5 replies to this topic

[orbital]

Some supplement bottles I've seen have advised taking Rhodiola and R-Lipoic Acid on an empty stomach and others which advise to take them with food; is there a generally agreed best way / time of day to take these two supplements?

[Mixter]

R-ALA is rather acidic and can be very stomach upsetting. If you feel no
nausea or heartburn from R-ALA, the best absorption does seem to be
on a nearly empty stomach, best combined with ALCAR.

But in my experience, even when you feel OK taking stomach-irritating
supplements, in the long term you may gradually get problems (the most
common sensation is probably mild nausea due to stomach lining irritation).

It's VERY advisable to not risk stomach damage and take everything that is
not taken with food, with a LOT of water, as a protective buffer. And optionally
a little food, esp. healthy fatty acids are a good choice with almost anything.
Could be Omega 3's, or 'real' food like nuts / seeds.

[Brainbox]

It was my impression that taking R-ALA could be more beneficial when taken with food due to the time-released effect that would be induced that way?

[Mixter]

True, of course... or use 'delayed release' R-ALA mixed with medium chain triglycerides, which also has the advantage that it won't polymerize as fast.

I use Mitochondrial Energy Optimizer, i.e. RALA+ALCAR+Carnosine, and dosage information says it is best to take upon awakening on an empty stomach. So, I think it's more bioavailable that way... but you don't get timed release.

So yes, probably best to take it with SOME food -- or at least fatty acids, which should have a similar timed-release effect.

[ajnast4r]

rhodiola should be taken on an empty stomach, half hour or so before a meal.

imo, the ideal time to take rhodiola is first thing in the morning w/ a little caffeine (coffee, tea)

[orbital]

All the advice put forward makes sense; thanks!