ALA results w/ Glucometer... The Real Test

[akrama]

R-Isomer ALA....

BackDoc...

You are truly de man... I can't thank you enough !!

Well.. I am getting ready to place my order for (T2) Alpha Lipoic Acid, Jarrow, Sustain 300 mg., 60 Tabs. I am assuming that's the one you're refering to. I looked at the certificate of analysis but couldn't find R-isomer on it. Maybe it's too technical for me to read but I am assuming that's the one.

I will try it and let you know the difference once I measure the results with my glucometer. This should be interesting to see !!

For now... It's time to hit the weights.

So long my friend...

Akrama

 

[BackDoc]

HEADS UP--CORRECTION!

I spoke with the technical division today just to confirm what I said and they tell me that what they once said, that they sell the R-enantiomer, was not entirely the case as there have been some of the S-enantiomer variety included. While I do not personally use Jarrow ALA (I order from another R-isomer distributor), I complained that this is disturbing to me as I have recommended it to others. They told me that they will be getting pure R-enantiomer version shortly and the product will be sold with the denotation that it is pure R-lipoic acid. If you have ordered already, then I would recommend telling them that you saw the link below before you ordered and that you were under the assumption the product they sold you was R-isomer only and that since it isn't you want a refund. However, I think the time released version will be beneficial just the same for you as you are wanting a time released version to measure blood glucose levels. The only difference is that you will have to take more than you would with a pure R-variety. I stand by Jarrow's products otherwise and I would bet that it is the highest quality available...just not the pure R-isomer. With that being said, it may be much higher in R- enantiomer than other products (as it is not the racemic mix--which would make it equal parts).

I apologize for this error; it was not an error of intention as I was assuming from technical information that this was the R-enantiomer. The link below is the info I was going by. Use this link as a reference if you want to return the product and have them give you a refund. False advertising is B.S. and I don't know if they are aware that the link indicates a product that they do not sell. They should remove it or make the correction immediately.

http://www.r-lipoic.com/contact.htm

I will post this same reply on the board for everyone to see. Again, sorry for the error.

 

[riskybizz007]

I have found some ALA to be more effective than others as well. I'm just wondering Bacdoc where can I currently get the R- ALA now?

 

[Jacob Creutzfeldt]

Is it possible that ALA increased glucose disposal, but caused an increase in glucagon which in turn pushed stored carbs out of the liver and into the blood? It may take time to deplete your liver of glucose before you can enter ketosis.

 

[BackDoc]

Pure R-ALA may be nearly impossible to get right now without research credentials and/or lots of financing. However, very high percentage (upper 90's) of primarily R-ALA will most likely be available to the general public very shortly from Jarrow. Unfortunately, due to cost, pharmaceutical ownership of patent rights, etc., it may be difficult to find the absolute best quality. Yes, that's right, there may be pharmaceutical interests which could jeopardize ALA being sold over the counter at some point in the future. Don't know if that's entirely the case, but it might be possible with the successes of the Italian studies. The more I look the more I am hearing that some companies are throwing around the use of R-isomer ALA terminology without corroboration. This is disheartening, as any success with some brands of ALA that I was under full belief were R-isomer may not have been. However, sucess may have been in the form of higher R/S ratio, which is not a total loss and may be of interest in keeping costs to consumer down. If a similar effect can be had with a higher dose then perhaps it is worth it regardless.

I believe Jarrow is probably the best place to start in terms of more of the R-enantiomer (if not specified it is not correct to assume it is a 1:1/ R+ to S- mixture). I think this explains why some brands (usually the more expensive ones) are more effective dose per dose.

Hopefully in the next few days or weeks the Jarrow version will be available. Until then, I would use what works best for you. Not exactly a good answer, but it's the best I can do for now.

Of course, as a disclaimer, all of this is under the assumption and predication that the R-isomer is better for glycation control and/or glut-4 modification than the S-enantiomer or 1:1 racemic mixes). More on that later.

I will update with any additional information when I get it (including letting you know as soon as Jarrow has it available).

Again, pardon my errors of haste.

 

[akrama]

ALA results w/ Glucometer continues...

BackDoc:
No problem. I have talked to Jarrow this morning and they were nice enough to cancel my order. Yes. Please keep us updated with news concerning Jarrow and ALA in general. You still the man....

Jacob:
Many theories run through my head when I try to explain my glucometer readings and the ketosis. As you say, I also have thought that ALA pushes glucose from the blood. However, the body tries to maintain equilibrium by constantly having to borrow glucose from the liver which depletes the liver and causes ketosis. I also have concluded that things happen really fast when there is no fat intake that my glucometer readings vary with a very wide band from one time to another shortly after. Once more and as suggested by backdoc, my experiments need to be more controled to be conclusive.

riskybizz007:
Interesting you say that... Would you please share with me what brand you found more effective than others. I have tried ALA from various sources; Beyond-A-Century, Kilosports, Healthy Origins, and Nutriteam. I could feel the kick from Beyond-A-Century. However, kilosports, I felt absolutly nothing. I haven't had Nutriteam long enough to assess.

One last thought:
Do you guys remember when Vanadyl Sulfate first came out and all the hype associated with its glucose disposal property? Where is Vanadyl now? I hope ALA is not just another one of these fad cases !!! Just a thought to throw in !!

big ak

 

[riskybizz007]

I personally like BAC's ALA better, I've tried others but they weren't as effective.

 

[pact]

great post guys!!! i'm taking the kilosports ala right now and it is the only one i've tried so i can't compare. i do seem to "feel it" but if we could have some comments on nutriteams ala that would be great!
thanks
pact

 

[fhg43]

I have found 2 types of Jarrows ALA @ Whole Foods. I used the less expensive version. There is a more expensive blend which is time released and I haven't tried this.

The Jarrows is great and I definitley noticed the glucose disposing properties. I frequently got hypoglycemic when I took it with a small meal or on an empty stomach. I got light headed and felt as though my blood sugar was low. Currently I am taking a generic ALA and it sucks-I never feel it is acting as a nutrient partitioning agent.

The available JArrows ALA is very good.

FHG

 

[akrama]

False Hypoglycemia....

fhg43:

Just because you're feeling light headed, it doesn't mean you're hypoglycemic. I'm sure you've been following this post as I have mentioned my results from my experiments with the glucometer readings.

I took readings before when I felt light headed and thought for sure I would be in ketosis, then my meter would read something like 88. That's far from ketosis or hypoglycemia.

I urge to measure your blood sugar if you can. It's really worth experimenting with a device but can be costly. Only then can you be sure if you're hypoglycemic, ketogenic or not.

Finally.. I am sure that some kinds of ALA are better than others. I am trying the kind by Nutriteam starting today. I am light headed as I am writing this as a matter of fact.

Akram