--have you considered trying the R-lipoic isomer variant of Alpha Lipoic?

The theory for that is that only the R-isomer (which is a left-handed molecule, I believe) is active on the cellular level. Alpha Lipoic has both R and S isomers (left and right handed), meaning that taking it results in some waste. Supposedly, one can get by with 1/6 to 1/10 of the dosage of R-lipoic for the same effects.

I used to take 600mg/Alpha lipoic daily (two 300mg tablets, one morning, one evening); now I take one 100mg R-lipoic in the AM. I seem to be continuing along OK. (One way I monitor this is with my blood glucose levels, as lipoic has definite glucose modulating effects, at least as strong as those of chromium supplementation.)

And--taking the 100mg R-lipoic dose is not as acidic stomach wise, and winds up costing a bit less in the long run. (The best cost/least acidic combo I've had is from vitacost.com, when they run their specials, though the swansonvitamins.com brand has been pretty good, too.)