Alpha-Lipoic Acid ( ALA ) Bio-Antioxidant | Benefits & Side Effects

By: Dr. Sonam Bhatia, MS (Pharma), PhD

 

Alpha-Lipoic Acid is produced in the human body as a naturally occurring compound and it plays a vital role in the production of energy at a cellular level. In good health, the body can produce all the ALA necessary for these functions.

 

Despite this, ALA supplements have recently gained a great deal of interest. A wide range of benefits has been associated with ALA, ranging from treatment of conditions such as diabetes and HIV to weight loss enhancement.

The effects of ALA supplementation have been sparsely studied. Still, however, some benefits may have been identified. Below are a few possible health benefits of consuming Alpha-Lipoic Acid supplements:

 

ALA, the powerful biological Antioxidant

ALA is regarded as a powerful biological antioxidant that protects the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals.

 

The level of free ALA in the body does not appear to be influenced by ALA derived from food such as yeast, liver and heart, spinach, broccoli, and potatoes.

 

The purpose of taking ALA supplements is to improve a variety of health conditions. This is based on sufficient scientific evidence that proves supplemental ALA is beneficial for health.

 

It has been found that about 30% to 40% of an ALA supplement's oral dose is absorbed by the body. Additionally, it is suspected that ALA may be better absorbed when taken on an empty stomach.

ALA and Diabetes

ALA may benefit individuals with Type 2 Diabetes in at least two different ways, although studies are still sparse. Some studies suggest that in people with type 2 diabetes, ALA supplements may enhance the body's ability to use its insulin to lower blood sugar levels. Diabetes can lead to peripheral neuropathy, a symptom caused by nerve damage that ALA may prevent.

 

ALA has been used in Europe for decades to relieve pain, burning, tingling, and numbness associated with diabetic neuropathy. Several comprehensive studies have found that large intravenous doses of ALA relieve such symptoms. More research is required to establish the effectiveness of oral ALA supplements for diabetic neuropathy.

 

ALA and Other Health Conditions

ALA may be used to prevent or slow the damage caused by a variety of other health conditions, from HIV to liver disease. Many of the findings are still early in the research process because the evidence is not conclusive.

 

Additionally, supplemental ALA has recently gained attention as a weight loss supplement.

 

Side Effects and Precautions of ALA Supplements

ALA supplements cause only mild side effects, like skin rashes. However, little is known about the possible long-term effects of ALA supplementation. Additionally, there are no dosage recommendations and little data on the potential impact of large doses taken over time.

 

ALA should not be consumed without a doctor's recommendation if you take insulin or other medication that lowers blood sugar, as it may enhance the effects of these drugs, resulting in hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). It is advised to consult your physician before taking supplemental ALA in such a case as your physician may advise monitoring your blood sugar levels more frequently. It could also lead to an adjustment in your medication.

 

There have been no studies conducted on the effects of consuming ALA during pregnancy, therefore it is advised not to do so if you are pregnant. Furthermore, children should not take ALA supplements due to a lack of data regarding their use.

 

Synergistic role of Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) and Vitamin E

Vitamin E and Alpha-Lipoic Acid exhibit synergistic effects, as demonstrated in models of oxidative damage. Thus, ALA-VE has the potential to prevent lesion enlargement and treat pathological conditions where oxidation is a major source of damage, such as diabetic neuropathy, heart and brain ischemia, and Alzheimer's disease. 

 

Findings from brain ischemia, diabetes, or aging experimental models suggest that the ALA-VE combination may be beneficial for ameliorating oxidative damage or improving cardiac performance after infarction, in models where the ALA-VE combination is tested. Therefore, it is recommended to take ALA combined with Vitamin E to improve its overall activity.

 

Summary: 

ALA is a powerful antioxidant that protects the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals. The purpose of taking ALA supplements is to improve a variety of health conditions. About 30% to 40% of an ALA supplement's oral dose is absorbed and may be better absorbed if taken on an empty stomach. Combine it with Vitamin E to enhance its effectiveness.

 Sources:

Alpha-lipoic acid as a biological antioxidant - ScienceDirect

Frontiers | Diabetes and Alpha Lipoic Acid | Pharmacology (frontiersin.org)

Effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid on Body Weight in Obese Subjects - ScienceDirect