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 Alpha-Lipoic Acid Be aware that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and dietary supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products containing or claiming to contain alpha-lipoic acid (ALA). Decisions to use herbs or supplements should be carefully considered. Individuals using prescription drugs should discuss taking herbs or supplements with a pharmacist or health care professional before starting. Scientists have studied ALA for the following health problems:
ALA has been suggested for many other uses, based on tradition or on scientific theories. However, these uses have not been thoroughly studied in humans, and there is limited scientific evidence about safety or effectiveness. Some of these suggested uses are for conditions that are potentially very serious and even life-threatening. You should consult a health care professional before taking ALA for any unproven use.
Allergies People with allergies to ALA should avoid using it. Allergic skin reactions (called contact dermatitis) have occurred after an alpha-lipoic acid anti-wrinkle cream was used. In one study, pain and redness occurred where ALA was injected. Side Effects Few side effects of ALA have been reported. The most common complaints include nausea, vomiting, and dizziness, which generally occurred in studies at doses of 1,200 to 1,800 milligrams. Some natural medicine experts discourage the use of ALA in people with underactive thyroids (hypothyroidism). Based on deaths seen in animal research, ALA should be avoided in patients with thiamine deficiency, a condition commonly linked to alcoholism. However, there are no specific studies in humans, so the risks of ALA use in people with these conditions are not clear. Use cautiously if you have type 2 diabetes due to the possible risks of increased insulin sensitivity and trace element deficiencies. One case of insulin autoimmune syndrome, a rare disease that causes the immune system to mistakenly attack insulin, leading to low blood sugar levels, was reported after ALA use. Pregnancy And Breast-Feeding There is not enough scientific evidence available to recommend using ALA during pregnancy or breast-feeding. Interactions with drugs, supplements and other herbs have not been thoroughly studied. The interactions listed below have been reported in scientific publications. If you are taking prescription drugs, speak with a health care professional or pharmacist before using herbs or dietary supplements. Interactions With Drugs It appears that ALA lowers blood sugar levels. Caution is advised if you are taking prescription drugs that may lower blood sugar levels. Patients taking oral drugs for diabetes or insulin should be monitored closely by their doctors while using ALA. Dosing adjustments may be necessary. In theory, ALA may affect thyroid levels. Caution is advised if you have been diagnosed with thyroid disease. Patients using drugs for thyroid disease should be monitored closely by their doctors while using ALA. Dosing adjustments may be necessary. ALA, when given with the anticancer drug doxorubicin, helps protect against heart damage. Using ALA may allow doctors to prescribe higher doses of doxorubicin. ALA seems to have similar protective effects when given with another anticancer drug called adriamycin, although more research is needed. ALA may affect drugs that are broken down by the liver. Use cautiously if you are taking antibiotics. Interactions With Herbs And Dietary Supplements ALA may lower blood sugar levels. People using herbs or other supplements that lower blood sugar levels, such as bitter melon (Momordica charantia), should be closely monitored by their doctors while using ALA. Dosing adjustments may be necessary. Products that may raise blood sugar levels, such as devil's claw, may reduce ALA's blood sugar-lowering effects. Use cautiously if you have a thyroid disorder because ALA may affect thyroid hormone levels. Herbs and supplements broken down by the liver may be affected. Vitamin C levels may be increased. The doses listed below are based on scientific research, publications or traditional use. Because most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly studied or monitored, safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients even within the same brand. Combination products often contain small amounts of each ingredient and may not be effective. Appropriate dosing should be discussed with a health care professional before starting therapy; always read the recommendations on a product's label. The dosing for unproven uses should be approached cautiously, because scientific information is limited in these areas. In general, experts believe it is safe to use ALA at recommended dosages for up to two years. Currently, there is no general recommendation on dosage, dose frequency, form of administration and/or preferred form of ALA. For Diabetes/Diabetic Neuropathy Adults (Aged 18 Or Older) Oral Capsules: For lowering blood sugar levels and treating diabetic nerve pain or damage (neuropathy), a dose of 600 to 1,800 milligrams has been taken by mouth in daily divided doses. Sustained release formulations are available. Diabetes is a serious illness and should be treated under the supervision of a qualified health care professional. Children (Younger Than 18) The dosing and safety of ALA have not been studied in children, and therefore, ALA cannot be recommended. For Drug-Induced Cardiotoxicity Adults (Aged 18 Or Older) ALA in doses of 100 milligrams per kilogram was reported to reduce heart damage caused by the anticancer drug doxorubicin. However, the study was a poorly described study. For Nerve Pain or Damage Adults (Aged 18 Or Older) A dose of 600 milligrams of ALA has been injected for 10 days and then taken by mouth. Children (Younger Than 18) Because the dosing and safety of intravenous ALA has not been well studied in children, ALA cannot be recommended. Although alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) has been suggested for many conditions, most studies have focused on its ability to lower blood sugar levels. The best evidence supports its use intravenously, but some evidence also suggests that benefits may be seen when taken by mouth. It is important to remember that diabetes is a serious illness that should be treated by a qualified health care professional. ALA has not been proven for any other health conditions and has not been shown to have benefits when used as a nutritional supplement in healthy people. It should be avoided in pregnant or breast-feeding women, in people with thiamine deficiencies, and in children. ALA appears to be safe when used in recommended doses for up to two years. Consult a health care professional immediately if you experience side effects. The information in this monograph was prepared by the professional staff at Natural Standard, based on thorough systematic review of scientific evidence. The material was reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School with final editing approved by Natural Standard.
Selected Scientific Studies: Alpha-Lipoic Acid Some of the more recent studies are listed below:
Last updated May 08, 2008 ©©1996-2000 InteliHealth Inc. All rights reserved. Source: Inteli-Health Inc. All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Use of this online service is subject to InteliHealth's disclaimer and the terms and conditions .
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