Alternative Medicine
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Also indexed as:
ALA, Lipoic Acid, Thioctic Acid
Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a vitamin-like antioxidant, sometimes referred to
as the "universal antioxidant" because it is soluble in both fat and
water.1 ALA is manufactured in the body and is found in some foods, particularly liver and yeast.
Where is it found?
The body makes small amounts of alpha lipoic acid. There is only limited knowledge about the food sources of this nutrient. However, foods that contain mitochondria (a specialized component of cells), such as red meats, are believed to provide the most alpha lipoic acid. Supplements are also available.
Alpha lipoic acid has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
| Rating | Health Concerns |
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Type 1 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes
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Glaucoma
Hepatitis
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Reliable and relatively
consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
 Contradictory,
insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health
benefit.
An herb is primarily
supported by traditional use, or the herb or supplement has little scientific support and/or
minimal health benefit.
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Who is likely to be deficient?
Although alpha lipoic acid was thought to be a vitamin when it was first discovered, subsequent research determined that it is created in the human body-and thus is not an essential nutrient. For this reason, deficiencies of alpha lipoic acid are not known to occur in humans.
How much is usually taken?
The amount of alpha lipoic acid used in research to improve diabetic neuropathies is 800 mg per day and 150 mg per day for glaucoma. However, much lower amounts, such as 20-50 mg per day, are recommended by some doctors for general antioxidant protection, although there is no clear evidence that such general use has any benefit.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Side effects with alpha lipoic acid are rare but can include skin rash and the potential of hypoglycemia in diabetic patients. People who may be deficient in vitamin B1 (such as alcoholics) should take vitamin B1 along with alpha lipoic acid supplements. Chronic administration of alpha lipoic acid in animals has interfered with the actions of the vitamin, biotin. Whether this has significance for humans remains unknown.2
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with alpha lipoic acid.
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Kagan V, Khan S, Swanson C, et al. Antioxidant action of thioctic
acid and dihydrolipoic acid. Free Radic Biol Med 1990;9S:15.
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Zempleni J, Trusty TA, Mock DM. Lipoic acid reduces the activities of biotin-dependent carboxylases in rat liver. J Nutr 1997;127:1776-81.
Last Review: 09-07-2006 
Copyright © 2007 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved.
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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires August 2007.
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