Antioxidant ALA Eases Pain From Diabetic Neuropathy

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Nov 27, 2006

Antioxidant ALA Eases Pain From Diabetic Neuropathy

Tara Dairman

In a new study published in the November issue of the journal Diabetes Care, the antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid (or ALA), taken in pill form, lessened pain in people with diabetic neuropathy, or nerve damage resulting from diabetes. Previous research has shown that intravenous ALA therapy can help to reduce pain and numbness due to diabetic neuropathy, but treatment with ALA in pill form has not been widely studied.

In this study, 166 people with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes were divided into four groups. Three of the groups received different doses of ALA, while the fourth group received a placebo (or inactive pill). After five weeks of once-daily treatment, all three groups that had been taking ALA experienced reductions in total neuropathy symptoms, stabbing pain, and burning pain compared to the placebo group. (There were, however, no significant differences between the treatment and placebo groups in numbness.)

Because all three doses of ALA were similarly effective and the side effects of treatment—nausea, vomiting, and dizziness—increased with the dose, the researchers concluded that the lowest studied dose of 600 milligrams once daily appeared to be the most effective.

ALA is a sulfur-containing compound that is made in small amounts in the body but is not found in food. Other studies have shown that its action as an antioxidant may not only help protect against neuropathy pain, but may also enhance insulin action, improve blood circulation, and decrease oxidative stress in people with diabetes.

If you are interested in trying ALA therapy, it's important to discuss taking it with your health-care provider before you start. There is some chance that ALA could increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) in people who use insulin or certain oral diabetes drugs. It may also interfere with absorption of the vitamin biotin. Finally, keep in mind that ALA supplements, like all supplements, are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for quality or effectiveness.

POST A COMMENT E-MAIL A FRIEND

You know this is good to hear, I know it would help me and others when I feel pain in my legs.

I hope it can be approved for this pain

It is good to know.

David

Posted by: David Buitt | Nov 29, 2006 01:59 PM

Hi David,
ALA is a supplement that is already on the market, rather than a prescription drug awaiting approval. If you are interested in trying it, talk to your diabetes care provider, who may be able to recommend a trustworthy brand or source.

Posted by: Tara Dairman, Web Editor | Nov 29, 2006 02:28 PM

Thanks for letting me know it is already on the market. It is nice to hear that.

I will have to talk to my Dr. about getting this. It is nice that a real person answered my comments.

Thanks again

David

Posted by: David Buitt | Nov 29, 2006 02:43 PM

I don't need a new study to know this is great stuff. I started using it several months ago and currently have NO neuropathy symptoms anymore.

I take Rexall brand (purchased at WalMart for about $8 for a bottle of 75 capsules) 200mg three times a day. Even though this study only dosed once a day, it has been used in Europe for years and they (according to several websites) recommend 3 times a day due to the speed of metabolization.

I do get one side effect. I get indigestion if I take it without eating after taking it.

I'm glad to see America finally getting into looking at more natural remedies. I do wish they were better regulated because I did try another brand but had symptoms return while using it.

One thing they didn't mention, no neuropathy treatment is going to work if you continue creating new damage by not controlling your blood sugar levels!

Posted by: Ephrenia | Nov 29, 2006 03:23 PM

I've been taking ALA for about 8 years. It completely
got rid of the numbness in my toes and relieved
pain in my thighs. I also recommend acetyl-l-carnitine.
Puritans Pride Vitamins sells a combo of the two on their
website.

Posted by: Joyce | Nov 29, 2006 03:34 PM

My wife and I have been using 600 mg/day ALA for several years. We have noted significant reduction, not only in neuropathy of the feet and legs for me (I am a type 2 diabetic of 15 years) but also joint pain from trigger finger surgery for my wife. I have recommended it to my friends for years. We take our dosage in the morning with breakfast and have not seen any side affects. Many studies recommend two doses/day but due to convenience and positive results we have stayed with one.

Posted by: Robert | Nov 29, 2006 04:26 PM

My daughter brought me a bottle of ALA last weekand suggested I ask my physician about it. My neuropathy symptoms have just begun this month and been diagnosed.The Dr. approved its' use, but I am still waiting for a dosage schedule. I am eager to try this as we decided to try to go the nonprescription route first.

Posted by: Mary | Nov 29, 2006 07:29 PM

My endocrinologist recommended "Alpha-betic" multivitamins years ago when I was first diagnosed with T2DM because it contained ALA. I have no idea of the amount of ALA contained in the vitamin. I do know my neuropathic pain is gone as long as I take it and when I am off for about a week, the pain starts to creep back. I gave it to my Dad who does not have diabetes, but has neuropathy for other reasons. He has had good results also.

Posted by: Diana | Dec 05, 2006 03:22 PM

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