I have been playing with various dosages. My conclusion: ALA is not too good as exercise supp. It might be good as anti-ox.

Simply put, my exercise output is reduced. It seems that ALA is interfering with glucose/glycogen metabolism.

If you go back to the thread with davin8r's comments, it all makes sense (such as its pro-oxidant effects). No wonder you get better pumps. Your body is struggling against it. It also makes sense that you get hypoglycemic symptoms at high dosages.

I find it gives me a extra energy in the gym, and increased pump/vascularity when 300-600mg is taken ~15-30mins pre workout w/ plenty of carbs.



Yes, obviously if it is mimicing insulin, you will become hypoglycemic faster. This is 1 of the reasons you must take it with carbs.

it's making you slightly hypoglycemic most likely. Eat more carbs with it. Should fix the problem

If you are taking 3 TBS of flax oil a day isn't that enough ALA already?

Also, reports are starting to come out about high intakes of ALA causing prostate cancer. Is anyone worried about these reports?

they are talking alpha lipoic acid not alpha linolenic acid

Thanks, Layne.

I will try it again.

Ahso...

My bad. lol

Never heard of reduced exercise output. When are you taking it exactly? Maybe you're taking it on an empty stomach which can make you feel light-headed/low energy??????

It happens at higher dosages. > 2 g, pre-workout. I take it with juice. I must admit, there is greater pump and vascularity ... In that regard, it seems to be more potent than RLA.

Upon Layne recommendation, I have changed the regime to .5 g pre-workout and .5 post-workout.

This last 6-8 weeks or so I have taken it primarily for the anti-o properties. I have always used it post w/o (300mg) with a low carb shake (dieting) and again (300mg) after a low carb dinner.

I have had reduced excercise output, but have/had been in deficit of at least 700cals. I would be interested in what you discover with your new protocol.

Whoa there. 2g pre workout. That is A LOT!! Even if you were taking it with juice, that would cause some severe hypoglycemia. The most I have ever taken @ once is 600mg.

I'm a little surprised at this 2g-with-juice-before-workout idea. Of course you'll get light headed or a little hypoglycemic side effect or something. But.. now that you mention it, maybe this is actually a good idea for cardio days. Maybe taking ALA pre-cardio will help deplete glycogen stores and get you to a fat burning zone sooner. I'm not sure... just an idea.

Aside from the anti-oxidant properties, I take ALA for driving "food" into cells (I understand that's not exactly how it works). I take ALA with small or large meals, especially post-workout. (Side note: I've been using 600mg-1200mg at a time lately).

Theres talk about ALA activating AMPK in muscle...

Maybe that explains the hypoglycemic effect..

I wasn't contesting reports of a hypoglycemic-like side effect. I've experienced that too when I take enough ALA and maybe not enough food.

When I wrote I was "surprised," I meant I was surprised that someone would take ALA with some juice before weight training (and at a high dose like 2g). Sorry for any confusion.

ok ok I admit it -- it was a dumb idea to take 2 g.

I don't know why I keep pushing the dosage -- I must have subconcious death wish. The last time I overdosed on ECA + ALCAR, I thought my end was near.

As per taking ALA pre-workout, I think Layne (str8flexed) and Derek (Beast) do it as well. They take it both pre- and post-workout.

I think 2g is an OK dose if taken with food (although expensive). It's just high for a (virtually) empty stomach pre-workout.

I've also used it pre-workout sometimes, but with a carb drink at a smaller dose, like 250mg. I use the higher doses with meals, 1200mg. (Not an expert here, just sharing)

no no no no, remember it increases glucose uptake INTO the cell

But out of the blood-stream. Think HIIT on keto.