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COMPOUNDS / VITAMIN & MINERAL / ALPHA LIPOIC ACID
VITAMIN & MINERAL

ALPHA LIPOIC ACID

LOW RISK
BEST FOR:Neuropathy●●●●●●○○○○6/10
ALPHA LIPOIC ACID · ALA · THIOCTIC ACID · Α-LIPOIC ACID · R-ALA · R-LIPOIC ACID · DHLA · DIHYDROLIPOIC ACID · 1,2-DITHIOLANE-3-PENTANOIC ACID
AntioxidantMitochondrialNeuropathyDiabeticMetabolicNeuroprotective

Naturally occurring organosulfur antioxidant and mitochondrial cofactor used for diabetic neuropathy and metabolic support.

ROUTE / DOSAGE
LOW200mg
STANDARD300-600mg
HIGH1200mg+
Note: R-enantiomer (R-ALA) has ~40% higher bioavailability than racemic mixture; take on empty stomach for better absorption
CYCLE
Daily use acceptable divide doses 2-3x per day due to short half-life
BIOAVAILABILITY
~30% oral (R-enantiomer higher) liquid formulations show greater bioavailability than solid forms
ACTIVE DURATION
2-4h (subjective)
STORAGE
Room temperature dry away from light sensitive to heat and moisture - keep container tightly closed
HALF-LIFE
~30 min (plasma)
DURATION BREAKDOWN
Total4-6h
Onset30min-2h
Come up30-60 min
Peak1-2h
Offset1-2h
After effects2-4h
Duration varies by route, dose, and individual. Source: community reports.
§ 01 — EFFECTS
7 documented
Potent antioxidant activity
Improves insulin sensitivity
Reduces neuropathic pain
Crosses blood-brain barrier
Anti-inflammatory action
Supports mitochondrial energy production
Regenerates other antioxidants (glutathione, vitamins C & E)
§ 02 — RISKS
Hypoglycemia when combined with antidiabetic medications
GI upset and nausea at high oral doses
Allergic skin reactions including rash
Potential thiamine deficiency with chronic high-dose IV use
May interfere with chemotherapy efficacy due to antioxidant effects
§ 03 — INTERACTIONS
Interaction data not yet available for this compound.
§ 04 — SCIENCE

ALA is clinically approved in several countries (notably Germany) for intravenous treatment of diabetic polyneuropathy, with moderate evidence for reducing neuropathic pain and paresthesia. Systematic reviews suggest benefits for metabolic syndrome components including insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and obesity, though high-quality RCTs remain limited. A meta-analysis found possible adjunctive benefit in schizophrenia, but evidence is preliminary. Preclinical studies in ALS models showed slowed motor decline, but no human trials have been published. An observational study suggested ALA combined with CoQ10 may reduce chronic COVID fatigue, but this requires confirmation via RCT. Overall, evidence is strongest for diabetic neuropathy and weakest for neurodegenerative and psychiatric applications.

§ 06 — SOURCES
[1]
Insights on the Use of α-Lipoic Acid for Therapeutic Purposes
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ↗
[2]
α-Lipoic Acid, an Organosulfur Biomolecule a Novel Therapeutic Agent for Neurodegenerative Disorders
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ↗
[3]
Alpha lipoic acid in obstetrics and gynecology
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ↗
[4]
Alpha Lipoic Acid for Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ↗
[5]
Effects of alpha lipoic acid on metabolic syndrome: A comprehensive review
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ↗
[6]
ALSUntangled #79: alpha-lipoic acid
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ↗
[7]
Alpha-lipoic acid: An inimitable feed supplement for poultry nutrition
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ↗
[8]
Coenzyme Q10 + alpha lipoic acid for chronic COVID syndrome
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ↗
Disclaimer. Protokol.wiki is an informational reference. Nothing on this site is medical advice. Compounds listed may be unapproved, unregulated, or illegal in your jurisdiction. Consult a licensed physician before use. Data compiled from peer-reviewed literature.
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