Alpha-lipoic acid is an organic compound in the body that acts as a potent antioxidant. It may have several health benefits.
While the body produces alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) naturally, a person can boost their levels by making suitable dietary choices, taking supplements, or both.
Supplementing with ALA is becoming increasingly popular, as some people believe that it may help with weight loss, diabetes, memory loss, skin health, and other health conditions.
In this article, learn about its effectiveness, possible benefits, and side effects.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid Capsules
Alpha-Lipoic Acid (1,2-dithiolane-3-pentanoic acid) is an antioxidant and involved in energy metabolism as a mitochondrial enzyme cofactor (1).
Alpha Lipoic Acid Benefits
- Supports scavenging of free-radicals
- Promotes antioxidant activity
- Supports healthy nerve cells
- May support healthy triglyceride levels
- May support a healthy blood pressure
Alpha Lipoic Acid Mode of Action
Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) is created in mitochondria, specifically in the mitochondria of the liver. It is synthesized from its precursor octanoic acid and acts a cofactor to mitochondrial enzymes alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase and pyruvate dehydrogenase. ALA also facilitates the production of acetyl-CoA through the oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvate (1).
ALA is water and fat soluble and as thiol antioxidant, it scavenges free radicals, recycles antioxidants, and chelates metal ions (2). ALA can reduce the oxidized antioxidant glutathione, meaning that it can help activate glutathione back to a reduced form in which it will be available to neutralize more free radicals (3). Along with glutathione, ALA can also reduce Vitamin C and Vitamin E from an oxidized state and mitigate protein damage due to oxidative stress (2).
ALA can be found in dietary sources such as meat (mostly organ tissue) and fruits and vegetables. Spinach, organ meat kidney, liver, and heart tissue, broccoli, and tomatoes are good sources of ALA (1). Other sources of ALA in foods are potatoes, carrots, yams, beets, and yeast (4).
Alpha Lipoic Acid Dosage
Pure Nootropics’ Alpha-Lipoic Acid capsules provide 250 mg per 1 capsule. Suggested use for adults is 1 capsule by mouth on an empty stomach, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.
Alpha Lipoic Acid Side Effects & Toxicity
ALA is generally well tolerated. ALA side effects may include nausea and vomiting, abdominal discomfort, a burning sensation in the esophagus, or bitter taste. Side effects are usually associated with higher doses (4).
Extremely high doses of ALA in thiamine-deficient animals have achieved lethality. Please consult your healthcare practitioner if you have Vitamin B1 deficiency or have a current or previous history of excessive alcohol consumption (4).
If you are taking any medications, please consult your healthcare practitioner before beginning supplementation with ALA.
If you are taking any Anticoagulant/antiplatelet medications, alkylating medications, anti-diabetes medications, chemotherapy medications, or thyroid medications, please consult your healthcare practitioner before beginning supplementation with ALA because these types of medications may interact adversely with ALA (4).
Doctor’s Best Alpha-Lipoic Acid, Non-GMO, Gluten Free
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a naturally occurring antioxidant, essential for the functioning of 5 enzymes involved in glucose and amino acid metabolism. ALA is both a coenzyme and a potent antioxidant. Mitochondria, our cells’ energy generators, use ALA for both protection and to generate cellular energy.
- DOCTOR’S BEST ALPHA-LIPOIC ACID (ALA) – plays an important role in the metabolism of glucose that produces cellular energy in the body. ALA is naturally occurring and functions as an antioxidant throughout the body that helps regenerate other antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E and glutathione. ALA helps support the body’s potential in buffering free radicals for overall well-being.
- SUPPORT YOUR BODY WITH ANTIOXIDANTS – ALA is a powerful antioxidant and supports the regeneration of antioxidants. Alpha lipoid acid also appears to function as a coenzyme in both antioxidant and metabolic functions. Potent antioxidant that is both a water-soluble and fat-soluble antioxidant.
- SUPPORTS THE BODY’S DEFENSE AGAINST FREE RADICALS – recycles antioxidants such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E that have the ability to quench a wide variety of free radicals. Also supports the functioning of other antioxidants that are present in tissues and cells.
- REE RADICALS FOR OVERALL WELL-BEING – free-radical fighting antioxidant ALA produces energy through ALA supplementation. Helps maintain healthy glucose metabolism, supports healthy aging, cognitive function & brain health, eye health and cardiovascular health
This product is labelled to United States standards and may differ from similar products sold elsewhere in its ingredients, labeling and allergen warnings
Alpha Lipoic Acid 600 mg, Modified cellulose (vegetarian capsule), microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium silicate, silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate (vegetable source).
Take 1 or 2 capsules daily, or as recommended by a nutritionally-informed physician. Take with or without food.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This products is not intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent any disease.
Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.
NOW Supplements, Alpha Lipoic Acid 600 mg with Grape Seed Extract & Bioperine
Size:120 Count (Pack of 1)
- CERTIFICATIONS/CLASSIFICATIONS: Kosher, Dairy Free, Egg Free, Made without Gluten, Nut Free, Soy Free, Vegan/Vegetarian
- GMP Quality Assured: NPA A-rated GMP certification means that every aspect of the NOW manufacturing process has been examined, including our laboratory/testing methods (for stability, potency, and product formulation).
- Packaged in the USA by a family owned and operated company since 1968Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is naturally produced in the human body in very small amounts, but is also available in some foods. ALA is unique in that it can function in both water and fat environments.* ALA promotes the production of glutathione and can also recycle vitamins C and E, thereby enhancing their antioxidant activities.* In addition, ALA may help to maintain healthy neural tissues, promote proper glucose metabolism and support healthy cardiovascular function.* This extra strength product has more alpha lipoic acid (600 mg per capsule) than our regular strength product (100 mg per capsule). Bioperine is a registered trademark of Sabinsa Corporation. Natural color variation may occur in this product. Take 1 capsule daily, preferably with a meal.
Do Not Eat Freshness Packet. Keep in Bottle. . This product is labelled to United States standards and may differ from similar products sold elsewhere in its ingredients, labeling and allergen warnings
Alpha Lipoic Acid, Grape Seed (Vitis vinifera), Standardized Extract (min. 90% Polyphenols), Bioperine®, Other Ingredients: Cellulose (capsule), Cellulose, Silica and Magnesium Stearate (vegetable source). Contains no sugar, salt, starch, yeast, wheat, gluten, corn, soy, milk, egg, shellfish or preservatives. Vegetarian/Vegan Product.
Made in the USA and Imported
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. **Always refer to the manufacturer’s label on the product for description, recommended dose and precautions.
Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.
The Health Benefits of Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Alpha-lipoic acid is a compound found naturally inside every cell of the human body. Its primary role is to convert blood sugar (glucose) into energy using oxygen, a process referred to as aerobic metabolism. Alpha-lipoic acid is also considered an antioxidant, meaning that it can neutralize harmful compounds called free radicals that damage cells at the genetic level.1
What makes alpha-lipoic acid so unique is that it is soluble in both water and fat. That means that it can deliver energy immediately or warehouse it for future use.
Alpha-lipoic acid can also recycle “used” antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin E, and a potent amino acid compound known as glutathione.1 Whenever these antioxidants neutralize a free radical, they destabilize and become free radicals themselves. Alpha-lipoic acid helps restore them by absorbing excess electrons and converting them to the back to their stable form.
Alpha-lipoic acid is sometimes taken as a supplement under the presumption it can improve certain metabolic functions, including fat burning, collagen production, and blood glucose control. There is growing evidence of at least some of these claims.
In addition to supplements, alpha-lipoic acid is synthesized in the body and found in many of the foods we eat, especially Brussels sprouts, spinach, broccoli, peas, brewer’s yeast, potato, yams, carrots, rice bran, and organ meats.
Much of the research involving alpha-lipoic acid has been centered on the prevention of diabetes and the management of diabetic nerve pain.
In addition, many alternative practitioners contend that alpha-lipoic acid can prevent or treat a multitude of health conditions, including alcoholic liver disease, HIV, Alzheimer’s disease, bipolar disorder, cardiac arrhythmia, high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis, premature labor, schizophrenia, and erectile dysfunction, among others. To date, there is little evidence to support these claims.
Here are some of the more promising findings related to alpha-lipoic acid use:
It has long been presumed that alpha-lipoic acid can aid in the control of glucose by increasing the speed in which the blood sugar is metabolized. This could potentially aid in the treatment of diabetes, a disease characterized by abnormally high blood glucose levels.
A 2018 systematic review and meta-analysis of 20 randomized controlled trials of people with metabolic disorders (some had type 2 diabetes, others had other metabolic disorders) found that lipoic acid supplementation lowered fasting blood glucose, insulin concentration, insulin resistance, and blood hemoglobin A1c levels.2
Some scientists believe that oral supplements will not provide the therapeutic effect needed to prevent or treat diabetes and have begun investigating whether an intravenous (IV) infusion might help.
A 2011 study from China provided a compelling proof-of-concept of the hypothesis: 12 obese adults with prediabetes experienced improvements in insulin resistance after two weeks of daily 600-mg alpha-lipoic acid infusions.3
While this approach would be impractical in clinical practice, it does hint at the potential benefit of alpha-lipoic acid in preventing the onset of type 2 diabetes. By contrast, there is no evidence that the supplement can prevent or treat type 1 diabetes, the form of the disease typically associated with an immune system malfunction.
Neuropathy is the medical term used to describe the pain, numbness, and abnormal sensations caused by nerve damage. Oftentimes, the damage is caused by the oxidative stress placed on the nerves by chronic diseases such as diabetes, Lyme disease, shingles, thyroid disease, kidney failure, and HIV.
It is believed by some that alpha-lipoic acid, given in large enough doses, can counter this stress by exerting potent antioxidant activity. There has been evidence of this effect in people with diabetic neuropathy, a potentially debilitating condition experienced in people with advanced diabetes.
A 2012 review of studies from the Netherlands concluded that a daily 600-mg intravenous dose of alpha-lipoic acid given over three weeks provided “significant and clinically relevant reduction in neuropathic pain.”4
As with the previous diabetes studies, oral alpha-lipoic acid supplements were generally less effective or had no effect at all.
Other studies have explored the effect alpha-lipoic acid might have in treating other forms of neuropathy. To date, there have been no suggestions of a benefit, either in dealing with infectious causes of neuropathy or neuropathy induces by medications (such as chemotherapy).
Currently, only Germany has approved the use of intravenous alpha-lipoic acid for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy.
Alpha-lipoic acid’s ability to enhance calorie burning and promote weight loss has been exaggerated by many diet gurus and supplements manufacturers. With that being said, there is growing evidence that alpha-lipoic acid can influence weight, albeit modestly.
A 2017 review of studies from the Yale University found that alpha-lipoic acid supplements, ranging in dose from 300 to 1,800 mg daily, helped prompt an average weight loss of 2.8 pounds compared to a placebo.5
There was no association between the alpha-lipoic supplement dose and the amount of weight loss. Moreover, the duration of treatment appears to influence a person’s body mass index (BMI), but not the person’s actual weight.
What this means is that, while it appears you can only lose so much weight with alpha-lipoic acid, your body composition may improve as fat is gradually replaced by lean muscle.
Alpha-lipoic acid has long been believed to influence weight and health by altering the lipid (fat) composition in the blood. This includes increasing “good” high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol while lowering “bad” low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides. Recent research suggests this may not be so.
In a 2011 study from Korea, 180 adults provided 1,200 to 1,800 mg of alpha-lipoic acid lost 21 percent more weight than the placebo group after 20 weeks but experienced no improvements in total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, or triglycerides.6
In fact, higher doses of alpha-lipoic acid conferred to increases in total cholesterol and LDL in the study participants.
Cosmetics manufacturers often like to boast that their products benefit from the “anti-aging” properties of alpha-lipoic acid. Research suggests that there may some credence to these claims. A review article notes that it is a powerful antioxidant and has been studied for its protective effects against radiation damage.7
Possible Side Effects
Alpha-lipoic acid is generally considered safe when taken as an oral supplement or used as a topical ointment. However, there is little research exploring the long-term safety of alpha-lipoic acid, including at what point the supplement may become toxic. There have, in fact, been several reports of seizures and vomiting in children who have taken doses of 2,400 mg or greater.8
Common side effects of alpha-lipoic acid may include a headache, skin rash, muscle cramp, or a tingling “pins and needles” sensation. The side effects tend to be mild and will typically resolve once treatment is stopped.
Alpha-lipoic acid can decrease blood sugar levels. If you are taking diabetes medications, inform your doctor so that the drug dose can be adjusted if needed.
Animal studies strongly suggest that alpha lipoic acid can alter thyroid hormone levels.9 As such, people taking thyroid medications such as levothyroxine should be monitored by their doctor if alpha lipoic acid is being used.
Due to the lack of safety research, alpha-lipoic acid should not be used in children, pregnant women, or nursing mothers.
Dosage and Preparation
While considered safe, there are no guidelines directing the appropriate use of alpha-lipoic acid. Most oral supplements are sold in formulations ranging from 100 to 600 mg. Based on the bulk of the current evidence, a maximum daily dose of up to 1,800 mg is presumed to be safe in adults.10
With that being said, everything from body weight and age to liver function and kidney function can impact what is safe for you as an individual. As a general rule of thumb, err on the side of caution and always opt for a lower dose.
Alpha lipoic acid supplements can be found online and in many health food stores and drugstores. For maximum absorption, the supplements should be taken on an empty stomach.
What to Look For
As a dietary supplement, alpha-lipoic acid is not subject to strict regulation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To ensure you are getting a quality supplement, opt for brands that have undergone voluntary testing by an independent certifying body like the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), ConsumerLab, and NSF International. By doing so, you can be better assured that the supplements contain the listed ingredients and are manufactured to the highest quality standards.
Can I get all of the alpha-lipoic acid I need from food?
Although almost all food contains some alpha-lipoic acid, the level tends to be small. The only exceptions are organ meats and certain leafy and root vegetables. As such, alpha-lipoic acid is not considered an essential nutrient because you don’t need it to obtain it from food.
Alpha-lipoic acid is instead synthesized endogenously (in the body) through a series of biochemical processes involving fatty acids, proteins, and an enzyme known as lipoic acid synthase. If you eat a nutritious diet, your body will have all the raw materials it needs to make alpha-lipoic acid.
How do I know if I have an alpha-lipoic acid deficiency?
An alpha-lipoic acid deficiency is practically unheard of. Rare genetic mutations have been described in medical literature in which the body is unable to produce lipoic acid synthase. It is estimated that fewer than one of every 1,000,000 people are affected.