Alpha-Lipoic Acid – Uses, Side Effects, Warnings, and More

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Overview

Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant that may be found in a variety of foods as well as being produced naturally by the body. It plays a role in the breakdown of carbohydrates and the production of energy.

Some foods, like red meat, carrots, beets, spinach, broccoli, and potatoes, contain alpha-lipoic acid that can be consumed by the body. Additionally, it can be found in dietary supplements. Because alpha-lipoic acid appears to function in a manner similar to that of an antioxidant, there is a possibility that it will both protect the brain and aid in the treatment of some disorders that affect the liver.

The most prevalent application of alpha-lipoic acid is for the treatment of nerve pain in diabetic patients. It is also used for the treatment of obesity, altitude sickness, aging skin, high levels of cholesterol or other fats in the blood, and many other conditions and ailments; however, there is insufficient reliable scientific data to support the majority of these additional applications.

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Uses & Effectiveness

People who have diabetes may find relief from nerve discomfort with this treatment (diabetic neuropathy). People who have diabetes may see an improvement in symptoms such as burning, discomfort, and numbness in their legs and arms if they take 600–1800 mg of alpha-lipoic acid orally or through intravenous administration. It does not appear that lower doses of alpha-lipoic acid are effective. Only a trained medical professional should administer IV medications.

An abnormally high concentration of cholesterol or other lipids (fats) in the blood (hyperlipidemia). People with or without hyperlipidemia seem to see a reduction in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad”) cholesterol when they take alpha-lipoic acid by mouth over an extended period of time (up to four years).

Obesity. When taken orally, alpha-lipoic acid can cause adults who are overweight to have a modest reduction in their body weight.

It’s Possible That This Won’t Work for

Alcohol consumption is linked to the development of liver disease. In persons who have alcohol-related liver disease, taking alpha-lipoic acid orally on a daily basis for a maximum of six months does not improve liver function or lessen the amount of damage done to the liver.

Acute mountain sickness Consuming alpha-lipoic acid through the digestive system in conjunction with vitamin C and vitamin E does not appear to reduce altitude sickness.

Damage to the nerves in the hands and feet was caused by the treatment for the malignancy. It does not appear that taking alpha-lipoic acid by mouth during chemotherapy with cisplatin or oxaliplatin will minimize the amount of nerve damage that will occur in the arms and legs as a result of the chemotherapy.

Contrast dyes are to blame for the harm done to the kidneys (contrast-induced nephropathy). During coronary angiography, taking alpha-lipoic acid orally with or without conventional hydration therapy does not appear to prevent kidney damage induced by contrast agents. This is the case whether or not the therapy is performed.

Diabetes. People who have type 1 or type 2 diabetes do not experience an improvement in their blood sugar levels when they take alpha-lipoic acid either orally or intravenously.

Diabetes patients are more likely to experience vision difficulties (diabetic retinopathy). There is no improvement in the damage that diabetes causes to the eyes after 24 months of regular oral administration of alpha-lipoic acid.

Alzheimer’s disease in patients who have advanced stages of HIV/AIDS. People living with HIV who take alpha-lipoic acid orally do not see any improvement in their cognitive difficulties.

Triglyceride levels in the blood are significantly higher than normal (hypertriglyceridemia). Consuming alpha-lipoic acid through the digestive system does not appear to lower triglyceride levels in the majority of persons.

There is interest in making use of alpha-lipoic acid for a variety of additional applications; however, there is insufficient trustworthy information to determine whether or not this would be beneficial.

Side Effects

Alpha-lipoic acid is thought to be safe for the majority of adults when taken in oral form and for a period of up to four years. It is generally well tolerated by most people. Headaches, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting are the most typical adverse reactions to this drug.

Alpha-lipoic acid may not cause any adverse effects when applied to the skin in the form of a cream and used for a period of up to 12 weeks in most healthy persons. It has the potential to give some people a rash.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Alpha-lipoic acid is thought to be safe for the majority of adults when taken in oral form and for a period of up to four years. It is generally well tolerated by most people. Headaches, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting are the most typical adverse reactions to this drug.

Alpha-lipoic acid may not cause any adverse effects when applied to the skin in the form of a cream and used for a period of up to 12 weeks in most healthy persons. It has the potential to give some people a rash. Alpha-lipoic acid is thought to be safe to consume during pregnancy when taken in the form of oral supplements. It has been demonstrated to be safe for usage during pregnancy in doses as high as 600 mg once a day for a maximum of four weeks.

Alpha-lipoic acid and breast-feeding: There is not enough trustworthy information available to determine whether or not using alpha-lipoic acid is safe for breastfeeding. To be on the safe side, you should avoid using it.

When administered orally to youngsters 10 to 17 years old at doses up to 600 milligrams per day for a period of three months, there is a possibility that alpha-lipoic acid will not cause any adverse effects. However, it is possible for youngsters to experience adverse effects if they ingest significant quantities of alpha-lipoic acid. Children as young as 14 months old and as old as 16 years old have been reported to have experienced seizures, vomiting, and falling unconscious after taking a single dose of alpha-lipoic acid that was as high as 2400 mg.

Alpha-lipoic acid’s ability to lower blood sugar levels may be useful in surgical procedures. There is a possibility that alpha-lipoic acid will impede the ability to control blood sugar levels before and after surgery. Alpha-lipoic acid should be stopped being taken two weeks before elective surgical surgery.

Drinking an excessive amount of alcohol can lead to a lack of thiamine (vitamin B1) in the body. Thiamine deficiency can also be caused by drinking an excessive amount of alcohol. It is possible that taking alpha-lipoic acid when there is a deficiency in thiamine will result in major health complications. It is recommended that you take a thiamine supplement if you consume a significant amount of alcohol and are also taking alpha-lipoic acid.

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Interactions

Interaction that is Not Overbearing

Take precautions when using these two together.

Antitumor antibiotics, which are used to treat cancer, are known to interact with ALPHA-LIPOIC ACID.

One type of antioxidant is called alpha-lipoic acid. It is possible that antioxidants could lessen the efficacy of cancer treatments like medicine. This is a source of some concern. Before beginning treatment with alpha-lipoic acid, it is important to discuss your current cancer treatment regimen with your primary care physician.

 

The hormone produced by the thyroid gland interacts with alpha-lipoic acid.

There is some evidence that alpha-lipoic acid inhibits the effectiveness of thyroid hormone in the body. It is possible that the effects of the thyroid hormone will be diminished if you take alpha-lipoic acid at the same time.

Alkylating agents, which are treatments for cancer, interaction with alpha-lipoic acid.

One type of antioxidant is called alpha-lipoic acid. It is possible that antioxidants could reduce the effectiveness of certain cancer treatments, and this is a source of considerable concern. Before beginning treatment with alpha-lipoic acid, it is important to discuss your cancer treatment regimen with your primary care physician.

Interactions between alpha-lipoic acid and blood-clotting medications (anticoagulants and antiplatelet medicines) are known to occur.

Alpha-lipoic acid may reduce the likelihood of blood clots forming. It is possible that the risk of bruising and bleeding will rise if alpha-lipoic acid is taken in conjunction with other drugs that help decrease the coagulation of blood.

A Slightly Interacting Party

Take caution when using these two together.

Antidiabetic medications, sometimes known as diabetes medications, are known to interact with alpha-lipoic acid.

There is some evidence that alpha-lipoic acid can bring down blood sugar levels. It is possible that taking alpha-lipoic acid alongside diabetes medication will result in a dangerously low blood sugar level. Keep a tight eye on your blood sugar levels.

Dosing

Adults have been known to take alpha-lipoic acid in doses ranging from 600 mg to 1800 mg oral once or twice daily for up to six months. Talk to a medical professional about your symptoms to get a recommendation on the appropriate dosage for your condition.