Lipoic acid dosage depends on which form you use.

If you use the new stabilized NaRALA you only need 100mg a day.
Take on an empty stomach. (Doctor's Best is one brand)

If you use the old original ALA alpha lipoic acid, you will need at least 600mg a day, and maybe more. This form is less reliably absorbed, and requires higher dosing. And it needs empty stomach also.

And yes, magnesium helps alot. Don't use magnesium OXIDE as it does not get absorbed into the blood stream and remains in the bowel and acts as a laxative. Aim at 1/2 the RDA to start.

This may be a bit off the regular magnesium useage; but have terrible constipation due to narcotic meds. Also, had Rectocele surgery. Doctor told me even if I have to take a laxative daily; be sure not to get constipated because Rectocele could easily return.

In order to keep from getting constipated, I have had to take at least 2, sometimes 3 tablespoons of Milk of Magnesia every evening. I would guess this plays a big part whether or not I am depleting magnesium. I had ordered a supplement; but, things were looser and so I stopped the supplement. Really confused regarding to supplement or not???? Would appreciate your thoughts on this.

(Gerry)

Not related to magnesium, but I had similar advice from a gastroenterologist, never to get constipated. I have found miralax works exceptionally well.

Used Miralax for over a year; but more like ribbons and very loose. The Phillips, the at least is not like ribbon and not as crampy. So I went to the Phillips.

Milk of magnesia contains magnesium hydroxide. This form is not water soluble and very little if any gets to the blood stream, so it is not a good source of magnesium for the body. Its main use is for laxative effects.

Some oral supplements do help with laxation as a side effect.
Magnesium citrate is one. This one can be used in small doses as a supplement and in larger doses as a laxative.
Typically it is not recommended for laxative use anymore because of the potential for overdosage of the magnesium.
Fleets PhosphoSoda was taken off the market because of this.

If I understand correctly, the Phillips is hydroxide and very little, if any, gets in bloodstream. You also mentioned to not used Oxide because this acts as a laxative and magnesium citrate can cause overdose of magnesium. I do use furosemide (lasix) daily for my edema. Had purchased the Chelated Magnesium but stopped using this because things seem very loose and would appear this means taking too much.

Not sure whether to take the Chelated Magnesium or not. I would assume the Chelated would get into the bloodstream; but if very loose when taking; am I correct to stop the Chelated Magnesium. Currently do take the R-Lipoic 100mg., MethyCobalamin B12 (1-2 mg's daily) and Benfotiamine 300mg's twice a day.

Really appreciate all you do for this site. Hope you enjoy your well-deserved vacation...you will be missed !!!

(Gerry)

Not all the chelated is absorbed either. Like calcium, magnesium is not 100% absorbed in each dose.

I seem to not tolerate oral supplements well, except for SlowMag, but even that one affects me sometimes. I guess it is the fast transit time I have due to my twisted intestines I was born with.

I am liking the lotion alot. If I don't use it one night I sleep differently! I apply it on each wrist and inner arm, about a nickel to quarter sized dollop and rub in well and my hands get some.
It has really worked wonderfully for me. Still using my CVS Epsom lotion that I snarfed up extra when it was discontinued.

Another thing that is working well for me is high dose Biotin. I am now in my second month using it at night 10mg. I found a
site online suggesting biotin for people using lipoic acid. This is because they share a transporter, and biotin transport may suffer. It appears to be working well on many things, for me, besides hair and nails... my right hand is far less stiff than it was. It is not expensive, no side effects, etc, and I get mine from Puritan's. I put my hubby on it too, to see if it would help his psoriasis... but he hasn't taken it as long as I have to notice yet. His skin always has "problems" and he is very slow to heal any cut or bug bite.

Is this a magnesium lotion you are applying to wrist and referring inner arm?
Also, what does using the Biotin accomplish?

I assume, because of taking the fursosemide (40mg twice daily) I would think I might be low in magnesium. Appreciate your informing me the Phillips does not go into the bloodstream. Wasn't sure if I am getting too much or too little magnesium. From what you mention, I would assume the cheleated magnesium would be of very little value.

Thanks,
Gerry

If you want oral magnesium to work, you need a form of chelated magnesium.

If blood vessels are constricted in the periphery, then the magnesium can't get there from oral intake. Inflammation will do this.

So using a topical form, may bypass this issue.
I apply the magnesium lotion to my swelling left foot when it gets intense. This takes it down for about 3 days.
I don't think the mag in my blood is getting to that foot which was damaged when I had surgery on it 50 yrs ago. That is my impression watching it swell up for no reason, and go back down when I put the lotion on it. I also apply the mag lotion nightly to my arms for the rest of my body to use.

Epsom-It and Kirkman's cream remain available for sale online topically.