Thanks Synnove, I just finished reading it. Very interesting. I did have the sweat test done and the tilt test several years ago. That was when they told me I had RSD (first diagnoses). I think I'm going to see if I have the results stored away. I'm really curious if this may have been the beginning of my SFN. I guess at this point I'll never know if it was. Thanks again:)

I found a couple of sources that claim the lipoate is produced by mixing lipoic acid powder with NaHCO3 (sodium bicarbonate) in water. The resulting lipoate allegedly has a neutral pH (couldn't find an exact value), so I'm wondering why it still causes heartburn in some people unless some other reaction is occurring when it hits the acidic gastric juices(?) :Dunno:

Doc

Some things are just irritating in and of themselves.

The Stabilized r-lipoic doesn't hang around long either.
There is a study that blood levels from this form are rapidly absorbed... too fast for even intestinal absorption.

Betaine HCl does not normally cause heartburn. And neither
does the apple cider vinegar in most, and they are far more acidic that R-lipoic.

So it remains a mystery of sorts.

...unlike the heartburn it engenders! :rolleyes:

Doc

The R Lipoic I use has not caused it, especially the timed release ones I have with the S lipoid. I use several kinds/brands. All work great for me.