Alpha Lipoic Acid
Product Forms
Dose Distribution
Top Brands
Claims on Labels
Common Co-Ingredients
Top-Rated Alpha Lipoic Acid Products
Evidence Summary
Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) is an antioxidant with robust research support, particularly for its role in managing diabetic complications. Evidence suggests it is highly effective for diabetic peripheral neuropathy and shows potential benefits for glucose control and metabolic health.
Evidence by Condition
Extensive systematic reviews and meta-analyses demonstrate its efficacy in reducing neuropathic pain and managing symptoms.
Meta-analyses indicate that ALA supplementation can positively influence glycemic control and lipid profiles.
Clinical trials suggest ALA may improve metabolic parameters and liver function when used in combination with other nutrients.
Evidence from multi-ingredient studies suggests potential for improved body composition and weight loss.
Research indicates that ALA supplementation fails to improve anaerobic or aerobic performance in trained athletes.
Effective Doses
300 mg to 600 mg (primarily studied for diabetic neuropathy)
Key Findings
- ALA is an effective treatment for diabetic peripheral neuropathy and neuropathic pain (PMID: 38205823, 37933068)
- Supplementation impacts glycemic control and lipid profiles in patients with metabolic diseases (PMID: 29990473)
- ALA, combined with myo-inositol and propolis, may improve liver function in patients with NAFLD (PMID: 36963888)
- ALA supplementation does not improve aerobic or anaerobic performance in trained cyclists (PMID: 40647331)
Limitations
Much of the high-quality evidence is concentrated on diabetic populations, and there is a lack of evidence regarding its efficacy for athletic performance or non-diabetic metabolic health.
Safety & Interactions
Research is ongoing regarding the impact of ALA supplementation on iron homeostasis (PMID: 40134249).
AI-generated summary from 21 peer-reviewed studies. Not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider.
Claims vs. Evidence
| Claim Type | % of Products | Evidence Required | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Other | 98% | Tier D (Unclassified) | ✅ Supported |
| Structure/Function | 87% | Tier C (DSHEA Structure/Function (no pre-approval)) | ✅ Supported |
| Nutrient | 16% | Tier D (Unknown) | ✅ Supported |
| Approved Health | 0% | Tier A (FDA Approved Health Claim (21 CFR 101.9)) | ⚠️ Unsupported |
Research by Topic
Research Evidence (21)
BACKGROUND: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a frequent complication in people living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. There is currently no effective treatment for DPN. Although alpha-lipoic acid (ALA, also known as thioctic acid) is widely us...
AIM: To investigate the efficacy of Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA, 300 mg), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD, 70 UI), Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA, 300 mg), vitamins B6 (1.5 mg), B1 (1.1 mg), B12 (2.5 mcg), E (7.5 mg), nicotinamide (9 mg), and minerals (Mg 30 mg, Zn...
**Sharifi-Zahabi et al., 2024** | Int J Vitam Nutr Res | Meta Analysis Sharifi-Zahabi Elham, Abdollahzad Hadi. Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplementation and Iron Homeostasis: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Clinic...
BACKGROUND: This systematic review explores the most current evidence regarding the mechanisms of neuropathic pain in patients with different types of diabetes and how this pain affects different functional and structural components of the neuroanato...
OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed to summarize the effect of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) supplementation on glycemic control and lipid profiles among patients with metabolic diseases....
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects and safety of 300-600 mg α-lipoic acid (ALA) given i.v. for diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). METHODS: We searched the databases of Medline, Embase, and Cochrane central register of Controlled Trials and Chinese...
BACKGROUND: Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) was used in the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) using different routes, doses and treatment durations. The aim of this work is to assess the efficacy of oral 600mg ALA twice daily over 6 months in...
BACKGROUND: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a chronic microvascular complication in diabetic mellitus patients due to chronic hyperglycemia, resulting in platelet hyperactivity and dyslipidemia. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a potent antioxidant...
OBJECTIVES: Current medications for diabetic neuropathy (DN) recommended by the American Diabetes Association and American Academy of Neurology do not address the pathologic process of denervation among patients with DN, because ancillary treatments,...
To investigate the effect of tanshinone IIA sulfonate sodium combined with α-Lipoic acid on fasting blood sugar (FPG), 2h postprandial blood glucose (2hPG), total cholesterol (TG), triacylglycerol (TC) and therapeutic effect in patients with diabetes...
AIM: To investigate the efficacy of Superoxide Dismutase, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Acetyl L-Carnitine, and Vitamin B12 (B12) in one tablet in Diabetic Neuropathy (DN). PATIENTS-METHODS: In this prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 85 patien...
This study investigated the effect of decaffeinated green tea extract (dGTE), with or without antioxidant nutrients, on fat oxidation, body composition and cardio-metabolic health measures in overweight individuals engaged in regular exercise. Twenty...
BACKGROUND: To compare the effects of α-lipoic acid (ALA), myo-inositol (MI) and propolis supplementation on metabolic parameters and liver function in obese patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) METHODS: Ninety-two obese patients w...
BACKGROUND: Despite the growing recognition of the obesity crisis, its rates continue to rise. The current first-line therapies, such as dietary changes, energy restriction, and physical activity, are typically met with poor adherence. Novel nutritio...
Background/Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of four weeks of combined Acetyl-l-Carnitine and alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) supplementation on anaerobic and aerobic performance and fatigue resistance in trained cyclists, hypothesizing im...
**Elhenawy et al., 2026** | J Diabetes Complications | Rct Elhenawy Yasmine Ibrahim, Thabet Rasha Adel, ... Fereig Yasmeen AbdelAziz. The role of oral alpha-lipoic acid as an adjuvant antioxidant therapy in diabetic nephropathy among children and ado...
**Mahdavi et al., 2019** | Int J Vitam Nutr Res | Rct Mahdavi Reza, Khabbazi Tannaz, Safa Javid. Alpha lipoic acid supplementation improved antioxidant enzyme activities in hemodialysis patients. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2019-Sep;89(3-4):161-167. doi:10...
**de et al., 2011** | Diabetes Res Clin Pract | Rct de Oliveira Andreia Madruga, Rondó Patrícia Helen Carvalho, ... Illison Vanessa Kristine. The effects of lipoic acid and α-tocopherol supplementation on the lipid profile and insulin sensitivity of ...
BACKGROUND: This study was a multicenter, parallel-group, double-blind, double-dummy, randomized, noninferiority trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of γ-linolenic acid (GLA) relative to α-lipoic acid (ALA) over a 12-week treatment period in ty...
**NCT ID**: NCT05485259 **Phase**: NA **Status**: COMPLETED **Enrollment**: 100 **Completion**: 2022-06-15
**NCT ID**: NCT01138774 **Phase**: NA **Status**: COMPLETED **Enrollment**: 103 **Completion**: 2012-12
Related Supplements
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Alpha-Lipoic Acid and what is it used for?
Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) is an antioxidant used to support various health functions. There is strong evidence for its use in managing diabetic peripheral neuropathy and moderate evidence for its benefits in glucose control and metabolic health.
Does Alpha-Lipoic Acid help with diabetic nerve pain?
Yes, there is strong evidence that ALA is effective at reducing neuropathic pain and managing symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The most commonly studied effective doses are between 300 mg and 600 mg.
Can Alpha-Lipoic Acid help with weight loss and metabolism?
There is moderate evidence suggesting that ALA may help improve body composition and weight loss, particularly when used in multi-ingredient formulas. It may also positively influence glucose and lipid profiles in patients with metabolic diseases.
Does Alpha-Lipoic Acid improve athletic performance?
There is currently weak evidence to support this. Research indicates that ALA supplementation fails to improve either aerobic or anaerobic performance in trained athletes.
Can Alpha-Lipoic Acid help with fatty liver disease?
There is moderate evidence that ALA may improve liver function and metabolic parameters in patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). This effect is often observed when ALA is used in combination with other nutrients like myo-inositol and propolis.
Is Alpha-Lipoic Acid safe to take and are there any side effects?
While no specific groups are explicitly listed to avoid it, research is ongoing regarding how ALA might impact iron homeostasis. You should consult a healthcare provider to discuss any concerns regarding iron levels.
Are there any known drug interactions with Alpha-Lipoic Acid?
There are currently no documented drug interactions for Alpha-Lipoic Acid. However, it is always best to consult with a doctor before starting a new supplement to ensure it is safe for your specific health needs.
Answers generated from research evidence. Not medical advice.