Alpha Lipoic Acid

[Bluetit1802]

For a little while I have been noticing how my energy levels drop with a bang in the middle to late afternoons - it used to happen when I was in my teens and twenties - so much so that I now wonder if I was going hypoglycaemic.

What are your levels when you test at this time?

 

[Resurgam]

I'm not sure - I tried to test when I got a bad one a few days ago and got 31 - I think that there was something very wrong with the testing, not my blood as I was at normal levels after eating. The 31 was at 4 pm and at 6 pm it was 6.8

 

[ickihun]

Hi

Hi @ickihun !!
Did it reduce yours insulin needs right away or did it take awhile? It doesn't seem to be reducing them so far but I'm only taking 200-300 mg at this point. Increasing daily. It is helping lots of things. Thanks for the warning!!

Took me a few weeks to settle into less insulin. I think it took a few days before I benefitted from it. At the time I was taking 100mixed x2 insulin I ended up on 60mixed x2. I had no back pain then so needed far less insulin too. I wish it was the case now but I'm not on r-ala supplements at mo. Going to settle into Toujeo300 and novarapid starting on 12th first then I'll restart my 80% tablets from amazon.

 

[Juicetin]

I do recommend trying the stabilised r-ala, the naturally occurring form. It's expensive but has miles better absorption properties and is supposed to last longer in the body.
Because of its better bioavailability you take smaller doses, so where you would take 600mg a day of mix ala ( s-ala) you only take 100 or 200mg of r-ala.
I am saying this because in the 2 months I've been taking r-ala I have noticed improvements in my neuropathy and a slight lowering of my through-the-day blood sugar (not fasting, thats still high).
So to answer the OP yes it's certainly worth trying it for neuropathy and having used both forms I would say try r-ala.

 

[Kristin251]

Took me a few weeks to settle into less insulin. I think it took a few days before I benefitted from it. At the time I was taking 100mixed x2 insulin I ended up on 60mixed x2. I had no back pain then so needed far less insulin too. I wish it was the case now but I'm not on r-ala supplements at mo. Going to settle into Toujeo300 and novarapid starting on 12th first then I'll restart my 80% tablets from amazon.

I'm just taking the regular used and see hug every improvements with everything everywhere. I feel like a new person. I dinthink even after just 3 days my bg I still slightly ore even but everything else I said much better. Mood, energy, attitude, pains, etc. To me it is a wonder drug. Seems addicting but it's an antinoxidant lol. I feel like myself again. And only 200-300 mg per day and not the expensive stuff. I feel like I found my magic to better health.

Wish you the best @ickihun , I think of you often!!

 

[ickihun]

I do recommend trying the stabilised r-ala, the naturally occurring form. It's expensive but has miles better absorption properties and is supposed to last longer in the body.
Because of its better bioavailability you take smaller doses, so where you would take 600mg a day of mix ala ( s-ala) you only take 100 or 200mg of r-ala.
I am saying this because in the 2 months I've been taking r-ala I have noticed improvements in my neuropathy and a slight lowering of my through-the-day blood sugar (not fasting, thats still high).
So to answer the OP yes it's certainly worth trying it for neuropathy and having used both forms I would say try r-ala.

I totally agree. I like my 80% r-ala type.

 

[ickihun]

I'm just taking the regular used and see hug every improvements with everything everywhere. I feel like a new person. I dinthink even after just 3 days my bg I still slightly ore even but everything else I said much better. Mood, energy, attitude, pains, etc. To me it is a wonder drug. Seems addicting but it's an antinoxidant lol. I feel like myself again. And only 200-300 mg per day and not the expensive stuff. I feel like I found my magic to better health.

Wish you the best @ickihun , I think of you often!!

It is a very good supplement. You know me I don't take supplements normally as I believe diet should be enough but it got rid of my numb/tingling baby toe on right foot. Which I think was cause by a burn out I experienced in 2015.
I feel a lot more confident with insulin injections even though I increased my gi carbs to get the best out of it. I think injected insulin perfect for good carbs and it keeps my weight from increasing. Too much protein adds weight on me. I've been liberal with good carbs but I'm going to pull the reigns in to see if I can start losing weight again. Cheese adds weight on me, for sure.

 

[ickihun]

This post has reminded me of the benefits of r-ala supplement.
There are other posts regarding this supplement too.

My only concern has ever been the link between cancer and any antioxidant. Please fill yourself with all the facts about ala before you start this supplement.
I use it, when I need it - only. As any supplement should be used.

 

[Bluetit1802]

I'm not sure - I tried to test when I got a bad one a few days ago and got 31 - I think that there was something very wrong with the testing, not my blood as I was at normal levels after eating. The 31 was at 4 pm and at 6 pm it was 6.8

Could you have mis-read that 31 and it was actually 3.1? Just a thought.

 

[Adonno]

Are these really worth buying and has anyone had any luck with them getting rid of neuropathy symptoms? Should I consult the Dr before buying any?

Hello, neuropathy is a wakeup call for me, i do say that Alpha lipoic acid did helps me alot with it also if you have B complex it will help you too cause its for nerves, I take B complrs every other day and alpha lipoic acid everyday. Hopefully you get better

 

[Begonia]

I do recommend trying the stabilised r-ala, the naturally occurring form. It's expensive but has miles better absorption properties and is supposed to last longer in the body.
Because of its better bioavailability you take smaller doses, so where you would take 600mg a day of mix ala ( s-ala) you only take 100 or 200mg of r-ala.
I am saying this because in the 2 months I've been taking r-ala I have noticed improvements in my neuropathy and a slight lowering of my through-the-day blood sugar (not fasting, thats still high).
So to answer the OP yes it's certainly worth trying it for neuropathy and having used both forms I would say try r-ala.

Hi @Juicetin,
I'm very interested in your post re r-ala. I am also prediabetic suffering with neuropathy (I've been on LCHF with supplements for about 8 weeks). I know from your other posts that you have systematically tried various supplements and carb regimes. Hence would love to hear more about the improvement in symptoms from your current regime.
I have been taking 600mg of the mixed ALA on empty stomach (think I got that method from the German trials). Not convinced its making any difference.
What brand and dose of r-ala do you take and is it with food ? Also what other supplements do you take and doses ? Just wonder if one needs a combination of supplements to all work together.

 

[ickihun]

I took one with half an avocado at bf, Then 2.5 hours later one without food and no headache, nausea etc.
I am finding I don't need coffee ! It gave me a huge energy boost the last two days but not as much today. ( however celebrated last night) I started doing slow to let my body acclimate as I don't do well with many supps. No problem. I think I'm going to continue bumping up to 600.

Since I was so sick my nervous seemed to be effected. The nueropthy is relatively new but improving every day. I don't shake anymore. Eyes are crystal clear, skin glowing, mental clarity improved , energy improved, total sense of well being improved. Appetite suppressant though I don't need that until around 4. Then I snack until dinner. Seems like a miracle to me.

I'm going to try later in the day as well and empty stomach. What's the worst that can happen? I get a little nauseous or a headache. It'll go away.

Considering a maintenance dose after all is better. Maybe 200-300? Wonder if symptoms will come back.

I might now be noticing a little bg difference. Too soon to tell

How you getting on @Kristin251 ? Any hypos?

 

[Kristin251]

How you getting on @Kristin251 ? Any hypos?

Hi @ickihun !
No hypos except today but that was operator error. Took my jab and burned and a hard bump. Must have gone into a vein. Bled a bit too.
Otherwise it's been very steady and normal. I eat the samish everyday but actually maybe it's a tad lower or no rise at all. I think it's better with food when I take my insulin too
Fasting has been higher but have been snacking on cheese and I don't see the rise for hours, even with just a small amount. I know dairy makes me IR but I've had a bit of stress and a bit of celebrations so for now I'm ok with it. Won't be everyday anymore.
New thing my hubby and I are finding is we sleep better and wake up earlier and well rested. Another bonus.

Thanks for asking. Did you start it again?

 

[ickihun]

Hi @ickihun !
No hypos except today but that was operator error. Took my jab and burned and a hard bump. Must have gone into a vein. Bled a bit too.
Otherwise it's been very steady and normal. I eat the samish everyday but actually maybe it's a tad lower or no rise at all. I think it's better with food when I take my insulin too
Fasting has been higher but have been snacking on cheese and I don't see the rise for hours, even with just a small amount. I know dairy makes me IR but I've had a bit of stress and a bit of celebrations so for now I'm ok with it. Won't be everyday anymore.
New thing my hubby and I are finding is we sleep better and wake up earlier and well rested. Another bonus.

Thanks for asking. Did you start it again?

I want to give a few weeks on toujeo300 and novarapid starting on friday before I add supplement.
I will thou.
Its quite exciting. I love these little tips from dr bernstein's book.

 

[ickihun]

This just proves how bad your IR is @Kristin251 . Not too bad at all.
Mine is huge. I might have to reduce my insulin more than a third as my IR is through the roof at mo. Although my hypos are currently due to the after affects from no insulin or metformin at angiogram procedure morning. I had no metformin for 3 days. It really helps me, nearly as much as r-ala. I will ask specialist if I can be involved in trials on nhs for r-ala. IF any come about.

 

[Kristin251]

This just proves how bad your IR is @Kristin251 . Not too bad at all.
Mine is huge. I might have to reduce my insulin more than a third as my IR is through the roof at mo. Although my hypos are currently due to the after affects from no insulin or metformin at angiogram procedure morning. I had no metformin for 3 days. It really helps me, nearly as much as r-ala. I will ask specialist if I can be involved in trials on nhs for r-ala. IF any come about.

I'm pretty insulin sensative unless I eat cheese or too many nuts as well as saturated fats. And they don't show up for many hours. When I eat cheese or saturated fats I need an extra unit of lantus. I eat it around 5 but can't cover it with humalog as it's not there even before bed. Shows up somewhere during the night.

I just switched from novolog to humalog and love it. There's no fast hard action at 45 min and no fast drop like there is with novolog. It is best to get your insulin sorted so you have a baseline

I originally bought the mixed ALA but ordered 2 bottles of the r ala. I can't believe how amazing it is

I hope you get in a trail. That would be great!!

 

[Juicetin]

Hi @Juicetin,
I'm very interested in your post re r-ala. I am also prediabetic suffering with neuropathy (I've been on LCHF with supplements for about 8 weeks). I know from your other posts that you have systematically tried various supplements and carb regimes. Hence would love to hear more about the improvement in symptoms from your current regime.
I have been taking 600mg of the mixed ALA on empty stomach (think I got that method from the German trials). Not convinced its making any difference.
What brand and dose of r-ala do you take and is it with food ? Also what other supplements do you take and doses ? Just wonder if one needs a combination of supplements to all work together.

Hi , the neuropathy in my feet goes through good and bad cycles, a few weeks good then a few weeks bad. I know not to get my hopes up too much when I get a good spell (like now).
I'm currently taking 100mg Doctors Best r-ala in the morning and a cheap 200mg mix r and s-ala in the evening. As I said, the r is so much more effective you can take a lower dose.
I'm also taking 1000mg of b12 methylcobalamin and d3 and k2 (I can't remember the dose age at the moment) plus a multivitamin to get b6, magnesium, chromium etc.
I don't think it matters if you take ala with food or not. Nor b12, but d3 and k2 are fat soluble so must be taken with food.
My feet are a lot better at the moment, I think it has to be the r-ala as the improvement has only started since I started taking it (before I was taking 600mg of mix ala like you).
What sort of neuropathy do you have?

 

[Begonia]

Hi , the neuropathy in my feet goes through good and bad cycles, a few weeks good then a few weeks bad. I know not to get my hopes up too much when I get a good spell (like now).
I'm currently taking 100mg Doctors Best r-ala in the morning and a cheap 200mg mix r and s-ala in the evening. As I said, the r is so much more effective you can take a lower dose.
I'm also taking 1000mg of b12 methylcobalamin and d3 and k2 (I can't remember the dose age at the moment) plus a multivitamin to get b6, magnesium, chromium etc.
I don't think it matters if you take ala with food or not. Nor b12, but d3 and k2 are fat soluble so must be taken with food.
My feet are a lot better at the moment, I think it has to be the r-ala as the improvement has only started since I started taking it (before I was taking 600mg of mix ala like you).
What sort of neuropathy do you have?

Hi @Juicetin ,
Thanks for the details. I was told by neurologist that I have mild neuropathy and referred for shoe insoles and told to keep taking vitamins (had very low vit D and lowish B12). I haven't had nerve conduction tests as he said he didn't think they'd show anything up at that stage. If I don't see any improvement from lowering blood sugar and taking vitamins I'll go back for more tests.
I'm going to try the r-ala.
(Have you read Norman Latov's book on neuropathy ? He highlights that small fibre neuropathy caused by glucose intolerance / prediabetes is reversible )

 

[Juicetin]

Hi @Juicetin ,
Thanks for the details. I was told by neurologist that I have mild neuropathy and referred for shoe insoles and told to keep taking vitamins (had very low vit D and lowish B12). I haven't had nerve conduction tests as he said he didn't think they'd show anything up at that stage. If I don't see any improvement from lowering blood sugar and taking vitamins I'll go back for more tests.
I'm going to try the r-ala.
(Have you read Norman Latov's book on neuropathy ? He highlights that small fibre neuropathy caused by glucose intolerance / prediabetes is reversible )

Hi no I haven't seen that book.
I'm not sure what other tests they were thinking, I think the only test for small fibre neuropathy is a punch biopsy which are rarely done in the UK.
Let us know how get on with the supplements.
I know one thing, they are draining my bank account !

 

[Begonia]

Hi no I haven't seen that book.
I'm not sure what other tests they were thinking, I think the only test for small fibre neuropathy is a punch biopsy which are rarely done in the UK.
Let us know how get on with the supplements.
I know one thing, they are draining my bank account !

Hi,
I've started on r-ala. Hadn't seen the part in Dr Bernstein's book about it potentially lowering blood sugars, particularly if combined with evening primrose oil... fingers crossed. I'm taking 100mg 3 times per day with meals.
Have been reading more about small fibre neuropathy. Seems like many cases of so called 'idiopathic' neuropathy may be associated with slightly elevated blood sugar (levels which are probably not picked up as they may fall within the NICE guidelines of normal).
Sorry for not posting link... need to check out how to do it.