| Type | Organosulfur Compound |
| Active Cmpd | R-Alpha-Lipoic Acid |
| Source | Endogenous, Organ Meats, Spinach |
| Dose Range | 300–600 mg/day |
| Half-life | ~30 minutes |
| Main Benefit | Neuropathy, Glycemic Control |
| Absorption | Variable (Food reduces by ~30%) |
Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) is a naturally occurring, organosulfur mitochondrial coenzyme that plays a fundamental role in glucose metabolism and cellular antioxidant defense. Boasting an extensive body of high-quality human evidence, ALA is widely utilized in clinical neurology and metabolic medicine to mitigate diabetic peripheral neuropathy and improve insulin sensitivity.
Aliases
Key points (high-level summary)
What people use it for
Alpha-Lipoic Acid is a fatty acid derivative that contains two sulfur atoms, allowing it to undergo rapid redox cycling. While the human body synthesizes small amounts endogenously, these levels are sufficient only for its role as a metabolic cofactor, not for systemic antioxidant or therapeutic effects, necessitating exogenous supplementation.
ALA offers a diverse range of benefits, with its clinical utility centered on neuroprotection and metabolic regulation.
| Outcome / Goal | Effect | Consistency | Evidence quality | Trials | Notes (population, duration, dose) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neuropathic Symptoms | High | High | 15+ RCTs | 600 mg/day significantly reduces pain/burning in DPN[2:2][9:1] | |
| Fasting Blood Glucose | High | High | 20+ RCTs | Significant reductions across T2DM and metabolic syndrome[3:2][10:1] | |
| HbA1c Levels | High | Moderate | 12 RCTs | 300–600 mg/day for 8–12 weeks improves long-term glycemia[19][4:1] | |
| Body Weight | Moderate | Moderate | 10 RCTs | Modest but statistically significant loss (~1.27 kg)[11:1][12:1] | |
| C-Reactive Protein (CRP) | High | High | 11 RCTs | Potent systemic anti-inflammatory effect at 600 mg/day[17:1][20] | |
| Endothelial Function (FMD) | Moderate | Moderate | 6 RCTs | Improves vascular reactivity and nitric oxide bioactivity[16:1] | |
| Liver Enzymes (ALT/AST) | Moderate | Moderate | 5 RCTs | Reduces hepatic inflammation and fat in NAFLD patients[13:1][14:1] | |
| Sperm Concentration | Moderate | Moderate | 4 RCTs | Improves male fertility parameters via oxidative stress reduction[21][22] | |
| PCOS Symptoms | Moderate | Low | 3 RCTs | Improves hyperandrogenism and insulin sensitivity in PCOS[23] |
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ALA acts as a "metabolic switch" that optimizes energy production while providing a multi-layered antioxidant defense.
ALA is a potent insulin sensitizer. It enhances glucose disposal by activating the insulin receptor signaling pathway and stimulating GLUT4 translocation. In meta-analyses, it has been shown to reduce fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, and triglycerides, while increasing HDL-cholesterol in patients with metabolic syndrome.[3:3][4:2][26]
ALA is the only supplement with "High" certainty evidence for treating diabetic peripheral neuropathy. It improves nerve microcirculation, increases nerve conduction velocity, and reduces oxidative stress within the vasa nervorum.[1:1][2:6] Beyond diabetes, emerging evidence suggests ALA may slow brain atrophy in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis and provide neuroprotection following traumatic brain injury.[27][25:1]
By improving endothelial function and reducing systemic inflammation (CRP), ALA supports vascular health. It has been shown to modestly lower blood pressure and improve arterial stiffness in overweight adults.[15:1][16:2]
In patients with NAFLD, ALA supplementation reduces liver fat and inflammation.[13:2] It also exhibits nephroprotective effects in diabetic patients, reducing albuminuria and slowing the progression of diabetic nephropathy when combined with standard care (e.g., valsartan).[28][29]
ALA improves sperm concentration, motility, and morphology in subfertile men.[21:1] In women, it is used to manage PCOS and has been studied for reducing the risk of miscarriage by stabilizing the subchorionic space.[30][31]
Standard dosing in studies
Forms and bioavailability
Special populations
Common side effects
Less common / serious concerns
Who should be especially cautious or avoid it
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Pharmacokinetic interactions
Pharmacodynamic interactions
For neuropathic pain, significant improvements are typically observed within 3 to 5 weeks of consistent daily dosing (600 mg). Intravenous administration can produce faster results (within 10–14 days).[2:9][9:2]
Yes, for clinical conditions like neuropathy. R-ALA is the only form recognized by the body’s enzymes. It achieves much higher plasma peaks and is roughly 2–10 times more potent than the synthetic S-form found in racemic mixtures.[8:8][2:10]
No. Food significantly interferes with ALA absorption. For maximum bioavailability, take it on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before a meal or 2 hours after.[2:11]
ALA provides a modest weight loss effect (approx. 1.27 kg more than placebo over 12–24 weeks). It is best used as a metabolic metabolic "primer" rather than a primary fat burner.[11:3][12:2]
Yes. This is a frequent point of clinical confusion. Alpha-Lipoic Acid is a mitochondrial antioxidant. Alpha-Linolenic Acid (also abbreviated ALA) is an Omega-3 fatty acid found in flax and walnuts. They are chemically and functionally distinct.
Evidence for Alpha-Lipoic Acid was evaluated using the GRADE framework.
Hsieh RY, et al. (2023). Effects of Oral Alpha-Lipoic Acid Treatment on Diabetic Polyneuropathy: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review. Nutrients. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37630823/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Baicus C, et al. (2024). Alpha-lipoic acid for diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38205823/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Jibril AT, et al. (2022). Efficacy and safety of oral alpha-lipoic acid supplementation for type 2 diabetes management: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized trials. Endocrine Connections. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36006850/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Ebada MA, et al. (2019). Efficacy of Alpha-lipoic Acid in The Management of Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32184879/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Shanaida M, et al. (2025). Alpha-lipoic Acid: An Antioxidant with Anti-aging Properties for Disease Therapy. Current Medicinal Chemistry. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38644711/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Khan H, et al. (2022). α-Lipoic Acid, an Organosulfur Biomolecule a Novel Therapeutic Agent for Neurodegenerative Disorders: An Mechanistic Perspective. Neurochemical Research. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35445914/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Fogacci F, et al. (2020). Safety Evaluation of α-Lipoic Acid Supplementation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Studies. Antioxidants. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33086555/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Ciubotaru A, et al. (2026). Alpha-Lipoic Acid and Benfotiamine in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Critical Review of Mechanistic Rationale and Clinical Evidence Within a Nutritional Therapeutic Framework. Nutrients. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42196997/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Wang X, et al. (2018). Alpha lipoic acid combined with epalrestat: a therapeutic option for patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Drug Design, Development and Therapy. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30233145/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Mahmoudi-Nezhad M, et al. (2021). An updated systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of the effects of α-lipoic acid supplementation on glycemic markers in adults. Nutrition. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33199187/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Luo Y, et al. (2025). Alpha-lipoic acid on intermediate disease markers in overweight or obese adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40180416/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Vajdi M, et al. (2020). Alpha-lipoic acid supplementation significantly reduces the risk of obesity in an updated systematic review and dose response meta-analysis of randomised placebo-controlled clinical trials. International Journal of Clinical Practice. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32091656/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Saeed TN, et al. (2026). Effects of alpha-lipoic acid in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): a systematic review of literature. Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42368730/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Li T, et al. (2026). Effects of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation on patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. BMC Endocrine Disorders. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41917882/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Vajdi M, et al. (2023). The effects of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) supplementation on blood pressure in adults: a GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37942070/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Jalilpiran Y, et al. (2021). The effect of Alpha-lipoic acid supplementation on endothelial function: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Phytotherapy Research. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33205568/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Đukić L, et al. (2022). The Effect of α-lipoic Acid on C-Reactive Protein Level: A Meta-analysis of Randomized, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Studies. Dose-Response. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36262716/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Vajdi M, et al. (2023). An updated systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of the randomized controlled trials on the effects of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers. International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33827267/ ↩︎
Rahimlou M, et al. (2019). Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) supplementation effect on glycemic and inflammatory biomarkers: A Systematic Review and meta-analysis. Clinical Nutrition ESPEN. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31221283/ ↩︎
Saboori S, et al. (2018). Effects of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation on C-reactive protein level: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials. Nutrition, Metabolism, and Cardiovascular Diseases. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29753588/ ↩︎
Pires IZ, et al. (2025). Efficacy of Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplementation in Sperm Parameters: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials. International Braz J Urol. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40327515/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Banihani SA. (2025). Role of Lipoic Acid in Testosterone Production in Males. The World Journal of Men's Health. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38772537/ ↩︎
Abu-Zaid A, et al. (2024). The effect of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation on anthropometric, glycemic, lipid, oxidative stress, and hormonal parameters in individuals with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Obstetrics & Gynecology Science. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38044616/ ↩︎
Vafaee F, et al. (2025). Alpha-lipoic acid, as an effective agent against toxic elements: a review. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39556148/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Ataei M, et al. (2026). Exploring the Role of Alpha Lipoic Acid in the Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury: Pathways and Perspectives. Neurocritical Care. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41083749/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Mousavi SM, et al. (2019). Effect of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation on lipid profile: A systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials. Nutrition. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30471524/ ↩︎
Xie H, et al. (2022). Role of lipoic acid in multiple sclerosis. CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34964271/ ↩︎
Vakali E, et al. (2022). Effects of Alpha-lipoic Acid Supplementation on Human Diabetic Nephropathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Current Diabetes Reviews. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34521329/ ↩︎
Sun F, et al. (2021). Effects of valsartan combined with α-lipoic acid on renal function in patients with diabetic nephropathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Endocrine Disorders. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34465338/ ↩︎
Di Tucci C, et al. (2021). The role of alpha lipoic acid in female and male infertility: a systematic review. Gynecological Endocrinology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33345661/ ↩︎
Di Tucci C, et al. (2018). Alpha lipoic acid in obstetrics and gynecology. Gynecological Endocrinology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29726290/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Sharifi-Zahabi E, et al. (2024). Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplementation and Iron Homeostasis: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials. International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40134249/ ↩︎ ↩︎