Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Alpha-lipoic acid is a sulfur-containing compound the body makes in small amounts and uses in enzymes that produce energy. Spinach, broccoli and organ meats contain a little.
Also listed as ALA, thioctic acid, Alpha Lipoid Acid
What it is studied for
The strongest rated effects first. Bars show the size of the effect, the letter grades the evidence, and each rating lists the studies behind it.
Is alpha-lipoic acid something the body needs more of?
Alpha-lipoic acid, also called thioctic acid, helps enzymes involved in energy metabolism. The body makes it, and a specific dietary deficiency is not recognized. Its antioxidant chemistry has prompted clinical research, but that role alone does not show that a supplement improves health. 1 2
Why diabetes keeps appearing in the research
Alpha-lipoic acid is used as a medicine for symptoms of diabetic polyneuropathy in Germany. This nerve damage can cause burning, pain and altered sensation. Whether it relieves symptoms over a few weeks is a different question from whether it preserves nerve function over years. 1 3 4
Key studies
The most recent publications linked to Alpha-Lipoic Acid's ratings.
Why people take it
SuppCo community snapshot, 2026-09-28. Reasons for use are not evidence that it works.
Questions people ask
Is alpha-lipoic acid a vitamin?
The body makes it, and a specific dietary deficiency is not recognized. There is no demonstrated need to supplement it simply because it participates in energy metabolism. 1
Does it repair diabetic nerve damage?
Long-term trials do not establish this. Cochrane found little or no symptom benefit after six months and no evidence on ulcers or amputations. 3
Can it replace diabetes medication?
The reviewed trials did not establish better glucose or HbA1c overall, and it can interact with glucose-lowering medicines. It is not an evidence-based replacement. 1 5
Is 600 mg a safe daily dose?
That amount has been studied, but a trial dose is not a universal safety limit. EFSA could not set a threshold protecting susceptible people from insulin autoimmune syndrome. 2 4
Does it help with weight loss?
A meta-analysis found a small short-term average advantage of about 1.27 kg over placebo; lasting benefit remained uncertain. 6
