What is the recommended dose of Alpha-Lipoic Acid?

- **Diabetic neuropathy:** 600mg/day (SYDNEY and NATHAN trials used this dose) (UNCITED: the cited PMID did not support this claim and was removed; this statement is not currently sourced) - **Bloo...

Is Alpha-Lipoic Acid safe to take daily?

Alpha-Lipoic Acid is rated "Prescription Interactions" based on clinical evidence. - Nausea, GI upset at higher doses (>600mg) - Skin rash (rare) - Hypoglycemia when combined with diabetes medications - "Insulin autoimmune syndrome", very rare, primarily in Japanese populations (UNCITED: the cited P

Does Alpha-Lipoic Acid interact with any medications?

Alpha-Lipoic Acid has 4 known drug interactions, including interactions with Insulin / diabetes medications, Levothyroxine (Synthroid), Chemotherapy (cisplatin). Check with your doctor before combining with prescription medications.

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Ingredient Research

Graded against 173,636 supplements + 177 published clinical interactions, sourced from PubMed, FDA CAERS, openFDA, NIH DSLD

Alpha-Lipoic Acid

STRONG EVIDENCESupplementLast updated April 2026

AVELOR SUMMARY

Alpha-lipoic acid is a potent antioxidant with strong evidence for diabetic neuropathy and moderate evidence for blood sugar control. It's both fat- and water-soluble, unique among antioxidants. Our research identifies significant interactions with diabetes medications and thyroid hormones.

EVIDENCE GRADES

Diabetic neuropathyStrong, multiple large RCTs (UNCITED: the cited PMID did not support this claim and was removed; this statement is not currently sourced)

Blood glucose reductionModerate, consistent across trials

B+

Oxidative stress markersModerate

Weight lossLow-moderate, small effect

C+

Cognitive declineLimited evidence

WHAT IT DOES

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA, thioctic acid) is an organosulfur compound synthesized in mitochondria. It functions as a cofactor for mitochondrial enzymes (pyruvate dehydrogenase, alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase) and as a direct antioxidant that regenerates vitamins C and E, CoQ10, and glutathione. Its dual solubility allows it to work in both aqueous and lipid environments, no other antioxidant does this.

ALA exists as R-ALA (natural, biologically active) and S-ALA (synthetic). Most supplements contain racemic ALA (50:50 R/S). R-ALA is 2-4x more bioavailable but less stable and more expensive.

OPTIMAL DOSAGE

Diabetic neuropathy: 600mg/day (SYDNEY and NATHAN trials used this dose) (UNCITED: the cited PMID did not support this claim and was removed; this statement is not currently sourced)
Blood sugar support: 300-600mg/day
Antioxidant support: 200-400mg/day
R-ALA only: Halve the dose (100-300mg/day)
Timing: Take on empty stomach 30 min before meals for best absorption

Scan a supplement containing Alpha-Lipoic Acid

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Insulin / diabetes medicationsSevere

Additive blood sugar lowering → hypoglycemia risk

Levothyroxine (Synthroid)Moderate

ALA may reduce conversion of T4 to T3; monitor thyroid levels

Chemotherapy (cisplatin)Moderate

ALA may reduce cisplatin efficacy (antioxidant opposition)

AlcoholModerate

ALA may lower blood sugar further in combination with alcohol

SAFETY PROFILE

Drug Interactions

Side Effects

Nausea, GI upset at higher doses (>600mg)
Skin rash (rare)
Hypoglycemia when combined with diabetes medications
"Insulin autoimmune syndrome", very rare, primarily in Japanese populations (UNCITED: the cited PMID did not support this claim and was removed; this statement is not currently sourced)

Pregnancy & Lactation

Insufficient data. Not recommended during pregnancy without medical supervision.

WADA Status

Not Prohibited

HOW AVELOR SCORES THIS

R-ALA forms score higher than racemic ALA

Products >600mg/day get a dosage caution flag

Auto-flag for insulin/metformin users: hypoglycemia risk warning

Third-party testing important, ALA degrades easily; potency varies

CLINICAL REFERENCES

Reference identifiers on this page are being re-verified against PubMed. Some may not yet link to the paper named beside them.

, Koh EH et al. Effects of alpha-lipoic acid on body weight in obese subjects.

PMID: 21666939

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Independently graded against 173,636 indexed supplements with 177 published clinical interactions, sourced from PubMed, FDA CAERS, openFDA, and NIH DSLD | Last updated: April 2026

Not medical advice. Based on published clinical research and systematic reviews.

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