That’s the same thing, if the ingredient label lists it as R-ALA… R-ALA is more expensive. I’m assuming the + means the addition of biotin. Afraid I don’t know the dose for biotin helping neuropathy. 100 mg isn’t very much in general. Biotin is also supposed to help hair growth.
Take what I say with a grain of salt. ALA occurs in a different of chiralities (molecular orientations). Typically ALA is a 50/50 mixture of R(+)-ALA and S(-)-lipoic acid. Supposedly R(+)-ALA is the form which is beneficial. A cheap form is K R-ALA where potassium (K), or Na R-ALA with Sodium (Na). It is best if it is pure. I have no idea how much biotin it should be paired with. The Insulow brand of R(+)-ALA with Biotin is recommended by Dr. B.
Oops, gave you wrong info about the + part. Thanks to bsc for correcting this.
Sure does sound like plenty of biotin.
I don’t really know of “R” stands for Right. What does “S” stand for? Some things are perhaps beyond my understanding. If you really want to hurt your eyes read http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipoic_acid.
I just started taking 300mg of Neurontin. I’ve had four doses so far. Because of the lethargy thing. I take it at bedtime so it has time to metabolize before my day begins. It’s doing well for me in a short time.
I also am now wearing diabetic socks and Crocs RX shoes. The combination of the three has made a big and comfortable difference in just four days.
I’m also going to see a podiatrist to get a more professional assessment. Make sure what I’m doing is right.
Left alone I don’t think it will ever go away. It’s one of those incurable but treatable conditions. Good luck
Alan,
Swanson Vitamins has 100 mg 60 Caps for $14.99 (US). Also, 300 mg 60 caps for $36.75 (US).
http://www.swansonvitamins.com/SWU250/ItemDetail?n=0
http://www.swansonvitamins.com/LE021/ItemDetail?n=0
i have come down with severe neuropathy. i have serious muscle cramping, tingling in hands and feet and no energy. My BS has been fine and i work out regularly ( do very serious workouts)…dont know what to do…it came out of no where
John, I’ve had the same experience, to the point I sometimes wonder if I’m really diabetic at all. I have autonomic neuropathy as well. Usually this makes my blood pressure low, except in the doctor’s office where it is fairly high. It’s annoying to have a nurse lecture you about high blood pressure when it was 67/43 that a.m. So far I’m not anything but annoyed. Hope your situation has improved since your comment last year.
I’m taking the same things Danny mentioned. Just started the Benfotiamine a couple of weeks ago. Not sure if it will really help or not, as its too early to tell. Its supposed to peak at 3 months, according to the research.
The others I’ve been on for a few years and they did help at first, even seemed to reverse it somewhat, but it takes time, and if your blood sugar control isn’t good, that will work against you. Before I was diagnosed, my feet felt like they were wrapped in Tensor bandages. My big toe was completely numb and so was my little toe on the same foot. I had horrible shooting pains in my feet, legs, hands and arms. I now have some feeling, but its not perfect. Still, its a big improvement and the shooting pains are mostly gone, except when my numbers go up.
One thing is certain, getting my blood sugar under control, and taking these supplements stopped most of the pain from neuropathy. It comes back if my blood sugar gets too high, goes away again when I get it back down. When I’m ill, it really acts up.
All you can do is try.
I’ll second what Thomas has suggested as it’s been recommended for my husband: gabapentin or neurontin at 300-600 mg at bedtime.
It’s prescription.
Additionally, I’ve heard pyridoxine or B6 at 50 mg/day is useful.
Hi BCS-
just starting to get some “weird sensations” first in the tips of my toes on one foot- Dr. blew me off as “it’s not neuropathy if it’s not in both feet.” fast forward 1 month and i now have numb/tingling/strange sensations in both feet. I am taking glipizide (24 months) and eat a fairly vegetarian diet- after my research will start B complex / B12 TODAY. I see your post was a couple of years ago and am just wondering if you’ve seen any improvement since 2010 that you attribute to the B vitamins?
Hi John. I read your post a month ago and I haven’t been able to forget it. It sounds like you did everything right and still you suffer. How are you doing now? Joanne
After 30 years, mostly likely you will get some nerve damage. That’s me, no feeling at all below the knees, using a cane, and falling down often. I don’t go near steps when no one is home. Hands are pretty fried too and carpel surgery made it worse. My 3000 keystrokes per hour is now to just two fingers on this keyboard. SSA says if you can walk, you work. My Court date is coming up soon. Other posts here suggest other remedies and have tried them all, even Lidocaine patches. I am fortunate I am still active. Funny thing thing: my A!C’s are always in the low 6.0’s. Go figure. You can slow it down and maybe stabilize it, but it cannot be reversed. Perhaps seeing a neurologist may help.