Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant made in the body and available as a supplement. Studies suggest ALA can support insulin sensitivity, lipid balance (lower triglycerides/LDL), and neuropathy symptoms in diabetes. Trials using 600–800 mg/day (oral or short IV courses in clinical settings) report improvements in pain scores and metabolic markers. This is educational information only. Read more about alpha-lipoic acid.

References:

  1. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2011 Aug;19(8):1647–1653. Effects of ALA on obese IGT subjects.
  2. Metabolism. 2018 Oct;87:56–69. Meta-analysis: ALA and glucose/lipid outcomes.
  3. J Int Med Res. 2018 May;46(5):1779–1790. ALA 600 mg/day for 40 days: neuropathy symptoms.
  4. Diabetes. 1997 Sep;46 Suppl 2:S62–S6. ALA 600 mg/day IV ×3 weeks; oral 800 mg/day ×4 months.