Alpha-lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant. It also helps the muscle cells to utilize glucose, making it a useful supplement for diabetics. There is a body of research that supports the use of lipoic acid to treat neuropathy in diabetics. A number of studies have shown that patients suffering neuropathy (particularly diabetic patients) improve when given lipoic acid. One study, appearing in the European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences (2009; 13(2): 133-9) looked at lipoic acid supplementation (in conjunction with other nutrients) and its effect on patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. The subjects of the study were 112 patients with moderate to severe carpal tunnel syndrome. They were randomly assigned to receive either a combination of alpha-lipoic acid (600 milligrams per day) and gamma linolenic acid (360 milligrams per day) or a B vitamin supplement (containing B6, B12 and thiamin). After 90 days, the group receiving the lipoic acid and gamma linolenic acid had a reduction in symptoms and improvement in function compared to the control group.
A meta-analysis of studies was published in Diabetic Medicine (2004; 21(2): 114-21) found that 300 milligrams of lipoic acid given intravenously for three weeks significantly reduced neuropathy symptoms in diabetic patients. Another study published in the Netherlands Journal of Medicine (2010 April; 68(4): 158-62) found similar results for intravenous use of lipoic acid; it also found that oral supplementation (600 milligrams per day) also produced benefits for patients with neuropathy.
