishop "@drf7191948 I have seen a neurologist. Lots of different causes of balance problems so it is..." + (show)

@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. 🤣

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Nov 19 6:28am

In reply to @carol1024 "@johnbishop my balance and neuropathy issues are related to the chemotherapy. I'm only 67 and they..." + (show)

@carol1024 I’m trying to train myself to not do those stupid things too😊

somethingdifferent | @somethingdifferent | Nov 20 9:13am

I tried it on the recommendation of my doctor. It makes me so tired I cannot do anything, and am disabled for the entire day. I am 82. I'm glad you can take it. (btw, many supplements make me tired.) There's a combination supplement called Nervala, which contains ALA and Benfotiamine, specifically for PN.

newtoni48 | @newtoni48 | Nov 20 10:59am

I've taken ALA and R-AlA. Either seems to help a little. ALA is cheaper and your body will just ignore the isomer that isn't bioactive.
I still take 600mg ALA in the AM (1/2 the usually recommended dose for neuropathy) since it's also helpful for blood sugar and other metabolic things, but I've had much better results with benfotiamine.
Aside from being effective for me, it likely won't cause stomach irritation.
I take one of Life Extension's 250mg capsules morning and evening.
I've also found daily mild exercise and massage to make a difference.
Good luck!