The ALAMAX Cr by Xymogen is the Alpha Lipoic Acid my integrative doctor likes the best. That is 600mg of slow release.

In the afternoon, I take a 300mg of another brand.

I buy my Whey Protein and my Benfotiamine from LEF. My doctor likes those from LEF.

@Sally: Granted, we are talking about ALA, not r-lipoic, but these doses are higher than I would have expected.

@everyone: What is the current consensus about daily doses for ALA and r-lipoic?

Looks like the ALA MAX has both kinds of Lipoic Acid.I think the one I take in the afternoon is the reg. Alpha Lipoic Acid. Designs for Health brand. For healing neuropathy the dose is 600-1800mg.

My Xymogen is good since it has the Biotin. Designs for Health does too. Biotin can be low when taking Alpha Lipoic Acid.



http://www.xymogen.com/2008/formula.asp?code=000096

I'm trying their Super stuff now. But I'm taking so many supplements it's difficult to know what all is working, and which stuff is doing the heavy lifting.

Here's a quote from a fascinating article I just read on mitochondria:

Yes, that is really fascinating. Thanks for posting it!

Your mitochondria only carry DNA from your maternal ancestors.
They do not have YOUR DNA in them.

This thread just gets more interesting every day IMO!

I saw a new naturopath today. She's better than the last one -- more scientific and into advanced diagnostics. Her background is in medical research, which I thought was ideal (and better than other local NDs). We talked about the basics and mitochondria testing.

I've also looked at Dr. Sarah Myhill's mito testing, but it may be more expensive, and certainly more complicated. She says you're supposed to ask the courier to keep the blood samples in the cockpit (!) or somewhere not in the hold; otherwise the samples get ruined. I'd rather not have to take chances on communication or somebody's memory. Hopefully I can find something closer and convenient.

They drew four vials; two are for local Gamma/Dynacare basic tests; two were Fedexed out today for SpectraCell Laboratories.

The first test is for most of the basic minerals and heavy metals.

She seemed to think the heat issue could be related to constantly stimulated, albeit modestly, adrenal glands. She had a diagram and the idea sounded reasonable. (I seem to feel warmer after stress.) We're starting with saliva testing but also looking into the source, be it a toxin, allergen, whatever--perhaps a combination of factors. The SpectraCell results are to be expected in a few weeks.

Omega 3/Fatty Acid tests are also being considered for the future. I told her I want my membranes tested and she has an Oxidata panel I'd check out later when the kit arrives. It is supposed to reveal info on how badly anti-oxidants are needed. It's not free but it sounds radical. :)

Cells' energy factories linked to damaging inflammation

"Scientists have discovered that molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by the energy factories, or mitochondria, in cells, may play a role in a rare inherited disorder in which uncontrolled inflammation damages the body’s tissues."

"If not controlled, inflammation can lead to amyloidosis, a buildup of inflammatory proteins that can result in organ damage."

Mrs. D,
Is there a test to determine if your mito is damaged? If yes, what is it called?

Thanks, as always.

For people with DNA genetic damage to mitochondria there are muscle biopsies to determine if the mitochondria are missing etc.
The biopsies are complicated and have to be done in a special careful way too.

But for general purposes, no, there are no other specific tests that I know of.

For now we have only hints when you respond to mito support nutrients in a positive way, that implies mito functions are
compromised.

http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disord..._diseases.aspx

Thank you Mrs. D! I sincerely appreciate your help.

I read last night in one of the posts here (sorry I forgot now who posted it or under what topic - since I started taking gabapentin, my memory really became bad) , it says about cruciferous vegetables not good for hypothyroidism. It also mentioned about it being steamed or eaten raw, does it mean that its okay to cook it in other ways e.g. sauteing.


Thank you.