From the Research
Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is effective in lowering Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) levels, as evidenced by a 2013 study that showed a significant decrease in GGT levels in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) who received ALA and ursodeoxycholic acid therapy 1.
Key Findings
- ALA supplements typically range from 300-600 mg daily, with some studies using doses up to 1200 mg for liver conditions.
- For those with elevated GGT, a common starting dose is 600 mg daily, taken with food to minimize potential stomach discomfort.
- ALA works as a powerful antioxidant that helps protect liver cells from oxidative damage and supports detoxification processes.
- It may improve liver function by reducing inflammation and enhancing glutathione production, which is crucial for liver detoxification.
- GGT is an enzyme that indicates liver stress or damage, and ALA's antioxidant properties directly address this underlying oxidative stress.
Important Considerations
- While ALA supplementation may help lower GGT, it should complement rather than replace addressing root causes of elevated GGT, such as alcohol consumption, medication side effects, or underlying liver conditions.
- Consulting with a healthcare provider before starting ALA is important, especially for those on diabetes medications, as ALA may enhance insulin sensitivity and potentially cause hypoglycemia.
- A more recent study from 2019 found that ALA supplementation improved serum adiponectin and IL-6 levels in obese patients with NAFLD, although it did not significantly change serum liver enzymes or liver steatosis 2.
- Another study from 2020 demonstrated the effectiveness of a triple antioxidant therapy, including ALA, in improving the evolution and prognosis of patients with chronic liver disease 3.