This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

Friends,

A new member to the this great site. I am a 34 year old male living in San Francisco, CA, dx three years ago with rr ms. My doctor says I am stable with Rebif, notwithstanding the constant mild numbness and tingling in the legs, arms, and face.

I am interested in taking supplements as well, namely alpha liopic acid. People seem to speak highly of this supplement, although, I am concerned about it acting counter to the Rebif.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Hi Chicano and welcome to the site.

I have been on Avonex a little over a year and taking alpha lipoic acid for about 9 months at 1200 mg/day. I personally think it does wonders for the numbness, burning and tingling.

This site has some detailed scientific information about ALA, but doesn't address MS or the interferons.

I have no idea if it would act counter to the Rebif or the Avonex. I seriously doubt if there's information about this, but we could ask our neuros I guess.

Nice to hear you're doing well.

Sharon

I don't know for certain, but I don't think that Lipoic Acid will counter act the effects of Rebif. Lipoic Acid inhibits NF-kB which is a transcription factor responsible for producing several proinflammatory cell signaling proteins. By inhibiting NF-kB, supplementation with Lipoic Acid should result in less overall inflammation in the body.

Here are some links for further reading...

• Alpha lipoic acid inhibits human T-cell migration: implications for multiple sclerosis.
• Alpha lipoic acid inhibits T cell migration into the spinal cord and suppresses and treats experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.
• Reactive oxygen species are required for the phagocytosis of myelin by macrophages.

In addition, I've been on Avonex for about 4½ years and have been taking R-Lipoic Acid supplements for about a year. I have not discussed this with my neurologist yet, however my MS symptoms have been stable for at least 3 to 3½ years.

I should note here, as I have in other threads, that I take other supplements as well.

NHE

welcome to the site. As pointed out above, Alpha Lipoic Acid has been discussed in a few studies as potentially beneficial for MS.

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Disclaimer: Any information you find on this site should not be considered medical advice. All decisions should be made with the consent of your doctor, otherwise you are at your own risk.