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Karen (Tampa, Fl) on 02/28/2013
1 out of 5 stars

Can anyone tell me the difference between R-alpha lipoic acid and plain alpha lipoic acid? I've been taking alpha lipoic acid for neuropathy 600 mgs/day with no results. Someone says they have resolved their neuropathy with R-lipoic acid. Call me confused..Thx.
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Replied By Timh (Louisville, Ky) on 03/01/2013

Karen: R-alpha is the more bioavailable, hence more potent, form of Lipoic Acid. If you're not getting results from 600mg regular A.L.A. I would recommend other treatment options.
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Replied By Connie (Slc, Utah, Usa) on 03/01/2013

Hi Karen; The neuropathy is probably a painful result of vitamin B12 deficiency. Treatment involves high doses, even injections, and can take a long time to heal (up to a year). Treatment of B12 deficiency is life-long.

Neuropathy is one of the many symptoms of B12 deficiency, and skin pigmentation changes is another; hyperpigmentation, and/or hypopigmentation, for instance. (I bring this up because I remember a post about discoloration of the feet.)

Good Wishes

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Replied By Karen (Tampa, Fl) on 03/02/2013

Hello Connie, I had been taking B-12 at 1000 per day. I had my levels checked 6 months later and they were 1000 points over the normal. I have stopped taking it as I felt it is not the reason for my neuropathy..

Hello Timh, Are you saying try other forms of therapy such as benfotiamine, B-12, tumeric, l-carnitine, etc. Etc. Or are you saying try R-lipoic acid? There is not much I haven't tried. I have an option to get ALA by IV and may investigate it...

Thanks for your time and concern. God bless.

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Replied By Timh (Louisville, Ky, Usa) on 03/03/2013

Karen: Assuming you do not know the exact cause of the Neuropathy, the nutritional trial method is your best treatment option. The R-Lipoic at maximum dose would be as close as you could get to I.V. Therapy. Also consider Magnetic Foot Pads or Insoles, they definitely help my Peripheral Neuropathy.

Have you been tested for Heavy Metals??? Maybe some detoxing would help also.

Let us know how your doing.

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Replied By Connie (Slc, Utah, Usa) on 03/03/2013

Hi Karen; Unfortunately, the B12 serum test has done more damage than good to people's health.

Firstly, the typical range for normal is wrong. (way too low) Secondly, the serum measurement does not indicate at all the amount of B12 located in the spinal fluid, where it is necessary to be effective for nerves. Once someone begins supplementation, it is best to keep the serum levels above 1000 or much more. In fact, the serum levels will no longer indicate how the patient feels. Symptoms become the most important means of detecting one's healing.

I'm seeing this occurrance repeatedly, doctors are stopping B12 treatment for the very people who need it the most. This is medical mismanagement. It is very sad for me to have to see this happen to people. But it is a big money maker for Big Pharma. They will be able to sell alot more pain meds to suffering folks.

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Replied By Prioris (Fl, US) on 10/01/2014

Neuropathy:

FYI Stabilized R-ALA will likely be more effective than R-Alpha Lipoic Acid.

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Replied By Michelle (Slc, Utah) on 02/16/2017

High serum B12 can be caused by a functional B12 deficiency. In that condition, there is enough B12 in the body, but the cells are not able to use it properly, so they export it back to the blood, and it builds up.
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Replied By Duh (Here) on 09/27/2017

That's a low dose for pain.. most use 1000mg/day just for energy. For liver disease 800-1600/day. For chronic pain ... I've read 2000-3000mg/day. Should be broken down 2-3 times a day ... 30 min before meals.
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