[P3000g]

Hello folks

Let me introduce myself first. I am having symptoms of suspected peripheral neuropathy for about a month or so now. The symptoms include pins and needles in my hands , feet , arms and legs at random places in random times, tingling and twitching mostly in the evening and nighttime. My doctor does not think so and has ordered bloodwork (fasting sugar, choresterol, cbc etc). Last month did liver enzymes which were normal (I take allopurinol for gout and levothyroxine (synthroid) for my thyroid). Dr. Google suggested using R-Alpha Lipoic Acid to relieve neuropathy symptoms , so I bought some from the internet. So far, I have been taking r-ALA alongwith B12 supplements for about 2 weeks , but the symptoms seem to persist. I know its too early to expect any results.

My question is how long should I wait before abandoning the idea of using R-ALA for neuropathy? What should be the next steps? Should I ask for a referal to the neurologist? Any other supplements that I should try alongwith R-ALA and B12?

Thanks in advance

[kiwi33]

Hi P3000g

Welcome to NeuroTalk .

There is some evidence that R-ALA can help with diabetic neuropathy but I don't whether it is effective for neuropathy arising for other reasons.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosage, and Warning

Best wishes.

[P3000g]

Thanks Kiwi

I am really hoping the supplements work. I don't want to take prescription meds for this, considering the side effects.

BTW, Is 600mg a day (two 300mg timed releases) too high a starting dose for R- ALA?

[kiwi33]

From the link above between 300-1800 mg/day is suggested for diabetic neuropathy.

[gert]

What study says Alpha-lipoic acid does anything?

[kiwi33]

It is discussed here, together with other drugs which have been used in management of diabetic neuropathy.

Diabetic neuropathic pain: Physiopathology and treatment

[gert]

it says in that report
alpha lipoic acid, offers little benefit

[Chemar]

Originally Posted by gert

it says in that report
alpha lipoic acid, offers little benefit

That's not what I see in the report, gert?

Alpha lipoic acid: The benefit provided by alpha lipoic acid (ALA) in the treatment of DNP possibly is due to its direct effects on the neuropathy, by reducing the oxidative stress, which has been defined as an important factor in the physiopatology of the diabetic neuropathy[122]. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions may contribute to an all-round improvement of diabetic neuropathy symptoms[135]. In some clinical trials that evaluated ALA effect in diabetic patients, pain was not a primary end point. However, they have shown a moderate benefit in terms of pain reduction[132]. In a randomized double-blinded trial, ALA-treated patients reported a greater reduction in neuropathic pain when compared to placebo-treated subjects[122]. Compared to several drugs currently in use for DNP treatment, ALA has fewer side effects[30], being nausea and vomiting the most common[132].

The quote I posted is from the link kiwi provided you. Diabetic neuropathic pain: Physiopathology and treatment

[Jomar]

The R vs S (synthetic) - Synthetic type may be less benefit.. so best to get non S..
Info--
R-Form Alpha-Lipoic Acid vs. S-Form Alpha-Lipoic Acid | ConsumerLab.com

There are other antioxidant and anti-inflammatory supplements that may be beneficial.
antioxidant and anti-inflammatory supplements at DuckDuckGo

A good resource for checking brand ratings..
ConsumerLab.com - independent tests and reviews of vitamin, mineral, and herbal supplements | Consumerlab.com

[kiwi33]

Adding to what Jo*mar wrote, this thread discusses the differences between S-lipoic acid and R-lipoic acid.

Which kind of Lipoic Acid?