Federal government websites often end in. The Alphal-ipoic showed Alpha-li;oic Green tea extract and bone health oral administration of mg of lipoic Controlling blood sugar for three months prevented the deterioration of contrast Alhpa-lipoic in patients with diabetes and improved it Alphalipoic healthy patients compared to placebo An additional meta-analysis published in found that treatment with ALA significantly reduced body mass index and reduced weight by about 5 pounds as compared to a placebo. Atlantic diet may help prevent metabolic syndrome. There is very little evidence to support the use of ALA in this population. Find out how adding Oregano to your supplement regimen can support your health.

Alpha-lipoic acid benefits -

Yet, following oral ingestion, both enantiomers are rapidly metabolized and excreted. Plasma lipoic acid concentrations generally peak within one hour or less and decline rapidly 6, 7 , 11, In cells, lipoic acid is swiftly reduced to dihydrolipoic acid, and in vitro studies indicate that dihydrolipoic acid is then rapidly exported from cells 3.

Moreover, a pilot study in 19 healthy adults suggested that the bioavailability of R, S -lipoic acid and R -lipoic acid may vary with age and gender Finally, there is no evidence in humans that exogenous lipoic acid can be 'activated' with ATP or GTP and incorporated into lipoic acid-dependent enzymes by a lipoyl transferase As a consequence, a loss of lipoic acid-dependent enzymatic activity caused by defects in endogenous lipoic acid synthesis see Deficiency cannot be rescued by the provision of exogenous lipoic acid 5.

R -lipoic acid is an essential cofactor for several mitochondrial multi enzyme complexes that catalyze critical reactions related to the catabolism breakdown of amino acids and the production of energy R -lipoic acid is covalently bound to a specific lysine residue in at least one of the proteins in each multienzyme complex.

Such a non- protein cofactor is known as a "prosthetic group. R -lipoic acid functions as a prosthetic group for the biological activity of the following multienzyme complexes:.

i the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex that catalyzes the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl-coenzyme A CoA , an important substrate for energy production via the citric acid cycle ;. ii the α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex that catalyzes the conversion of α-ketoglutarate to succinyl CoA, another important intermediate of the citric acid cycle;.

iii the branched-chain α-ketoacid dehydrogenase complex that is involved in the decarboxylation of ketoacids in the catabolic pathway of the branched-chain amino acids, namely leucine, isoleucine, and valine;.

iv the 2-oxoadipate dehydrogenase complex that catalyzes the decarboxylation of 2-oxoadipate to glutaryl-CoA in the catabolic pathway of lysine, hydroxylysine, and tryptophan. All four α-ketoacid dehydrogenase complexes contain three enzymatic activities, namely E1, E2, and E3.

E1 is a thiamin pyrophosphate TPP -dependent α-ketoacid dehydrogenase, R -lipoic acid functions as a prosthetic group essential for E2 transacetylase activity, and E3 is a flavin adenine dinucleotide FAD -dependent dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase Figure 4.

R -lipoic acid is also found in the E3-binding protein protein X component of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex 5. When considering the biological activities of supplemental unbound lipoic acid, it is important to keep in mind the limited and transient nature of the increases in plasma and tissue lipoic acid see Metabolism and Bioavailability 3.

Scavenging reactive oxygen and nitrogen species : Reactive oxygen species ROS and reactive nitrogen species RNS are highly reactive compounds with the potential to damage DNA , proteins , and lipids in cell membranes.

Both lipoic acid and dihydrolipoic acid can directly scavenge neutralize physiologically relevant ROS and RNS in the test tube reviewed in 3. However, whether direct quenching reactions occur in vivo is unknown. The highest tissue concentrations of free lipoic acid likely to be achieved through oral supplementation are at least 10 times lower than those of other intracellular antioxidants , such as vitamin C and glutathione.

Moreover, free lipoic acid is rapidly eliminated from cells, so any increases in direct radical scavenging activity are unlikely to be sustained. Regeneration of other antioxidants : When an antioxidant scavenges a free radical , it becomes oxidized itself and is not able to scavenge additional ROS or RNS until it has been reduced.

In the test tube, dihydrolipoic acid is a potent reducing agent with the capacity to reduce the oxidized forms of several important antioxidants, including coenzyme Q 10 , vitamin C , and glutathione Figure 5 16, Dihydrolipoic acid may also reduce the oxidized form of α-tocopherol vitamin E directly or indirectly through regenerating oxidized vitamin C see the article on Vitamin E 18 or oxidized coenzyme Q 10 see the article on Coenzyme Q 10 Whether dihydrolipoic acid effectively regenerates antioxidants under physiological conditions is unclear 3.

Metal chelation : Redox -active metal ions , such as free iron and copper , can induce oxidative damage by catalyzing reactions that generate highly reactive free radicals Compounds that chelate free metal ions in a way that prevents them from generating free radicals offer promise in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and other chronic diseases in which metal-induced oxidative damage may play a pathogenic role Both lipoic acid and dihydrolipoic acid have been found to inhibit copper- and iron-mediated oxidative damage in the test tube 22, 23 and to inhibit excess iron and copper accumulation in animal models 24, Lipoic acid may also be helpful as an adjunct treatment against heavy metal toxicity.

No clinical trial has examined the use of lipoic acid as a chelating agent in mercury toxicity, yet it has proven to be effective in several mammalian species 26, Activation of antioxidant signaling pathways: Glutathione is an important intracellular antioxidant that also plays a role in the detoxification and elimination of potential carcinogens and toxins.

Reductions in glutathione synthesis and tissue glutathione concentrations in aged animals compared to younger ones are suggestive of a potentially lower ability to respond to oxidative stress or toxin exposure Lipoic acid has been found to increase glutathione concentrations in cultured cells and in the tissues of aged animals fed lipoic acid 29, Lipoic acid might be able to increase glutathione synthesis in aged rats by up-regulating the expression of γ-glutamylcysteine ligase γ-GCL , the rate-limiting enzyme in glutathione synthesis 31 , and by increasing cellular uptake of cysteine, an amino acid required for glutathione synthesis Lipoic acid was found to upregulate the expression of γ-GCL and other antioxidant enzymes via the activation of the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 Nrf2 -dependent pathway 31 , Briefly, Nrf2 is a transcription factor that is bound to the protein Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 Keap1 in the cytosol.

Keap1 responds to oxidative stress signals by freeing Nrf2. Upon release, Nrf2 translocates to the nucleus where it can bind to the antioxidant response element ARE located in the promoter region of genes coding for antioxidant enzymes and scavengers.

Lipoic acid — but not dihydrolipoic acid — can react with specific sulfhydryl residues of Keap1, causing the release of Nrf2 For example, the upregulation of the Nrf2 pathway by lipoic acid in cultured hepatocytes and in the liver of obese or diabetic rats prevented lipid overload-induced steatosis 35 and cell death Lipoic acid also protected liver from oxidative stress-induced liver injury in methotrexate-treated rats through the activation of Nrf-2 pathway and other anti-inflammatory pathways Pre-treatment and post-treatment with lipoic acid, respectively, prevented and reversed lipopolysaccharide LPS -induced lung histopathological alterations in rats through Nrf2-mediated HO-1 upregulation Inhibition of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate NADPH oxidase NOX : NOX is a plasma membrane-bound enzymatic complex that catalyzes the production of superoxide from oxygen and NADPH and has been involved in innate immune defense against microbes Treatment of gastric cancer cells with lipoic acid limited NOX-generated ROS production and reduced cancer cell proliferation induced by Helicobacter pylori H.

pylori infection The binding of insulin to the insulin receptor stimulates a cascade of protein phosphorylations leading to the translocation of glucose transporters GLUT4 to the cell membrane and an increased cellular uptake of glucose 3 , Lipoic acid has been found to activate the insulin signaling cascade in cultured cells 3 , 42, 43 , increase GLUT4 translocation to cell membranes, and increase glucose uptake in cultured adipose and muscle cells 44, A computer modeling study suggested that lipoic acid might bind to the intracellular tyrosine kinase domain of the insulin receptor and stabilize the active form of the enzyme In addition to Nrf2 and insulin signaling pathways, lipoic acid was found to target other cell-signaling molecules thereby affecting a variety of cellular processes, including metabolism , stress responses, proliferation , and survival.

For example, in cultured endothelial cells, lipoic acid was found to inhibit IKK-β, an enzyme that promotes the translocation of redox -sensitive and pro-inflammatory transcription factor , nuclear factor-kappa B NFκB from the cytosol to the nucleus Additionally, lipoic acid increased mitochondrial biogenesis through triggering AMP -activated protein kinase AMPK -induced transcription factor PGC-1α activation in skeletal muscle of aged mice Several reviews of the literature have described pathways that are potential targets of lipoic acid in various models and under different experimental conditions Lipoic acid deficiency has been described in rare cases of inherited mutations in the lipoic acid biosynthetic pathway.

Mutations identified in patients with defective lipoic acid metabolism affect genes involved in the synthesis of iron-sulfur clusters and genes coding for lipoic acid synthetase LIAS , lipoyl transferase 1 LIPT1 , and dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase E3 component of α-ketoacid dehydrogenase complexes; DLD 5 , 53, Chronically elevated blood glucose concentration is the hallmark of diabetes mellitus.

Type 1 diabetes is caused by the autoimmune destruction of the insulin -producing β-cells of the pancreas , leading to an insufficient production of insulin. Exogenous insulin is required to maintain a normal blood glucose concentration i. In contrast, impaired tissue glucose uptake in response to insulin a phenomenon called insulin resistance plays a key role in the development of type 2 diabetes Although patients with type 2 diabetes may eventually require insulin, interventions that enhance insulin sensitivity may be used to maintain normal blood glucose concentrations.

The term 'prediabetes' is sometimes used to describe early metabolic abnormalities that place individuals at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Of note, these patients are also at high risk for cardiovascular disease. The effect of high-dose lipoic acid on glucose utilization has been primarily examined in individuals with type 2 diabetes. An early clinical trial in 13 patients with type 2 diabetes found that a single intravenous infusion of 1, mg of lipoic acid improved insulin -stimulated glucose disposal i.

A systematic review and meta-analysis identified 20 randomized controlled trials published between and that examined the effect of supplemental lipoic acid on markers of glucose utilization in 1, subjects with metabolic disorders not limited to type 2 diabetes The inner lining of blood vessels, known as the vascular endothelium , plays an important role in the maintenance of cardiovascular health.

In particular, nitric oxide NO regulates vascular tone and blood flow by promoting the relaxation of all types of blood vessels, including arteries — a phenomenon called vasodilation.

Alterations in NO-mediated endothelium-dependent vasodilation results in widespread vasoconstriction and coagulation abnormalities and is considered to be an early step in the development of atherosclerosis.

The presence of chronic hyperglycemia , insulin resistance , oxidative stress , and pro-inflammatory mechanisms contribute to endothelial dysfunction in patients with diabetes mellitus The measurement of brachial flow-mediated dilation FMD is often used as a surrogate marker of endothelial function.

Two techniques are being used to measure endothelium-dependent vasodilation. One technique measures the forearm blood flow by venous occlusion plethysmography during infusion of acetylcholine.

Using this invasive technique, intra-arterial infusion of lipoic acid was found to improve endothelium-dependent vasodilation in 39 subjects with type 2 diabetes but not in 11 healthy controls A more recent randomized , double-blind , placebo -controlled study in 30 patients with type 2 diabetes found that intravenous infusion of mg of lipoic acid improved the response to the endothelium-dependent vasodilator acetylcholine but not to the endothelium-independent vasodilator, glycerol trinitrate Another noninvasive technique using ultrasound to measure flow-mediated vasodilation was used in two additional studies conducted by Xiang et al.

The results of these randomized, placebo-controlled studies showed that intravenous lipoic acid could improve endothelial function in patients with impaired fasting glucose 64 or impaired glucose tolerance Peripheral neuropathy is also a leading cause of lower limb amputation in diabetic patients Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain chronic hyperglycemia -induced nerve damage, such as intracellular accumulation of sorbitol, glycation reactions, and oxidative and nitrosative stress reviewed in The results of several large randomized controlled trials indicated that maintaining blood glucose at near normal concentrations was the most important step in limiting the risk of diabetic neuropathy and lower extremity amputation However, evidence of the efficacy of enhanced control of glycemia in preventing neuropathy is stronger in patients with type 1 diabetes than in those with type 2 diabetes Moreover, this glucose control intervention increased the risk of hypoglycemic episodes The efficacy of lipoic acid, administered either intravenously or orally, in the management of neuropathic symptoms has been examined in patients with diabetes.

Regarding the efficacy of oral lipoic acid supplementation, an initial short-term study in 24 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus found that the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy improved in those who took mg of lipoic acid three times a day for three weeks compared to those who took a placebo Evidence of improvements in sensory and motor deficits — assessed by physicians — could be observed after three weeks of intravenous lipoic acid therapy, yet not at the end of six months of oral lipoic acid therapy.

Yet, measures of specific neuropathic impairments secondary outcomes improved with lipoic acid supplementation A post-hoc analysis suggested that oral lipoic acid supplementation may reduce neuropathic symptoms particularly in subjects with a high burden of cardiovascular disease , diabetes, and neuropathy yet with normal body mass index BMI and blood pressure CAN is characterized by damage to the nerve fibers that innervate the heart and blood vessels, leading to reduced heart rate variability variability in the time interval between heartbeats and increased risk of mortality Summary: Overall, the available research suggests that treatment with intravenous or oral lipoic acid may help reduce symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

The use of lipoic acid is currently approved for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy in Germany 4. It is important to note that many of the studies that examined the efficacy of lipoic acid in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy have been primarily conducted by one German research group and funded by the manufacturer of lipoic acid in Germany Chronic hyperglycemia can damage blood vessels in the retina and cause a potentially sight-threatening condition called diabetic retinopathy One placebo-controlled study examined the effect of lipoic acid on the visual capability of 80 participants of whom 12 had type 1 diabetes, 48 had type 2 diabetes, and 20 were diabetes-free.

The result showed that daily oral administration of mg of lipoic acid for three months prevented the deterioration of contrast sensitivity in patients with diabetes and improved it in healthy patients compared to placebo Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease of unknown etiology that is characterized by the progressive destruction of myelin and nerve fibers in the central nervous system , causing neurological symptoms in affected individuals There are four main types of multiple sclerosis defined according to the disease course: i clinically isolated syndrome, ii relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, iii secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, and iv primary progressive multiple sclerosis for more information, visit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society website Lipoic acid was found to effectively slow disease progression when administered either orally 87 , intraperitoneally 88 , or subcutaneously 89 to mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis EAE , a model of multiple sclerosis.

Only a few studies have examined lipoic acid supplementation in humans. In this study, higher serum concentrations of lipoic acid were associated with the lowest serum concentrations of MMP-9 — a marker of inflammation Another study suggested that an oral dose of 1, mg of lipoic acid in subjects with multiple sclerosis could help achieve serum lipoic acid concentrations similar to those found to be therapeutic in mice Supplemental lipoic acid also decreased the serum concentrations of some IFN-γ, ICAM-1, TGF-γ, IL-4 , but not all markers TNF-γ, IL-6, MMP-9 , cytokines and other inflammation In addition, lipoic acid supplementation did not reduce the severity of multiple sclerosis symptoms, as assessed by the Expanded Disability Status Scale EDSS scoring system 98, It is not known whether oral lipoic acid supplementation can slow cognitive decline related to aging or pathological conditions in humans.

However, the significance of these findings is difficult to assess without a control group for comparison. Interestingly, patients who took fish oil concentrate together with lipoic acid showed no worsening of global cognitive function as assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE] score system over 12 months as opposed to those who took either the fish oil concentrate alone or a placebo A meta-analysis of randomized , placebo -controlled trials found that lipoic acid supplementation in those with high body mass index BMI resulted in significant, yet modest, reductions in weight 9 studies and BMI 11 studies in the absence of caloric restriction except in one study There was no reduction in waist circumference with supplemental lipoic acid 5 studies Substantial weight and BMI reductions with lipoic acid supplementation in overweight or obese subjects were also reported in a prior meta-analysis R -lipoic acid is synthesized endogenously by humans see Metabolism and Bioavailability.

R -lipoic acid occurs naturally in food covalently bound to lysine in proteins lipoyllysine; see Figure 1.

Although lipoic acid is found in a wide variety of foods from plant and animal sources, quantitative information on the lipoic acid or lipoyllysine content of food is limited; published databases are lacking.

Somewhat lower amounts of lipoyllysine ~0. Unlike lipoic acid in foods, lipoic acid in supplements is not bound to protein. Moreover, the amounts of lipoic acid available in dietary supplements mg are likely as much as 1, times greater than the amounts that could be obtained from the diet.

In Germany, lipoic acid is approved for the treatment of diabetic neuropathies and is available by prescription Lipoic acid is available as a dietary supplement without a prescription in the US. Most lipoic acid supplements contain a racemic mixture of R -lipoic acid and S -lipoic acid sometimes noted d,l -lipoic acid.

Supplements that claim to contain only R -lipoic acid are usually more expensive, and information regarding their purity is not publicly available Since taking lipoic acid with a meal decreases its bioavailability , it is generally recommended that lipoic acid be taken 30 min prior to a meal see also Metabolism and Bioavailability 8.

R -lipoic acid is the isomer that is synthesized by plants and animals and functions as a cofactor for mitochondrial enzymes in its protein -bound form see Biological Activities. Direct comparisons of the bioavailability of the oral racemic mixture and R -lipoic acid supplements have not been published.

Both isomers were nonetheless rapidly metabolized and eliminated 6 , 8 , In rats, R -lipoic acid was more effective than S -lipoic acid in enhancing insulin -stimulated glucose transport and metabolism in skeletal muscle , and R -lipoic acid was more effective than R,S -lipoic acid and S -lipoic acid in preventing cataracts However, all of the published human studies have used R,S -lipoic acid racemic mixture.

It has been suggested that the presence of S -lipoic acid in the racemic mixture may limit the polymerization of R -lipoic acid and enhance its bioavailability At present, it remains unclear which supplemental form is best to use in clinical trials. In general, high-dose lipoic acid administration has been found to have few serious side effects.

Two mild anaphylactoid reactions and one severe anaphylactic reaction, including laryngospasm, were reported after intravenous lipoic acid administration The most frequently reported side effects of oral lipoic acid supplementation are allergic reactions affecting the skin, including rashes, hives, and itching.

Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and vertigo have also been reported, and one trial found that the incidence of nausea, vomiting, and vertigo was dose-dependent A retrospective observational study reported that daily oral supplementation with mg of lipoic acid racemic mixture during pregnancy and without interruption from a period spanning between week 10 and week 30 of gestation and until the end of week 37 was not associated with any adverse effect in mothers and their newborns In absence of further evidence, lipoic acid supplementation during pregnancy should only be considered under strict medical supervision.

The safety of lipoic acid supplements in lactating women has not been established and should thus be discouraged A case of intoxication was reported in a month old child The child was admitted to hospital with seizure , acidosis, and unconsciousness.

Symptomatic management and rapid elimination of lipoic acid led to a full recovery without sequelae within five days. The non-accidental ingestion of a very high dose of lipoic acid led to multi-organ failure and subsequent death of an adolescent girl In theory, because lipoic acid supplementation may improve insulin -mediated glucose utilization see Diabetes mellitus , there is a potential risk of hypoglycemia in diabetic patients using insulin or oral anti-diabetic agents Consequently, blood glucose concentrations should be monitored closely when lipoic acid supplementation is added to diabetes treatment regimens.

The chemical structure of biotin is similar to that of lipoic acid, and there is some evidence that high concentrations of lipoic acid can compete with biotin for transport across cell membranes , Originally written in by: Jane Higdon, Ph.

Linus Pauling Institute Oregon State University. Updated in July by: Jane Higdon, Ph. Updated in April by: Jane Higdon, Ph. Updated in January by: Victoria J. Drake, Ph.

Updated in October by: Barbara Delage, Ph. Reviewed in January by: Tory M. Hagen, Ph. Principal Investigator, Linus Pauling Institute Professor, Dept.

of Biochemistry and Biophysics Helen P. Rumbel Professor for Healthy Aging Research Oregon State University. Reed LJ. A trail of research from lipoic acid to alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase complexes. J Biol Chem. Carreau JP. Biosynthesis of lipoic acid via unsaturated fatty acids.

Methods Enzymol. Smith AR, Shenvi SV, Widlansky M, Suh JH, Hagen TM. Lipoic acid as a potential therapy for chronic diseases associated with oxidative stress. Curr Med Chem. Kramer K, Packer L. R-alpha-lipoic acid. In: Kramer K, Hoppe P, Packer L, eds. Nutraceuticals in Health and Disease Prevention.

New York: Marcel Dekker, Inc. Mayr JA, Feichtinger RG, Tort F, Ribes A, Sperl W. Lipoic acid biosynthesis defects. J Inherit Metab Dis. Hermann R, Niebch G, Borbe H, et al. Enantioselective pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of different racemic alpha-lipoic acid formulations in healthy volunteers.

Eur J Pharm Sci. This Mediterranean herb with spiky purple flowers, named after its milky white veins, has been treasured for its healing properties since the first century AD. Find out how adding Milk Thistle to your supplement regimen can support a healthy liver.

Oregano is no average herb. Find out how adding Oregano to your supplement regimen can support your health. Native to Southeast Asia, the brilliant yellow spice turmeric is a member of the ginger family. Arguably the best-known botanical today, the use of turmeric for both culinary and medicinal purposes dates back nearly 4, years.

Find our how adding turmeric to your supplement regimen can help support your overall health. Gamma-aminobutyric acid, also simply known as GABA, has been clinically shown to be effective in helping soothe a racing mind.

Find out how adding this natural form of the calming brain compound gamma-aminobutyric acid to your supplement regimen can help support your mental health.

Find out how adding this sustainably caught salmon oil to your supplement regimen can help support your overall health. Each capsule contains: Alpha-lipoic acid mg. Dibasic calcium phosphate dihydrate, gelatin capsule gelatin, purified water , microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium silicate, vegetable grade magnesium stearate lubricant , silica, stearic acid.

Recommended adult dose: 2 capsules daily or as directed by a health care practitioner. Consult a health care practitioner for use beyond 4 months.

Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have diabetes. Keep out of the reach of children. Contains no artificial colours, preservatives, or sweeteners; no dairy, starch, sugar, wheat, gluten, yeast, soy, corn, egg, fish, shellfish, salt, tree nuts, or GMOs.

At Natural Factors, we care. We care about the source and purity of our products. We care about being good stewards of the Earth. We care about the harmony future generations must have with the natural world in order to not just survive, but thrive.

We go to great lengths to nurture, cultivate, and source ingredients that support your health and well-being. We care about the quality, purity, and efficacy of our products.

Earning your trust means going above and beyond every day with every product. We care deeply for the future of our beautiful planet. It is our privilege to care for it, no matter the cost. Moreover, alpha-lipoic acid raises the levels of other antioxidants, such as glutathione , which help protect against skin damage and may reduce signs of aging 21 , Memory loss is a common concern among older adults.

However, only a handful of studies have investigated alpha-lipoic acid and memory loss-related disorders. More research is needed before alpha-lipoic acid can be recommended for treatment.

This condition is characterized by numbness or tingling in the hand caused by a pinched nerve Moreover, taking alpha-lipoic acid before and after surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome has been shown to improve recovery outcomes Studies have also discovered that alpha-lipoic acid may ease symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, which is nerve pain caused by uncontrolled diabetes 14 , Chronic inflammation is linked to several diseases, including cancer and diabetes.

In an analysis of 11 studies, alpha-lipoic acid significantly lowered levels of the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein CRP in adults with high levels of CRP In test-tube studies, alpha-lipoic acid has reduced markers of inflammation, including NF-kB, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, MMP-2, MMP-9, and IL-6 30 , 31 , 32 , Heart disease is responsible for one in four deaths in America Research from a combination of lab, animal, and human studies has shown that the antioxidant properties of alpha-lipoic acid may lower several heart disease risk factors.

First, antioxidant properties allow alpha-lipoic acid to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, which is linked to damage that can increase heart disease risk Alpha-lipoic acid has strong antioxidant properties, which may reduce inflammation and skin aging, promote healthy nerve function, lower heart disease risk factors, and slow the progression of memory loss disorders.

In some cases, people may experience mild symptoms like nausea , rashes, or itching. However, research shows that adults can take up to 2, mg without harmful side effects Furthermore, animal research has found that extremely high doses of alpha-lipoic acid may promote oxidation, alter liver enzymes, and place strain on liver and breast tissue 38 , To date, very few studies have looked at the safety of alpha-lipoic acid in children and pregnant women.

These populations should not take it unless advised to do so by their healthcare provider. If you have diabetes, consult your healthcare provider before taking alpha-lipoic acid, as it may interact with other medicines that help lower blood sugar levels.

Alpha-lipoic acid is generally safe with little to no side effects. In some instances, people may experience mild symptoms, such as nausea, rashes, or itching.

Good sources of alpha-lipoic acid include 3 :. Alpha-lipoic acid is also available as a supplement and can be found in many health stores and online. Supplements can contain up to 1, times more alpha-lipoic acid than foods 3. Though there is no set dosage, most evidence suggests that — mg is sufficient and safe.

Alternatively, you can follow the instructions on the back of the bottle. People with diabetic complications or cognitive disorders may require more alpha-lipoic acid.

Alpha-lipoic acid is naturally present in red meats, organ meats, and several plants. Alpha-lipoic acid is an organic compound with antioxidant properties.

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes. Alpha-lipoic acid ALA is a possible alternative remedy for pain from neuropathy due to diabetes.

Some experts have suggested that substances in milk can inactive antioxidants in foods and beverages. This article explores whether this is true or….

Coffee is incredibly high in antioxidants. Several studies have shown that people get more antioxidants from coffee than any other food group.

Alpha-lipoiic Alpha-lipoic acid benefits products Alpha-lipoic acid benefits think are useful for our benwfits. If you buy through links Alphq-lipoic this page, we may earn a small commission. Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Alpha-lipoic acid may provide health benefits, including supporting weight loss and lowering blood sugar levels. You can get it through food and supplements with minimal side effects.