[antonina]

Yesterday I added 100 mg of R lipoic acid to my supplement regimen and had a strange reaction to it. I developed stomach cramping & diarrhea as well as weakness and lightheadedness. I have had lifelong IBS and often attribute digestive upsets to that. But yesterday's episode was different.

Anyone else have a negative experience w/ it?

[glenntaj]

--do have strong reactions to the acidic content of R-lipoic and alpha lipoic acid, though the former, as it can be used at one-sixth to one-tenth the dose of the latter, usually results in less.

Generally, it's a good idea to take it with or right after a meal, to buffer some of those effects.

[antonina]

Originally Posted by glenntaj

--do have strong reactions to the acidic content of R-lipoic and alpha lipoic acid, though the former, as it can be used at one-sixth to one-tenth the dose of the latter, usually results in less.

Generally, it's a good idea to take it with or right after a meal, to buffer some of those effects.

I took it w/ a meal but I guess food wasn't enough of a buffer. I think I'll go back to just ALA. Thanks Glentaj for clarifying what might have caused the negative response to RLA

[mrsD]

I have never had a GI reaction to r-lipoic acid.
100mg is really a low amount of nutrient... not likely to
affect the stomach. ALA is taken in much higher amounts for example.

It might be the filler... or a coincidence. I'd try it again...another time. I take mine on an empty stomach and I have a very sensitive GI tract with a birth defect and react to many foods, etc. I have no problem and I have used 2 brands..
Doctor's Best and Country Life.

But everyone is different.

[antonina]

Originally Posted by mrsD

I have never had a GI reaction to r-lipoic acid.
100mg is really a low amount of nutrient... not likely to
affect the stomach. ALA is taken in much higher amounts for example.

It might be the filler... or a coincidence. I'd try it again...another time. I take mine on an empty stomach and I have a very sensitive GI tract with a birth defect and react to many foods, etc. I have no problem and I have used 2 brands..
Doctor's Best and Country Life.

But everyone is different.

Taking one cap might not be a valid test of its effect on my GI tract. Could easily have been the food or a coincidence. I'll try it again but on a day I don't need to go anywhere.