Alpha-Lipoic Acid
600 mg · Daily
Evidence
- Human Studies
- 80
- Animal Studies
- 60
- Clinical Status
- Dietary Supplement
- Confidence
- Moderate
- Long-Term Safety
- Well-established for the approved diabetic neuropathy use outside the US; general supplement use has a solid short/medium-term safety record
What this score is: a measure of how much research exists and how far along it is (animal-only vs. human trials, research-stage vs. FDA approved) — not how safe, effective, or worth trying a compound is. A low score usually means “early stage” or “understudied,” not “bad.” A high score doesn’t mean “better” for your goals than a lower-scored one.
This is not my personal rating of the compound, not a recommendation, and not medical advice. It’s a general research synthesis for informational purposes only, not a live literature count. See the linked research and talk to a licensed clinician before making decisions based on it.
Mechanism
Alpha-lipoic acid is a mitochondrial cofactor and antioxidant, unusual for being both fat- and water-soluble. It is used as a prescription drug in some countries (notably Germany) for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and studied more broadly for glucose metabolism and oxidative stress.
Common Protocols
- 300–600 mg daily, often split into two doses
- Take on an empty stomach for better absorption, though this can increase GI upset for some
Side Effects
- GI upset, especially on an empty stomach
- Can lower blood sugar — monitor if also on diabetes medication
- Rare skin rash
Interactions
- Can have additive effects with diabetes medications, raising hypoglycemia risk
- May affect thyroid hormone levels — monitor if on thyroid medication
Practical Details
- Cost
- $
- Typical Dose
- 600 mg
- Storage
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from light
Research Links
Antioxidant studied for glucose metabolism and nerve-related discomfort