Graded against 178,763 supplements and 757 reviewed supplement and medication pairs, sourced from PubMed, FDA CAERS, openFDA, NIH DSLD
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
SupplementLast updated April 2026
AVELOR SUMMARY
Alpha-lipoic acid is a potent antioxidant with strong evidence for diabetic neuropathy and moderate evidence for blood sugar control. It's both fat- and water-soluble, unique among antioxidants. Our research identifies significant interactions with diabetes medications and thyroid hormones.
EVIDENCE GRADES
Blood glucose reduction
Moderate evidenceGrade B+
Oxidative stress markers
Moderate evidenceGrade B
Weight loss
Limited evidenceGrade C+
Cognitive decline
Limited evidenceGrade C
WHAT IT DOES
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA, thioctic acid) is an organosulfur compound synthesized in mitochondria. It functions as a cofactor for mitochondrial enzymes (pyruvate dehydrogenase, alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase) and as a direct antioxidant that regenerates vitamins C and E, CoQ10, and glutathione. Its dual solubility allows it to work in both aqueous and lipid environments, no other antioxidant does this.
ALA exists as R-ALA (natural, biologically active) and S-ALA (synthetic). Most supplements contain racemic ALA (50:50 R/S). R-ALA is 2-4x more bioavailable but less stable and more expensive.
OPTIMAL DOSAGE
Blood sugar support: 300-600mg/day
Antioxidant support: 200-400mg/day
R-ALA only: Halve the dose (100-300mg/day)
Timing: Take on empty stomach 30 min before meals for best absorption
Independently graded against 178,763 indexed supplements and 757 reviewed supplement and medication pairs, sourced from PubMed, FDA CAERS, openFDA, and NIH DSLD | Last updated: April 2026
Not medical advice. Based on published clinical research and systematic reviews.