I am really amazed of the increase of energy and general feeling of well being i have experienced since starting on this antioxidant, i am wondering if others here have experienced similar or other reactions whilst taking this supplement., i am taking 600 mg daily.

Brian

--and with the second generation R-lipoic (which I take now--it's supposed to eliminate the non-active isomers, so you can take less, which is improtant for those with stomach sensitivity to acid). These effects haven't been so much in the area of energy generation, but there does seem to be a reduction in burning-type pains.

One thing--in addition to being a potent antioxidant, lipoic had blood sugar lowering effects. Indeed, it's been used in Europe, as a prescription substance, in conjunction with diabetes treatment for a long time. But it can have significant effects in that area, so care must be taken with dosage, especially if one is taking any diabetic medication, to make sure blood sugar isn't driven TOO low.

Thanks for your reply Glentaj, i did check my blood glucose levels vigorously when i first started taking ALA and still do keep a constant eye on them, they have been very good, at fasting levels, before meals and 2 hours after meals.
Luckily i have had no stomach or any other possible side affects from this supplement, i did forget about the newer generation [ R] ALA which i will order next time when to need some more, thanks for reminding me.

Initially i got them because of the benefits that thioctic acid can have with helping to eliminate oxidative stress, whilst researching ALA i did come across literature commenting about possible energy increase but had no idea that it would be so profound.
I have only slight burning left on extremely hot days these days, so today and tomorrow will be a good test, as it's going to be really hot, today expected 106 F or 41 C in our measures and tommorow around the same.

Brian

Brian off topic a little but how is your new eating and lifestlye change going that you were working on? On this note I am going to get advised today hopefully on these supplement type things. I was wondering is this research you have done and then tried? I am so fearful of trying things and then when I ask my docs I get a different answer from all. Today I am for sure asking about the b vitamins. I need a booster.

Hi Daniella, i had lost that extra weight i had previously gained plus a bit more, so all up a 2 stone loss so i defiantly felt better just loosing that weight which is to be expected but the increase in energy i am referring to now is very different from that again, this is only after taking them for just over 2 weeks.

Even though i was originally diagnosed as being Prediabetic, i do virtually treat myself as being a diabetic 2, so keeping blood sugars right for me is paramount, ALA can lower blood sugars so constant checks is crucial whilst taking this supplement, it shouldn't be taken in combination with any perscription meds that lower blood sugars, ALA is really an " old boy on the block " Wings [David] has had in his " suggested supplements " in the Stickies for ages, its been used overseas to treat diabetic neuropathy for over 50 years.
There is heaps on the net regarding alpha lipioc acid, here is just one
http://lefcms.lef.org/newsletter/2006/2006_11_07.htm

Regarding taking B vitamins, i take a multi B & 1mg b12 methyl on an empty stomache every day, been taken the multi B for over 4 years never had a problem, it defiantly does give me more energy.

Brian

I take liquid B vitamins and feel they help.

Ron

Well, I am seeing a lift in energy too! R-lipoic 100mg twice a day.
I am happy so far.

Also benfotiamine 150mg twice a day is working better than my thiamine!
I had been taking 200mg at bedtime of thiamine, which was good, but this seems better. (of course it is really COLD right now, and my feet are always better when weather is cold)

I bought the Source Naturals for the R-lipoic.
And Doctor's Best for the benfotiamine. I remember that benfotiamine used to be about $60 a month... the new lower prices are NICE IMO.

Thats great Mrs D, mine were always the worse in the hotter season as far as the burning goes, so it will be interesting to see the outcome when your summer days come along.

Brian

I am starting to have sleep problems on the R-Lipoic acid. I didn't take any yesterday, and slept normally. The benfotiamine does not affect my sleep.

I am now experimenting with time of day and doses. I did not expect this effect!

I did only 50mg today, in the morning. I'll do that for a few days, and increase to 50mg twice a day.

I have to say I did try ALA regular type years ago. 300mg a day..I had no effect from it. (of any kind). So since it did not help my burning feet, I stopped using it. This new R- form is very very potent. So I hope anyone else here who tries it is careful with it.

I have been wearing socks successfully... it is bitter cold here... but socks have always been uncomfortable for me.
It has been 3 days now, and even at night...so that is a real improvement for my feet!