Wizard of Vitamins

Alpha Lipoic Acid Vitamin

What is Alpha Lipoic Acid?

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a vitamin-like antioxidant, sometimes referred to as the “universal antioxidant” because it is soluble in both fat and water. ALA is manufactured in the body and is found in some foods, particularly liver and yeast.

Alpha Lipoic Acid in Diets

The body makes small amounts of alpha lipoic acid. There is only limited knowledge about the food sources of this nutrient. However, foods that contain mitochondria (a specialized component of cells), such as red meats, are believed to provide the most alpha lipoic acid. Supplements are also available.

Alpha Lipoic Acid Medicinal Treatments

Type 1 diabetes Type 2 diabetes Glaucoma Hepatitis

Known Consequences of Alpha Lipoic Acid Deficiency

Although alpha lipoic acid was thought to be a vitamin when it was first discovered, subsequent research determined that it is created in the human body and thus is not an essential nutrient. For this reason, deficiencies of alpha lipoic acid are not known to occur in humans.

Alpha Lipoic Acid Recommended Dosages

The amount of alpha lipoic acid used in research to improve diabetic neuropathies is 800 mg per day and 150 mg per day for glaucoma. However, much lower amounts, such as 20–50 mg per day, are recommended by some doctors for general antioxidant protection, although there is no clear evidence that such general use has any benefit.

Alpha Lipoic Acid Side Effects

Side effects with alpha lipoic acid are rare but can include skin rash and the potential of hypoglycemia in diabetic patients. People who may be deficient in vitamin B1 (such as alcoholics) should take vitamin B1 along with alpha lipoic acid supplements. Chronic administration of alpha lipoic acid in animals has interfered with the actions of the vitamin, biotin. Whether this has significance for humans remains unknown. At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with alpha lipoic acid.