[kkdaniels]

Mrs. D and a couple others have been so kind as to help me along regarding B vitamins and a few other supplements, and I've been taking 600 mgs of ALA, which has helped tremendously, by the way, but I'm wondering now if I'm taking enough. How much is too much? I don't know if it's that alone or that with the combination of B1. I don't want to push it, but if a bit more of the ALA would take more of the burning away, and since it's helped me so far, then I'd be crazy not to try it, if it's safe. Does anyone know?

And what is R-Lipoic Acid for, the same thing? Or how is it different?

I go to the doctor next week, and I'm hoping to get more blood work done for deficiencies; hoping that will give us some clues as to why I have neuropathy.

Thanks!

[plgerrard]

When I was first diagnosed with small fiber neuropathy, my neurologist gave me a 6-page handout that I could read when I got home. The only thing in the handout that he specifically discussed was the recommended vitamin supplements. It reads in part:

It is important to eat a healthy diet (high in fruits, vegetables, and fiber) to avoid further problems with the neuropathy. In addition, certain vitamin treatments can be helpful for most persons with neuropathy and can be obtained over the counter. Once diagnosed you are encouraged to obtain and take these at the dosages as noted below:

Thiamine 100 mg twice a day
Folic acid 0.4 mg three per day
Alpha lipoic acid 300 mg twice a day
Vitamin E 400 IU once a day (higher dosages may be more effective but safety of the higher dosages is not clear)

I'm not entirely sure that answers your question, just thought it might be helpful for you to see what a neuro recommended.

[mrsD]

Here is a monograph on alpha lipoic acid.
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/a...oic-000285.htm

The studies used pretty high doses and there are many on PubMed.

The most significant thing in the high dose range (and this monograph goes to 800mg a day) is potential lowering of blood sugar. This may or may not happen, but diabetes using insulin and/or oral drugs should be aware of this potential.

The comment about thyroid is based on ONE study of rats only, and as of yet there are no studies involving humans.

R-lipoic is more potent but works the same way. Alpha lipoic is a mixture of two forms of lipoic acid... one left handed and one right. The body can only use one form to fit the proper enzymes, so the other form is thought to be useless.

This is complex, but you can read about it here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipoic_acid

R- form has recently become more affordable and available, and some people use it instead. Typical doses for it are 100mg a day.

[kkdaniels]

Originally Posted by plgerrard

I'm not entirely sure that answers your question, just thought it might be helpful for you to see what a neuro recommended.

Yes, absolutely this helps. The more knowledge and understanding, the better. I wish I knew and understood more about the Vitamin E, though. I haven't read about that being taken for neuropathy, so now I'm curious about that. Maybe Mrs. D will chime in here and explain how that may help.

Good to know that from a neurologist's viewpoint, I'm on the right track at least.

Thank you very much!

[plgerrard]

My understanding is that Vit E helps alleviate the foot cramps that can accompany PN. MrsD?

[mrsD]

Vitamin E can help with improving circulation. It is an antioxidant, and as such helps with the lining of the small blood vessels.

Vit E used with magnesium is very effective for leg cramps etc.

I'd choose the Vit E that is labeled "natural". The natural version has all the forms in it that all have a function.

Synthetic Vit E typically only has the alpha.

You can even buy the special form: gamma separately now. It is not expensive.

This article goes into more detail:
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/ss03/vitamine.html

[kkdaniels]

Thanks, Mrs. D.

Although I have been taking the ALA for a few weeks now, I guess I had better get my doctor's approval when I go for my visit on Thursday. I hope he doesn't think the opposite with me having hypothyroidism. It doesn't sound like there's been anything conclusive regarding studies with rats or humans. I wish there were, as it would make me feel even better about taking it or not taking it. It's time that I get blood work done for my TSH level anyway, so that'll tell enough, hopefully.

Mrs. D, I'm trying to read and understand how this ALA helps the burning, and I don't quite get the "whole" idea, but enough, I guess, and I just can't thank you enough for the information you've given to me, and I'm sure anyone else looking for help on this board. I don't know if it's the combination of the B1 and ALA or just the ALA, but one or both is making it tolerable for me. It's like night and day!

One more thing, Mrs. D. I'd like to know if you have any idea as to why Lyrica makes you gain weight. I'm thinking it must slow down the metabolism, as I can't imagine what else it could be. I'd love to get to the point where I can try and get off of it one day, that maybe this nerve damage can be reversed enough so that's a possibility, so I guess it'll be a love-hate relationship till then. I know it's helping me more than the Neurontin, but I'm too scared to get off of it now even for just a brief time to see if I'm better. I know some people on this board say it could take months or years.

[Nina Richards]

Originally Posted by plgerrard

Thiamine 100 mg twice a day
Folic acid 0.4 mg three per day
Alpha lipoic acid 300 mg twice a day
Vitamin E 400 IU once a day (higher dosages may be more effective but safety of the higher dosages is not clear)

Just wondering if the Folic Acid amount is 1 tab 3x per day, or 3 tabs once per day?
thanks

[AussieDebbie]

I'm certain that our MrsD is MUCH more knowledgeable about these things and will offer her wisdom shortly. In the meantime, if its ok I'll offer my limited understanding in case it's of any help.

It is believed that free-radicals play a part in nerve damage, thus the pain associated with that damage.

It is also believed that ALA has the capacity to enter our cells (nerve cells in this case) and fight off free-radicals, preventing more from entering and working their destruction.

Therefore, ALA may play a significant part in protecting nerve cells from further damage, and subsequent pain.

Regarding why Lyrica may cause weight gain, it increases appetite, so we are more likely to overheat.