Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA)

(Also known as thioctic acid)

ALA is a natural part of our metabolism and helps turn blood sugar into energy. ALA pills may help decrease insulin resistance and prevent diabetes.

ALA is also a unique and powerful antioxidant that works in all parts of the cell, both the fat-soluble and water-soluble. And it boosts the level of other antioxidants including vitamins C and E, coenzyme Q10 and glutathione.

Well done research has found that Lipoic acid pills may help prevent and treat diabetic nerve damage, the damage which can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the arms and legs and damage to the nerves that regulate internal organs like your heart and intestines.

Usual Doses:

• 20-50 mg/day as antioxidant

• 200-400 mg 3 times/day to treat diabetic nerve damage. Take on an empty stomach. Allow 1-2 months to see results.

Cautions? ALA is very safe and has few drug interactions. High doses may cause upset stomach, headache, rash.

• Low blood sugar may occur if taken with diabetes medicines so talk to your provider before taking lipoic acid and then keep a close eye on your blood sugar

• Should not be taken by cancer patients on chemotherapy drugs. ALA blocks the action of some chemotherapy drugs.

• Biotin (a B vitamin): While on high doses of ALA (>100mg) you may need a biotin supplement.

• Thiamin (vitamin B1): High doses of ALA can cause toxicity if you are low in thiamin. Alcoholics are at high risk for thiamin deficiency and should take a thiamin supplement if they go on high dose ALA.

• Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not known so don’t risk it.

Some Reputable Brands: (passed independent testing by consumerlab.com)

• Nature's Bounty® Alpha Lipoic Acid 100 mg

• Nature's Life® Alpha Lipoic Acid 200 mg

• Puritan's Pride® Alpha Lipoic Acid 300 mg

• Spring Valley Alpha Lipoic Acid 100 mg

• Sundown Alpha Lipoic Acid 50 mg

• The Vitamin Shoppe® Antioxidants, Alpha-Lipoic Acid 300 mg

• Twinlab® Alpha Lipoic Acid Dietary Supplement 100 mg

• Vitamin World® Naturally Inspired™ Alpha Lipoic Acid 100, 200, or 300mg size

• Source Naturals® alpha Lipoic Acid 300 mg

-Sara Lee Thomas, RD, rev. 10/2007

Minor editorial revisions by J. Thomas, 2016