From the Guidelines
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is not well-tolerated and has several negative risks, including a high dropout rate due to the required frequent dosing, as evidenced by a randomized, double-blinded clinical trial where only 29% of patients completed the trial 1. The negative risks of ALA include:
- Gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort
- Allergic skin reactions, headaches, or a burning sensation on the skin
- Potential to lower blood sugar levels, which can be concerning for diabetics and may cause hypoglycemia when combined with diabetes medications
- Interference with thyroid function and thyroid medications by competing with thyroid hormones
- Risk of interacting with chemotherapy drugs, reducing their effectiveness
- Risk of vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency with long-term use The study by 1 found that ALA did not prevent neuropathy and had a high dropout rate, suggesting that it may not be a well-tolerated treatment option. In terms of dosage, typical ranges are from 300-600 mg daily, but it is essential to consult a healthcare provider before considering ALA supplements, especially for individuals with diabetes, thyroid conditions, or those taking medications. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid ALA due to insufficient safety data. The lack of efficacy and high dropout rate in the study 1 suggest that ALA may not be a suitable treatment option for preventing neuropathy, and its use should be approached with caution.
From the Research
Negative Risks of Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA)
- The available studies do not provide a comprehensive list of negative risks associated with Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) supplementation, but some adverse reactions have been reported 2.
- Common adverse reactions to ALA-containing products include skin disorders (44.9%) and gastrointestinal disorders (10.8%) 2.
- Serious adverse reactions have been reported, including insulin autoimmune syndrome, angioedema, and anaphylactic shock 2.
- The majority of adverse reactions occurred within 30 days of ALA use, highlighting the need for careful monitoring and risk-benefit assessment 2.
- Some studies suggest that ALA may have negative effects on lipid and cholesterol levels, as well as fatty acid composition in brain tissue, particularly in diabetic rats 3.
- However, it is essential to note that the current evidence is limited, and more research is needed to fully understand the potential negative risks associated with ALA supplementation 4, 5, 6.