1. < Neuropathy

Which type of ALA does my supplement include?

Posted by ainsb @ainsb, May 8 1:13pm

My podiatrist suggested NeuRX-TF but I'm reading on this site that there's R-ALA and - elsewhere on the 'net - something called S-ALA, with the R-ALA being the 'natural' version. NeuRX-TF doesn't specify so how do I know which kind it is? Also, does anyone know if any of these supplements are ever checked out by USP to confirm the stated percentage of ingredients. If not, how do you know which is the most reliable version in terms of consistency of ingredients?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.

Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | May 8 2:30pm

Welcome @ainsb, Pretty sure that if it doesn't specify R-ALA or na-R-ALA it's a 50/50 mixture of synthetic (S-ALA) and the natural version (R-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

REPLY
gus0557 | @gus0557 | May 8 4:14pm

Hello,
Hello and welcome,
Is yours a prescription or over the counter supplement? If you're talking as a supplement, my new second neurologist told me to take alpha lipoic acid as a supplement. She never mentioned anything regarding R-ALA or S-ALA. I bought the 600 mg Naturebell brand from Amazon with 300 capsules that is made with both R & S. It was around $20.00. Even tough the container says to take three capsules per day for a total of 1800 mg, my neurologist told me to take only one capsule per day. I just started taking it and supplements do take a while to kick in.
Best of luck and take care,
gus

REPLY
1 reply
ainsb | @ainsb | May 8 5:20pm

My goodness. Masses of interesting information here. Thank you so much!

REPLY
dlydailyhope | @dlydailyhope | May 9 6:40am

@ainsb
Do you have diabetes and small fiber neuropathy? If so, the best thing to do is manage your diabetes to stop the progression of nerve damage. Working with a dietitian/nutrition to review diet and supplements would be helpful.

REPLY
ainsb | @ainsb | May 9 10:11am

Hi there. Thank you for the suggestions. No, no diabetes but having more focused blood tests next week so maybe more info then. What's so frustrating is that even in one day I can be fine, then for no reason, feet are burning and balance is off, then maybe okay again later. Some days no issues at all. They tell me it's not related to fairly minor back issues (tight muscles for which I do exercises, mild stenosis and arthritis) but I can't help but feel there's a connection.

REPLY
wolfie1 | @wolfie1 | May 9 3:14pm
In reply to @gus0557 "Hello, Hello and welcome, Is yours a prescription or over the counter supplement? If you're talking..." + (show)
@gus0557

Hello,
Hello and welcome,
Is yours a prescription or over the counter supplement? If you're talking as a supplement, my new second neurologist told me to take alpha lipoic acid as a supplement. She never mentioned anything regarding R-ALA or S-ALA. I bought the 600 mg Naturebell brand from Amazon with 300 capsules that is made with both R & S. It was around $20.00. Even tough the container says to take three capsules per day for a total of 1800 mg, my neurologist told me to take only one capsule per day. I just started taking it and supplements do take a while to kick in.
Best of luck and take care,
gus

Jump to this post

Hi,
I also bought my kindnature ALA from Amazon. It also calls for three a day, I only take one. My bottle doesn’t state R or S. I also added one turmeric and ginger gummy. The day after I started this my pain was 90% gone. What I used to take THC gummies for this has taken place. I am very grateful for this relief! I’m still working on balance and endurance but this has helped so much! Good luck to all. Keep trying what works for others. Some may be successful hopefully!

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.