Alpha-lipoic acid, or ALA, is a powerful metabolic antioxidant that offers a natural means of treating and preventing a broad range of ailments.
Earth Clinic readers have reported ALA as an effective and inexpensive supplement for weight loss, inflammation, diabetes, neuropathy, and liver health.
Even though it has become an increasingly popular supplement over the past 20 years, researchers have been studying ALA as far back as the 1930s!
This article reviews Alpha-lipoic Acid, its benefits, widespread uses, recommended dosages, and side effects to watch out for.
History
Alpha-lipoic acid was first discovered in 1937 when researchers at the University of Wisconsin found that a type of bacteria relied on potato juice to reproduce. (1)
This led to alpha-lipoic acid being known as the potato growth factor after its discovery.
It was later isolated in 1951 (2), but the first clinical use of ALA was not recorded until 1959 in Germany to treat poisoning from a particular type of mushroom. This was when it became known as a "universal antioxidant."
Researchers soon determined that ALA could help "recycle" Vitamins C and E, other essential antioxidants.
Antioxidants are generally depleted as they do their work. Evidence suggests that ALA has the unique quality of being able to regenerate other antioxidants.
This enables them to continue their vital metabolic function, preventing the damage caused by the over-production of free radicals linked to premature aging, heart disease, and inflammation.
ALA and Cell Damage
Studies show that Alpha-lipoic Acid can prevent cell damage from oxygen deprivation in the following conditions:
1. Ischemia (restricted or reduced blood flow in a part of the body, especially the heart muscles) (3)
2. Diabetes (4)
3. Diabetic neuropathy (5)
4. Atherosclerosis (buildup of plaque or fatty deposits on artery walls) [6]
5. Neurodegeneration (progressive atrophy and loss of function of neurons) [7]
6. High Blood Pressure (8)
ALA for Tumors and Cancer Cells
ALA also shows pro-oxidant activity in tumor cells, damaging them in this study.
In other studies, ALA reduced cancer cell proliferation and increased levels of cell death, called apoptosis, in the cells (9, 10)
ALA for Weight Loss
One of the most popular uses of ALA is to help weight loss.
Studies show that ALA reduces the activity of the enzyme in your brain's hypothalamus that triggers hunger. This enzyme is called AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). When AMPK is active, hunger pangs increase. (11)
Multiple studies have shown that Alpha-lipoic acid treatment produced small but significant short-term weight loss compared with placebo. The scientists concluded that further research is needed to examine the effect of different doses and the long-term benefits of ALA on weight management. (12)
ALA Benefits - Reported by Earth Clinic Readers
For the past 15 years, Earth Clinic readers have reported that ALA supplementation has alleviated or eliminated painful neuropathy (pain, weakness, or numbness, usually in hands and feet). Their positive feedback is supported by practice in Europe, where ALA has long been a recognized treatment for neuropathy.
In addition to alleviating diabetic neuropathy, EC readers report that ALA brings down high blood sugar.
Readers have also written about ALA for many other conditions like liver disease, burning mouth syndrome, edema, and hepatitis C, to name a few.
The Unique Advantages of ALA
- ALA is a universal antioxidant that works both inside and outside the cells, giving increased protection from free radicals.
- It is water-soluble and fat-soluble, unlike many other antioxidants.
- It is beneficial in the treatment of many ailments.
- It helps diabetics control neuropathy and high blood sugar.
- It is currently being investigated for the treatment of strokes and dementia.
Online reviews indicate that ALA may help or prevent the following conditions:
- Parkinson's
- Alzheimer's
- High Cholesterol
- Macular Degeneration
- Cataracts
- Early Aging
- Wrinkled Skin
- Heart Disease
- Liver Problems
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Diabetes Type II
- Schizophrenia
Difference Between Natural and Synthetic ALA
Carefully do your research on brands before you buy a bottle of ALA. Many are a 50/50 mixture of natural and synthetic forms.
R-ALA = Natural ALA
S-ALA = Synthetic ALA
Because pure lipoic acid (R-ALA) was not commercially available for many years and is unstable without the addition of synthetic (S-ALA), much research until recently has been done using a mixture of R-ALA and S-ALA. This is known as a racemic mix.
Though R-ALA and S-ALA are considered mirror images of each other, evidence suggests that they function very differently in the body.
Previous users of pure R-ALA took an intravenous delivery of R-ALA. Nowadays, however, many ALA manufacturers claim that they have solved the problem of instability and produce capsules containing only pure, natural R-Lipoic Acid.
What is R-ALA?
R-Lipoic Acid is naturally found in plants and animals. It is located in every cell of our bodies, where it works to turn glucose into energy.
It is valuable because it helps the body fight infection while reducing free radical damage to organs and tissues.
Most antioxidants are either water-soluble (vitamin C) or fat-soluble (vitamin E), but R-ALA is both water and fat-soluble, able to work anywhere in the body.
What is S-ALA?
S-Lipoic Acid is a synthetic form not found in nature. S-ALA stabilizes natural R-ALA, but many believe that it lowers the effectiveness of R-ALA.
There are several different ways to take ALA.
- Intravenous (IV) ALA is available for high-dose treatments.
- A health practitioner may give injections of ALA.
- Capsules are widely available. Check if the capsules are R-ALA or a mixture of R-ALA and S-ALA.
ALA Dosages
Neuropathy
As this is not an officially recognized treatment in the US, there is no established dose. However, in Europe, 200-300 mg a day is recommended for diabetic neuropathy, although some people take a much higher dosage.
Antioxidant
When used as a general antioxidant, 20-50 mg. a day is recommended. It's reported that most people tolerate up to 600 mg. a day.
Capsules are available in varying doses. If pure R-ALA is wanted, check the label. If a label only says that the capsule contains "ALA," it will likely include a mixture of R-ALA and S-ALA.
Anti-Aging
Anti-aging practitioners often recommend 400 mg per day.
Diabetes or Liver Disease
Those with diabetes or liver disease may take 800-1,600 mg. daily, divided into doses taken 30 minutes before meals.
ALA is better absorbed on an empty stomach.
Pancreatic Cancer
Studies have documented longer than expected survival rates and improved symptoms after treatment by combining ALA and low-dose naltrexone. (11)
Skin Care
One study from 2015 found that topical ALA of 5% caused an almost complete reduction of fine lines around the eyes and upper lip in most participants with no adverse side effects found,
Foods That Contain ALA
Many foods contain ALA in small amounts, such as:
- Spinach
- Yams
- Broccoli
- Potatoes
- Tomatoes
- Brussels Sprouts
- Beets
- Carrots
- Yeast
- Rice Bran
- Red Meat (especially organ meat)
Supplements provide 1,000 times more alpha-lipoic acid than food sources, so definitely take a supplement if you want to get more ALA benefits (12).
Side Effects of ALA
People with diabetes should check with their doctor before taking ALA as it could react with insulin and cause blood sugar to become too low.
It is also recommended that anyone with liver or kidney disease, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), or a thyroid disorder should first check with their doctor.
The most severe reported side effect on Earth Clinic is that high doses of ALA could cause heart rhythm irregularities.
Where to Buy
ALA is a very inexpensive supplement. Here are some well-reviewed products on Amazon.
- $27.07
If you have been using ALA, please let us know the dosage you have been taking and how it has worked for you.
Continue reading below for comments from Earth Clinic readers. Please do a site-wide search on ALA if you want to read all the posts written about it over the past 20 years!
Related Links:
Hepatitis C Treatment and Cure
Integrative Cancer Remedies: Natural Healing Approaches
Natural Remedies and Support for Pets with Liver Disease
Natural Remedies for Burning Mouth Syndrome
Natural Remedies for Edema (Swelling in the Tissues)
Natural Remedies for Neuropathy: Holistic & Nutritional
Natural Remedies for Type II Diabetes: Diet, Supplements & Tips
