What are the pros and cons of taking Alpha Lipoic Acid and what is the best way to take it-as in dosage and?

Question

combined with what other supplements?

Answer 1

What it does?

Alpha-lipoic acid affects nearly every cell in the body. It assists all of the B vitamins -- including thiamin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, and niacin -- in converting carbohydrates, protein, and fats found in foods into energy the body can store and later use. Alpha-lipoic acid is a cell-protecting antioxidant that may help the body recycle other antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, boosting their potency. Thanks to its unique chemical properties, alpha-lipoic acid is easily absorbed by most tissues in the body, including the brain, nerves, and liver, making it valuable for treating a wide range of ailments.

Forms: Tablet, and Capsule
Alpha-lipoic acid can be purchased as an individual supplement or part of a general antioxidant booster, along with vitamins C, E, and other antioxidants. Look for it on the ingredients list; it may also be called thioctic acid.

Common Uses-
Helps treat numbness, tingling, and other symptoms of nerve damage in people with diabetes or other conditions.
Protects the liver in hepatitis, alcohol abuse, or exposure to poisons or toxic chemicals.
Aids in preventing cataracts.
May help preserve memory in Alzheimer's disease.
Serves as a high-potency antioxidant and possible immune booster, combating a wide range of disorders, including psoriasis, fibromyalgia, and AIDS.

Dosage: To treat specific disorders:
Alpha-lipoic acid is usually taken in doses of 100 to 200 mg three times a day.
For general antioxidant support: Lower doses of 50 to 150 mg a day may be used.

Guidelines for use: Alpha-lipoic acid can be taken with or without food. No major adverse effects have been reported.

Possible side effects:
Alpha-lipoic acid appears to be very safe, and there have been no reports of serious side effects in people taking it. Occasionally, the supplement may produce mild gastrointestinal upset, and in rare cases, allergic skin rashes have occurred. If side effects appear, lower the dose or discontinue using the supplement

Warnings:

For people with diabetes, the use of alpha-lipoic acid may require a change in insulin or other medications.
Reminder: If you have a medical condition, talk to your doctor before taking supplements.

Answer 2

ALA is quite often taken in combination with ALCAR (Acetyl-L-Carnitine). Usually 200mg of ALA is paired with 500mg of ALCAR. (ALCAR is probably best taken on an empty stomach).

There are claims that R-ALA is a much superior form of ALA. Supposedly, the R isomer version (R-ALA) is more bioavailable and may be 3x more effective than standard ALA. You could conceivably combine 100mg of R-ALA with 500 mg of ALCAR.

The combination of ALA (or R-ALA) with ALCAR is usually taken once or 2x per day. If you are taking ALA (or R-ALA) 3x per diem (as suggested by Goldista above), then you would probably only combine it with ALCAR 1 or 2 of those 3 times (esp since ALCAR is rather pricey).

Answer 3

Everytime I take ALA with ALCAR without food then some bread ang black coffee. If after 2-3 hours and did not eat additional food I will feel very hungry and weak as if I had consumed all my stored energy. I will eat some noodle and drink soda and I'm okey again the whole day.