ALA results w/ Glucometer... The Real Test

[akrama]

Can of you brainers explain this one....

I am really puzzled over this. I have been really interested in assessing if ALA is what people have been describing it to be. I am especially interested in the ketosis factor by ALA's ability to clear the glucose from blood as the claims seem to be.

Therefore, I have bought a glucometer in order to monitor how effective ALA is at clearing blood sugar to get into ketosis faster.

This morning upon waking, I have measured my blood sugar and it read 80... Cool !!!!

I took creatine made by MetRx that has ALA mixed in already. My total sugar intake is 31g of simple sugars.

25 mins. later, I had an egg white omlet with 1tbs of flax. This should have no impact on blood sugar.

About an hour later I measure my bood sugar, it read 57 exactly. I got all excited.....But....

Immediately, I have injested 600mg of ALA with a lot of water and NO carbs what so ever.

An hour later. I measured my blood sugar. My glucometer read 88 exactly. What?????

I am really really puzzled here. I thought for sure the 600mg of ALA will drive me down even further than 57. Instead my blood sugar rose to 88. ????????

Can someone explain this one PLEASE.....

Regards,
Akram

 

[SirWanksalot]

No I can't explain it....

What i can explain is if you want to undertake a study on ALA's effects on blood sugar then you need to set up some criteria and follow it to the letter, then repeat criteria without ALA for placebo comparison.

Try this test

daily intake

2500 Kcals divided into 4 meals over a 16 hour waking period

each meal should contain 75 grams of carbs (300 carbs total)

Take 1 gram of ALA 15 minutes before each meal (4 grams total)

Check blood upon wakening and 90 minutes after each meal

Repeat process without ALA making sure to keep all other parameters the same (carbs and blood tests)
-----------
Please report your fndings - this will go a long way in helping people ascertain correct ala dose versus carb intake.

 

[BackDoc]

Can of you brainers explain this one....

I am really puzzled over this. I have been really interested in assessing if ALA is what people have been describing it to be. I am especially interested in the ketosis factor by ALA's ability to clear the glucose from blood as the claims seem to be.

Therefore, I have bought a glucometer in order to monitor how effective ALA is at clearing blood sugar to get into ketosis faster.

This morning upon waking, I have measured my blood sugar and it read 80... Cool !!!!

I took creatine made by MetRx that has ALA mixed in already. My total sugar intake is 31g of simple sugars.

25 mins. later, I had an egg white omlet with 1tbs of flax. This should have no impact on blood sugar.

About an hour later I measure my bood sugar, it read 57 exactly. I got all excited.....But....

Immediately, I have injested 600mg of ALA with a lot of water and NO carbs what so ever.

An hour later. I measured my blood sugar. My glucometer read 88 exactly. What?????

I am really really puzzled here. I thought for sure the 600mg of ALA will drive me down even further than 57. Instead my blood sugar rose to 88. ????????

Can someone explain this one PLEASE.....

Regards,
Akram

A couple of things:

1)this could be a situation of physiological response to insulin resistance, and is one reason why I believe true hypoglycemia is self-diagnosed prematurely and perhaps inaccurately by some people who go by symptoms alone. However, there IS an impact on blood sugar when it comes to fatty food ingestion. When a meal is high in fat, and the fat survives to the bloodstream, this can create a situation in which blood sugar can seem higher than normal due to blunted insulin response, in which case the sugar levels may go higher than expected. As suggested, you will want to experiment with different meal ratios to see the true effect of ALA. However, I seldom advise people to take ALA without any carbs.

2) keep in mind that your blood sugar levels are not the same throughout the day, it fluctuates according to your normal circadian rhythm, just like it does for all of us. Keeping a journal and developing a baseline will help you determine when your levels are either at their highest or lowest. This way a higher than normal reading will not be so worrisome hopefully in the overall continuum.

3) your baseline should be measured at various times of the day on days when you are not using ALA. Once you get a few readings, then you can move ahead and compare the results.

4) if you still see no change then you might consider purchasing another brand of ALA. Yes, this will mean added expense, but for the best effect it may be necessary.

Good luck.

 

[Flash_75]

I know why. Theres 2 types of ALA. the naturally occurring and synthetic. The synthetic is a good anti-oxidant and the natural is a good glucose disposal agent. most companies use a blend that is less than optimal for glucose disposal.

Your ALA is mostly synthetic.

 

[akrama]

ALA results w/ Glucometer continues...

Thank you all for sharing your information. You all have brought up points that make perfect sense.

SirWanksalot:
You're right and I guess as BackDoc has said also, I have not taken any readings of my blood sugar without the ALA in order to compare fairly. I should do so in order to generate a credible test study. I just can't do so for the next couple of weeks as I am preparing for a show and I don't want to start changing things too much. Can someone out there try these tests on themselves and share the results? I will soon.

BackDoc:
You have pointed out a very interesting point which skipped my thoughts. You're right. I have known that fats will slow down inulin release. But. That still doesn't explain why my readings have shown 57 after I had taken the 1tbs of flax oil....??? There are different processes in the body that I can't explain with my limited biology knowledge. "I'm a computer tech. guy." Again. I will run the test without ALA soon and make sure the factors are the same in order to make a valid assessment. You seem to have a lot of knowledge in the medical field. Please keep on helping me. I need your input on things. Thank you...

Flash_75:
Natural vs. synthetic ALA are news to me !! Well.. Where can I get the best natural ALA with the glucose disposal properties? What kind of ALA do you currently take? Also. Would the dosage be the same 3 to 4 grams?

For all the cool bodybuilders out there:
Let's get some experiments going with some real equipment such as the glucometer. I have done ketostix and was reading a trace but now after my new glucometer experience, I am doubting the ketostix accuracy.

I have thought that maybe ALA depleates the liver from glycogen so quickly that it starts going into ketosis by producing glucagon regardless of what the blood sugar level is ..... Then things go back to normal as the liver borrows glycogen back from the blood until the next ALA dose.....Hmm.... What do you think BackDoc????? How does this process work in the body??

Again... Thank you for your help..

Akram

 

[pact]

bump for what brands are natural and which one's synthetic?
thanks
pact

 

[BackDoc]

Re: ALA results w/ Glucometer continues...

BackDoc:You have pointed out a very interesting point which skipped my thoughts. You're right. I have known that fats will slow down inulin release. But. That still doesn't explain why my readings have shown 57 after I had taken the 1tbs of flax oil....??? There are different processes in the body that I can't explain with my limited biology knowledge. "I'm a computer tech. guy." Again. I will run the test without ALA soon and make sure the factors are the same in order to make a valid assessment. You seem to have a lot of knowledge in the medical field. Please keep on helping me. I need your input on things. Thank you...

The insulin sensitivity blunting would create slightly higher blood sugar readings. Insulin secretion would not be blunted, response and cellular uptake would be. This is likely to be only a slight delay.

I have thought that maybe ALA depleates the liver from glycogen so quickly that it starts going into ketosis by producing glucagon regardless of what the blood sugar level is ..... Then things go back to normal as the liver borrows glycogen back from the blood until the next ALA dose.....Hmm.... What do you think BackDoc????? How does this process work in the body??

Very well could be the case. However, if this was the rule then there would be less chance of coma in cases of insulin overdose. I think glucagon response time is much less rapid than insulin, which in some cases can be so fast that when sugary foods are put in the mouth insulin is already releasing. Glucagon is a feedback issue and may depend on insulin factors as well, although not completely, and in that case it is 2nd order responsive.

Regarding the issue of synthetics vs. natural, I think a bigger issue, which I touched on in my first reply is a higher quality ALA. I prefer the R- enantiomer variety, as opposed to the S and racemic groups. The R- isomers are more expensive, no doubt. I have only been able to find 2 companies in the U.S. that sell ONLY the R- version. I know there are more, but I just haven't looked too closely.

There has been comparison of ALA to some anabolic compound. While I have very little knowledge about anabolics, and have zero experience with them, I can agree that a good ALA can make for some good muscle gains and fat loss somewhat similar to creatine or better. I have used a few dud brands myself. I can attest that a good R-enantiomer ALA takes some getting used to: an equal dose of R- to an equal dose of S- is far from the same thing... the R- will hit you like a ton of bricks...so start off with a low dose with this version!

 

[akrama]

ALA results w/ Glucometer continues...

BackDoc...

You're full of knowledge. I'm glad to have run into you.

Well. Can you explain why bodybuilders are reporting a "Trace" off their ketostix? My ketostix have shown "Trace" also even though I know now that my blood sugar is not below 50.

Would you say that this is true ketosis? I think it's just an illusion and some other mechanics are taking place in the body that's causing these results. Bodybuilders on ALA have been reporting these results all over the place but without looking under the hood to examine why or how.

I have also noticed that after a good lifting session, I take my creatine "31g of simple sugar" that has ALA in it. Immediately my readings are very low in the upper 50's.

I am begining to think that ALA acts very swiftly in a short period of time. That's why it yields low reading results as opposed to taking it with complex carbs that are slow absorbing. What do you think about my theory? If that's the case, a time released ALA would be far effective with complex carbs and straight powdered ALA is ideal for simple sugars. What's your input?

Also... What impact does ALA have on the carbohydrate "Glycerine?"... "the non impact carb." How does Glycerine get shuttled into the muscle without insulin anyway???? Sorry... I have too many questions and no one around me to answer.. I thought you may know this one...

Finally.. I would really appreciate it if you share with me the name of the companies that sells the R- enantiomer version of ALA. Plus, wouldn't the dose be far less than 3-4 grams a day? I don't mind the expense as long as I am getting effective results and not wasting my money with cheap ineffective stuff.

Once more.. Thank you for your time.

[email protected]

 

[Flash_75]

I'm currently out of ALA. I'm waiting for the good stuff to come out. You'll be able to find it in a few weeks. It'll be from the same place you get NYC and Yohimburn.

 

[BackDoc]

Re: ALA results w/ Glucometer continues...

Can you explain why bodybuilders are reporting a "Trace" off their ketostix? My ketostix have shown "Trace" also even though I know now that my blood sugar is not below 50. Would you say that this is true ketosis? I think it's just an illusion and some other mechanics are taking place in the body that's causing these results. Bodybuilders on ALA have been reporting these results all over the place but without looking under the hood to examine why or how.

It will depend on several factors, one of which is product type. With a cheap ALA I stay in "trace" no matter how long or how much I take. With R-enantiomer I stay in moderate or large. This may also have to do with dietary intake of carbs, genetics, etc. Regarding ketosis and results, I do not think that ketosis and insulin activity are either mutally exclusive or completely dependant upon each other. For this reason, I feel a person can be in ketosis, and also have sufficient blood glucose levels. Strange as that may sound, I cannot find a reason why this is not at least plausible for some people. Supporting this is the fact that there is IMHO literally no safe (over the counter) way to deplete muscle and liver glycogen within a few hours without serious additional effects. That lipoic acid creates a condition of ketosis supports that this is perhaps an isolated response with an independant mechanism.

The benefit of taking ALA and measuring urinary ketones as well as blood glucose readings is that there is no real way to inexpensively measure the effects of ALA at home. Glucose readings and ketostix suggest a positive effect that will support the need to take ALA. Neither of the two methods are without flaws. However, when you can take two separate methods and determine that a similar overall goal can be achieved with either of these two results then you are supporting the conclusion that the ALA is having a positive overall effect. The benefit is more financial than practical: taking something for a long time is a blind trust with an unseen goal to be expected. However if it does not happen then all you get is broke and angry. With ketostix and/or glucose measurements you can determine if it working well enough to support additional investment for ALA with less risk. While neither of these tests independantly verifies the ALA is absolutely working it does lend some support to the claim.

I have also noticed that after a good lifting session, I take my creatine "31g of simple sugar" that has ALA in it. Immediately my readings are very low in the upper 50's.

Your muscles are going to be carb depleted after a workout normally. Their need for replenishing carbs is strong enough to temporarily lower blood sugar without addition of ALA...although I prefer ALA post workout because there is normally only so much glucose the muscle tissue can store before it elevates blood sugar. Taking ALA helps increase the amount of glucose entering into muscle cells. Even a small percent would be beneficial.

I am begining to think that ALA acts very swiftly in a short period of time. That's why it yields low reading results as opposed to taking it with complex carbs that are slow absorbing. What do you think about my theory? If that's the case, a time released ALA would be far effective with complex carbs and straight powdered ALA is ideal for simple sugars. What's your input?

I think it's a very good theory. Yes, a time-released ALA might be of some benefit for those not on low carb diets.

Also... What impact does ALA have on the carbohydrate "Glycerine?"... "the non impact carb." How does Glycerine get shuttled into the muscle without insulin anyway???? Sorry... I have too many questions and no one around me to answer.. I thought you may know this one...

Sorry, I can't really help with that as I don't know about ALA and glycerine taken together.

Finally.. I would really appreciate it if you share with me the name of the companies that sells the R- enantiomer version of ALA. Plus, wouldn't the dose be far less than 3-4 grams a day? I don't mind the expense as long as I am getting effective results and not wasting my money with cheap ineffective stuff.

Jarrow, Thorne and Pure Encapsulations. Jarrow is the only one of these companies that sells to non-physicians, although you can find the others on occasion through MLM. Jarrow makes fine products and I would search online to find the best price. Interestingly, Jarrow also makes a time-release ALA.

Yes, a lower dose is going to be the case with the R-enantiomer...especially in the beginning you will need to use a low dose.

Take care

 

[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

 

[BackDoc]

I found some nearly pure R-isomer ALA available to the public. It took me almost 3 hours on the internet to locate them, but here they are.

Global Vitamins: 1(800)996-8466

90 caps, 100 mg, R-isomer, $30

Not cheap, but the dose would be reduced anyway. I am also checking out whether adding grapefruit extract or piperine would increase absorption more cheaply than upping the dose. This way supply might last longer. I will be more interested when Jarrow comes out with their version.


As I said I have not used Jarrow's ALA, but I have used a great many products of theirs before and have always been very pleased with their quality.

 

[riskybizz007]

Bacdoc, you're not kidding. This stuff is pretty expensive. I checked out pure encapsulations, they have it cheaper there but you have to be in health care, luckily I am. I mention this b/c you had mentioned it before as one of the few places to sell the R-ALA. Just another thought or place to check out if you're in health care.

 

[BackDoc]

Yes, it is expensive...around 90 bucks a month in the 1 gram per day range. Jarrow's will be less expensive, I presume, and finding an online seller at just a little above wholesale will not be that difficult. If someone wanted the ALA that is referenced in the studies in terms of longevity and mental functioning increases or even insulin effects, the research seems to indicate the R variety, although there are no solid conclusions yet on whether

Regarding Pure Encapsulations, it is not pure...neither is the link to global above. I don't know if 100% pure R-isomer is affordable--probably a couple thousand dollars a kilo. What you want is a brand with a high percentage of the R. Global seems to appear to be in the 90's in terms of proprortion of the R- variety. I wouldn't be surprised if Pure Encaps is closer to 60%, like Jarrow, which accounts for increased price. Even still, that makes it far more effective than a brand with a lower percentage.

 

[riskybizz007]

I think i'll try Jarrow... the other option is too pricey. I'll see how it goes w/ Jarrow, I know their very reputable company w/ good quality products.

 

[MidwestJ]

american nutrition

Ordered from them yesterday....300mg caps 180 capsules for 34$

Will do more research and get my game plan down before I start using it. MY basic plan is to lower my carb intake and then take the capsules with meals. I'll let you all know how it works for me.

 

[akrama]

ALA from Nutriteam

Well.. I have put the ALA from Nutriteam to the test and found it to be more effective than the rest.

I have measured my blood sugar through out the day and every time the readings were substantially lower than with the other brands of ALA. I even experimented with taking it on an empty stomach upon waking up. readings went down from 100 to 88 with 300mg of ALA.

My girlfriend has also mentioned that she feels it more. i have measured her blood sugar after she's just had 3 slices of pizza with 600mg of ALA. Reading are 98 which is low considering all the carbs she's just eaten.

This leads me to believe that maybe their brand has a higher ratio of the R-isomer.

I would like to hear from someone about their results with the Jarrow brand.

akrama

 

[riskybizz007]

Something for you to consider... If you are NOT diabetic and have no problems w/ insulin, it should NEVER read over 130 even after eating cake and ice cream. If you're going over 130 you may want to get checked out.

 

[akrama]

R-ALA from Anabolic Fitness

Guys,

Did you hear? The word is that Anabolicfitness is coming up with R type ALA. It's going for sale June 7th. Are you going to buy from them? I have bought Yohimburn from them before and was impressed with the product overall. I just didn't like their monopoly with pricing. I predict the R-ALA would be very expensive !!!

BackDoc?? Riskybizz??? Jarrow or AnabolicFitness???

Just curious....

 

[BackDoc]

Yes, I bet it will be expensive if it is high grade product. I am going to defer to TheMachine on this one and concur that for weight loss purposes a good quality racemic variety should do a good job with a person on low carb diet. When market saturation occurs and prices fall, then maybe we can all afford to try out the R-isomer. Maybe until that time the R-isomer should be reserved for the life extensionists. However, I do stand behind some of the higher quality brands for better efficacy. By however means, it appears from my perspective that product quality is directly proportional in this case to effectiveness. You probably have to pay for quality. That's the downside.

 

[akrama]

Hey BackDoc,

It's been a while.... I've just been wondering about your honest opinion of the r-ala sold by AF Store.

Do you think it's worth the try for the money? or shall I get the Jarow 1:1 ratio?

Just curious..... I respect your opinion on things.

akram

 

[BackDoc]

Akrama, I haven't really seen the AF version nor have I used it or spoken with anyone who has. I don't know for sure about the R-ALA for weight loss purposes, although I believe what Macrophage69alpha states about it's being more useful.

For the purposes of measuring ALA by way of ketosticks, my feeling is that a large dose of R-ALA is going to be required. I don't think even 700 mg per meal of R-ALA is going to even register on the ketostix...but I could easily be wrong. As for the glucometer results, I would probably say that the R enantiomer will be more effective.

You will probably physically feel the Jarrow time release racemic ALA working much more than the R...even in equivalent doses. Time will tell about the R whether it has a much better affect on fat loss than the racemate. I would think that you won't really go wrong either way with your two choices.

Me personally, I like the Jarrow brand, but probably for no other reason than most people seem to be quite pleased with the results. If the time-released effect truly does work by extending the viable period of effect in the body I would think this would be perhaps slightly more beneficial for both glucose modification and blood sugar stability. I wonder about the muscle partitioning effect of a time-release given the concern about dose necessity and total carb shuttling effect. However, my bet would be that for muscle building effects to go with an ALA that is not time-released.

Does that help?

 

[akrama]

ALA and Pregnancy...

BackDoc,

Yes ... Your answer is helpful.. However, I couldn't resist but order the r-ala from AF just to try and see. However, I do have another matter to ask your opinion..

My girlfriend and I have been taking ALA "3000mg" daily and been experiencing wonderful results. However, we have just found out some wonderful personal news. Stacey has been pregnant for 7 weeks now. She immediately quit taking all supplements including the ALA...

We are seeking some advice as far as taking ALA while pregnant. Any valuable information is truly appreciated...

Regards

 

[BackDoc]

Congratulations!!!

Yes, you are right. I would think she should not take anything unless it is recommended by her doctor.

 

[macrophage69alpha]

r-ala is 99+% pure d-thioctic

 

[akrama]

macrophage

"r-ala is 99+% pure d-thioctic"

what does d-thioctic mean????

 

[Lumberg]

He means that it is 99+% the R-enantiomer. In other words, it'd good shit.

I think the variation in quality has to do with age and storage. The r enantiomer degrades very quickly. Thus batches that are old and/or have been sotred in high heat will not be as effective.

It kind of like beer. It's really difficult to know if it is skunked until you try it.

Apparently the AF stuff is run in small batches and not kept in storage for long. macro can elaborate.

JC

 

[akrama]

I don't know.... All I know is that I have been taking r-ala from AF for a while now and been measuring my blood sugar with a glucometer and no special difference from any other mixed ALA is observed.

I have just put in an order for ala by beyond a century. This stuff I could feel when it hits plus it's inexpensive.

akrama

 

[michaelt]

ive only tried the ala by BAC and i can tell this stuff works pretty well for the money, its the only version ive ever tried, but it definatly lowers my blood sugar, makes my head feel dizzy if i dont eat anything, and gives me nice pumps in the gym.

 

[akrama]

I agree with michaelt.... This is the only ALA that really turned my ketostix into trace and showed tangible reading results on my glucometer.

I will not say anything bad about the r-ala from AF store but I will not buy it any more.... That's all I have to say about that !!!! hmmm...

Even thought the bottle looks like someone has put it together in his garage, ALA from Beyond a century ROCKS.....as far as I'm concerned.

regards

 

[BackDoc]

To be honest, I'm glad I deferred to The Machine's inclination that a good racemate is just as effective for weight loss. My conclusion is probably the same as it was some time earlier that it will take a much higher dose than previously expected to elicit a ketosis effect. However, from what I have read it appears that a lower dose of R-ALA carries with it a greater chance for glut4 modification and reduced glycation. It will be interesting to see what others think of this in future posts. Unfortunately, I don't use it in high doses because I can't handle the lethargy, but I do use it to keep me from having blood sugar highs. So my knowledge is primarily limited to the insight of others. I have also found that the R-ALA seems to allow me to sleep better at night without feeling so groggy the next morning like the racemate does.

I was under the impression early on that Jarrow's time released ALA was r-enantiomer, but I was wrong. Unfortunately the whole r-ALA thing has been blown way out of proportion in my opinion. I suspected that some others were taking precious too little for the effects to be seen, but shame on me for not speaking up. I took that safe road and didn't post my thoughts.

I guess, sadly, I will hang my head and go back to the drawing board wishing that the R-ALA had tested much better with blood sugar than it did. I'm just happy at this point that the racemic mix seems to do just as good a job. At least it will save people money.