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.

From eirrol — I recently found out about R -lipoic acid from Mayo Connect. My kidney doctor agrees that many people have been helped with their neuropathy using it and he has given his ok for me to try, but he says there have been rare cases of it harming the kidneys. So he wants me to have blood work after using it for about 3 weeks. Wish me luck. I will have you folks on Mayo Connect to thank, if it works. I ordered the Pure Encapsulation brand and the R - lipoic acid as mentioned on Mayo Connect, not the Alpha lipoic acid to try to avoid the heart burn. So expensive, but ordering through Amazon so at least will save the shipping charge. There are solutions out there , if we just keep trying.

Hello !
I'm using R-ALA for about five years now, so web search ALA on kidneys, was a bit concerned ,
That's what I found,

Couldn't find anything bad about R-ALA on kidney, hope I'm right, and it'll help you as it's helping me! 👍🤞

I really appreciate your information. It is making me very hopeful. I am so glad ALA is helping you. Would you please share a bit more about your experience with it ? For instance, how long did it take to get some relief from the pain ? What dosages have you taken ? Many thanks,
eirrol

Hello!
Acetyl L Carnitine 2x 500mg, one 500mg morning and one500 mg afternoon with
100mg RALA, sometimes 1x RALA before bedtime, depends on pain.
You can adjust RALA on pain, more or less.
Using Seeking Health products, or Thorne from I herb.
Cannot recall how long it took for it to kick in, but, we're all different.
Also magnesium.
But I suppose you can start with only R-ALA, start slowly, maybe then increase, sometimes it'll gives me heartburn, so I have chewing gum, it'll help, or something little to eat, but it's better to take away from food. Usually one 100mg morning, one afternoon and one, sometimes about one-two hours after dinner.
You can safely take 600mg of R-ALA through the day.
Or before bed I have magnesium. On some occasions, not often, if can't sleep I have 1mg melatonin .

Thanks ! That is enormously helpful. I will start very slowly. These R-lipoic acid capsules are only 100mg each, but maybe that is good for adjusting what I need. Thanks for mentioning the chewing gum. Interesting about the magnesium. I — have high normal magnesium and now must drink only bottled water to avoid the high magnesium in home water. Still get cramps in muscles. Excited about trying the RLA !
eirrol

Has any one used and had success with Metanx. I have used it for 10 years and am afraid to sop.

I have not. I do not know what it is, but if you have had success with it for 10 years, it must be helping. Is that correct ? Is there a reason you want to stop taking it ?
From eirrol