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
Which side effects matter?
Reported effects include nausea, abdominal discomfort, vomiting, dizziness and headache; allergic reactions can also occur. The longer-term Cochrane trials found little or no difference in adverse events causing treatment withdrawal, but such trials cannot rule out uncommon problems. 1 2
A rare risk: severe low blood sugar
EFSA concluded that supplemental alpha-lipoic acid can raise the risk of insulin autoimmune syndrome in genetically susceptible people. In this condition, antibodies against insulin can lead to hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. EFSA could not identify a dose below which the syndrome would not occur. 3
Diabetes medicines need particular attention
Alpha-lipoic acid can strengthen the effect of glucose-lowering medicines. The Verbraucherzentrale also flags possible interactions with cancer medicines and thyroid hormones, and recommends medical consultation and laboratory monitoring. The possibility of lower glucose is a safety issue even when average trial results show no glucose benefit. 1 4
Who should avoid unsupervised use?
The German authority advises medical consultation during pregnancy or breastfeeding and says alpha-lipoic acid is unsuitable for children and adolescents, citing poisoning reports. For adults, the absence of an established safe threshold for the autoimmune reaction means that a commonly sold dose is not a guarantee of safety. 1 3
For information, not individual medical advice. Ingredient studies do not establish the effectiveness of these products.