Is Na-RALA, R lipoic only good if you have diabetic PN?

No it can help many things... but impaired glucose tolerance is up there at the top of the list IMO.

This article explains how it is used in Japan, and also gives a list of potential other uses:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipoic_acid

Use for a long period of time, it may compete with Biotin in the carrier transport processes, and I've seen some suggestions that Biotin may be needed as well... take several hours after the Lipoic. I am taking Biotin at bedtime and Lipoic in the daytime just in case. Biotin is not difficult and has no upper limit of toxicity according to studies available now.

Thanks mrsD. Is 100mg a day enough and how many days of use before one would notice some help if it's going to help any?

If using RLA (and not ALA), 100 mg/day on an empty stomach is a good starting point for most people. Results will vary, but if you don't get any within 8 weeks/60 days, you probably won't. I'd give it that long.

Some people have gotten enhanced results adding Acetyl L-Carnitine and/or Pantothenic Acid (B5), but I'd wait to see if the RLA works first, then try the others one at a time so you can tell what's working and what isn't. B5 uses the same transport as RLA and biotin, so it may require a third scheduling time (I'm currently taking all three, six hours apart).

Doc

I think you should notice something within the first month.

Depending on your situation and how much you needed it in the first place. It works on metabolic issues, and those can take time to change things.

I don't have major PN issues now, it is mostly arthritis for me these days, so I didn't notice much change in my PN pain.
I think I have fewer days of burning however.

Where my effects show up is in blood work... A1C is lower and blood glucose levels better. That is my major reason for using it.

Amazon carries it now -- the Doctor's Best brand. It is easier to make that free $25 shipping offer there than at iherb.

Many people over the years here have found lipoic acid helpful. It is really nice now to have the improved form and also that is affordable as well, and can be delivered to your door for convenience by the mail.

I think I'm going to give it a try, thanks guys.