Hi Dr. Smith,

What dosage when you started the R-Lipoic Acid and did you have to increase the dosage to get the same result the longer you used it and similarly as with the Pantothenic Acid (Vit B5)? Thanks, Yu Ping

I started on 100 mg. of RLA/day and haven't needed any increase (3˝ yrs?) I tried increasing for a short time but there was no additional benefit, so I dropped back down to 100 mg.

Early on if I missed a day or stopped, the burning would come back. This week I just forgot to fill my vitamin tray and haven't taken any, but no burning (yet). I'll probably keep taking it anyway as it's a good antioxidant, and has other benefits.

Same with the B5 (250 mg/day), but I vary the dosage on that because I also take it for other reasons than PN.

Doc

Thank you.

Yu Ping

Hi Doc,

I went to see my naturopath today and she has no problem with me taking RLA and Vit B5. However, she did mention that the Vit B5 can only be taken for 6 weeks singly without taking other Vit B groups, otherwise my body will be out of balance. Have you heard of this, did you take Vit B complex with the Vit B5?? Thanks, Yu Ping

Hi Yu Ping,

I had not heard of that specifically, but it certainly makes sense, and yes I take a B-complex, additional biotin, additional B12 (methylcobalamin for PN), ester C, and other supplements as well.

I've been a chronic pain (CP) patient longer than just PN. Pain and other forms of stress tend to burn through the water-soluble vitamins (the Bs and C) very quickly, so they must be replenished regularly (daily).

As we know, the best & preferred way to get all vitamins is from food—a well-balance diet. But for a variety of reasons too long to go into, some of us can't/don't get enough of some vitamins, or need more than the average healthy person to meet individual needs. To fill in these "holes" I take supplements.

Doc