Hi, I also jumped on the ALA bandwagon after 8 years with PN. I started it 3 weeks ago and within 24 hours I had a 75 percent abating of symptoms such as pain. I even stopped taking my daily pain meds. This honeymoon lasted 2 great weeks and the last 4 days symptoms of pain, tingling, stinging are back. I am wondering why it worked so well but stopped working so quickly too? I have read so many wonderful things about it and people use it for years with ongoing relief. Any insight?


My 2nd question is relating to my bloodwork. During my 6 month routine bloodwork,the bloodwork picked up positive ANA both speckled and homogenous. 160 each. This was the first time after years and years of blood tests with a,ways negative results.

Then my ENA came back negative. Does this mean anything I should be aware of? I alo have Low ESR and normal CRP

My co-condition is Graves disease/ hyperthyroid (negative graves antibody)


Thank you!!!

Many supplements and even medications are like that, start out with a bang then wear off some.

Benfotiamine was a miracle for me the first 2 months then wore off a little. It it still a miracle supplement for me but the initial first start bang is gone.

ANA testing fluctuates for some reason between positive and negative results. All of the lupus sites mention this.
The reasons for this are not understood at this time.

If you are taking the older version of ALA...the racemic mixture, you will have to take that on an empty stomach. This version is very slowly absorbed, and presence of food will change how much you absorb compared to an empty stomach.

Also ALA is carried around on a transporter, that also has other jobs. So it is possible your transporter is "busy" and not delivering the ALA the same every day.

As you can see with the ANA testing, things do change and cycle in the body. Why there can be an adjustment to response to your ALA, remains unclear. You could try a higher dose, and see if your gains come back. Or you can discontinue for 2 weeks and restart it. That might show some hints for you as to what is going on. Nutrients are used all over the body, and who knows what priorities are in place to distribute them? Could be your ALA has awakened some other system and is going there for a while?

Sorry to hear that The bang has settled. Getting that much eluded relief was a dream I bet. I hope it continues to work for you.

Thank you!!

Yes I read that about the ANA. Was too afraid to go on Lupus forums but a general google showed me that there could be false positives. I even thought the Graves might of had something to do with it.

I am using Natrol Brand ALA from Iherb and upped to 500mg in divided doses. I was actually only on 200 mg initially and the symptoms abated on that dose.

I also bought R-lipoic acid 50mg tabs but have been hesitant to try them because I think you said on another thread that it gave you a jolt? Also now another member has said the same thing. I am waiting for my day off to try them. Unfortunately I get very anxious when I try new supplements. I have to ease into them.

Thank you!