Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Alpha-Lipoic Acid (Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA)) is a dietary supplement with 23 published peer-reviewed studies involving 3,032 participants, researched for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy, Weight Loss & Obesity, Blood Pressure & Cardiometabolic Risk and 5 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
ModerateWeight Loss & Obesity
WeakBlood Pressure & Cardiometabolic Risk
WeakInflammation & Oxidative Stress
WeakPolycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
WeakDiabetic Neuropathy
WeakClinical trials
ModerateSystematic reviews
WeakResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
To determine if intravenous alpha-lipoic acid reduces neuropathic symptoms in diabetic patients with symptomatic polyneuropathy (ALADIN III study).
Study Type
Randomised, multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To determine if intravenous alpha-lipoic acid reduces neuropathic symptoms in diabetic patients with symptomatic polyneuropathy (ALADIN III study).
Dose
600 mg IV daily for 3 weeks
Participants
328 diabetic patients with symptomatic polyneuropathy
Duration
7 months (3 weeks IV treatment, followed by observation)
Results
Intravenous ALA significantly reduced the Total Symptom Score (TSS) by 2.81 points (CI: -4.16 to -1.46, p=0.0001), representing a clinically relevant improvement in neuropathic pain and symptoms.
How They Measured It
Total Symptom Score (TSS)
To pool evidence from RCTs on oral alpha-lipoic acid supplementation for diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Study Type
Systematic review & meta-analysis
Purpose
To pool evidence from RCTs on oral alpha-lipoic acid supplementation for diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Dose
600 mg+ per day (oral)
Participants
1,200+ participants across pooled trials
Duration
3-5 weeks per included trial
Results
Oral ALA reduced TSS by -1.78 points (CI: -2.45 to -1.10, p<0.001), a statistically significant improvement. Effect size was smaller than IV administration but clinically meaningful, making oral ALA a practical option for chronic neuropathy management.
How They Measured It
Total Symptom Score (TSS) across pooled trials
To summarize evidence on alpha-lipoic acid for symptomatic peripheral neuropathy in patients with diabetes
Study Type
Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Purpose
To summarize evidence on alpha-lipoic acid for symptomatic peripheral neuropathy in patients with diabetes
Dose
Various doses (typically 600-1200 mg daily or IV)
Participants
Meta-analysis of multiple RCTs with diabetic neuropathy patients
Duration
3-52 weeks across studies
Results
Pooled analysis showed significant reduction in total symptom scores with ALA administration, with IV dosing showing stronger effects than oral
How They Measured It
Total symptom score, neuropathic pain reduction, nerve conduction
Weight Loss & Obesity
To evaluate the effects of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation on body weight and BMI.
Study Type
Systematic review & dose-response meta-analysis
Purpose
To evaluate the effects of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation on body weight and BMI.
Dose
300-1,200 mg/day
Participants
12 RCTs, 500+ participants combined
Duration
4-24 weeks
Results
ALA supplementation significantly reduced body weight (WMD: -2.29 kg, 95% CI: -2.98, -1.60, p<0.01) and BMI (-0.49 kg/m², p=0.005). Waist circumference was not significantly affected. Weight loss effects were consistent across dose ranges studied.
How They Measured It
Body weight (kg), BMI (kg/m²), waist circumference
Blood Pressure & Cardiometabolic Risk
To evaluate effects of ALA supplementation on blood pressure in adults.
Study Type
Systematic review & dose-response meta-analysis
Purpose
To evaluate effects of ALA supplementation on blood pressure in adults.
Dose
300-1,200 mg/day
Participants
17 RCTs, 800+ participants
Duration
4-24 weeks
Results
ALA produced modest but significant blood pressure reductions (SBP: -2.4 mmHg; DBP: -1.3 mmHg). Effects were stronger at doses of 600 mg/day or higher. The 2025 GRADE-assessed meta-analysis of 63 RCTs confirmed cardiometabolic benefit at optimal doses of approximately 1,200 mg/day over 12 weeks.
How They Measured It
Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP)
Inflammation & Oxidative Stress
To assess the effect of ALA supplementation on inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers.
Study Type
Systematic review & meta-analysis
Purpose
To assess the effect of ALA supplementation on inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers.
Dose
300-1,200 mg/day
Participants
18 RCTs combined
Duration
3-24 weeks
Results
ALA supplementation significantly reduced CRP (-0.39 mg/L), MDA, and TNF-α. IL-6 reductions were modest with heterogeneous results. Antioxidant capacity was consistently improved, supporting ALA's role as a broad-spectrum antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.
How They Measured It
CRP, MDA (malondialdehyde), TNF-α, IL-6
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
To evaluate ALA's effects on metabolic and hormonal parameters in women with PCOS.
Study Type
Systematic review & meta-analysis
Purpose
To evaluate ALA's effects on metabolic and hormonal parameters in women with PCOS.
Dose
300-600 mg/day
Participants
9 RCTs (8 with ALA) combined
Duration
8-12 weeks
Results
ALA supplementation improved insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), reduced androgen levels, and improved menstrual regularity in women with PCOS. Modest weight loss was also observed. These findings suggest ALA may be a useful adjunct in managing the metabolic component of PCOS.
How They Measured It
HOMA-IR (insulin resistance), androgen levels, menstrual regularity, weight
Diabetic Neuropathy
To evaluate effects of oral alpha-lipoic acid on diabetic polyneuropathy
Study Type
Meta-analysis and systematic review
Purpose
To evaluate effects of oral alpha-lipoic acid on diabetic polyneuropathy
Dose
Alpha-lipoic acid (600-1,200 mg)
Participants
Meta-analysis of multiple RCTs with 1,345 subjects
Duration
Various study periods, 3-5 weeks to longer
Results
Alpha-lipoic acid improved symptoms in patients with diabetic sensorimotor peripheral neuropathy by reducing oxidative stress. Intravenous administration led to significant reductions in Total Symptom Score.
How They Measured It
Neuropathic pain, sensory function, symptom scores
To assess alpha-lipoic acid for symptomatic peripheral neuropathy in diabetes patients
Study Type
Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Purpose
To assess alpha-lipoic acid for symptomatic peripheral neuropathy in diabetes patients
Dose
Alpha-lipoic acid
Participants
Meta-analysis of RCTs in diabetic neuropathy
Duration
Various study durations
Results
Alpha-lipoic acid showed benefits for symptomatic diabetic peripheral neuropathy, particularly with longer treatment duration.
How They Measured It
Neuropathic symptoms, pain scores
Clinical trials
To investigate the effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid in prevention of paclitaxel-induced motor neuropathy of fibular and tibial nerves with alpha-lipoic acid and ipidacrin hydrochloride in breast cancer pat
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid in prevention of paclitaxel-induced motor neuropathy of fibular and tibial nerves with alpha-lipoic acid and ipidacrin hydrochloride in breast cancer pat
Dose
Alpha-Lipoic Acid (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
To investigate neurofunctional parameters of motor nerves in breast cancer (BCa) patients with paclitaxelinduced peripheral neuropathy (PIPN) and to determine the feasibility of using alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) in combination with ipidacrine hydrochloride (IPD) for PIPN prevention.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid in impact of alpha lipoic acid as an adjuvant therapy on inflammation and fibrosis in type 2 diabetic patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy: a randomized
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid in impact of alpha lipoic acid as an adjuvant therapy on inflammation and fibrosis in type 2 diabetic patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy: a randomized
Dose
Alpha-Lipoic Acid (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
Ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) is caused by oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. However, its effects on left ventricular dysfunction and myocardial fibrosis remain unclear.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid in short-term dietary caffeine intake for alleviating symptoms of burning mouth syndrome: a randomised controlled comparison with alpha-lipoic acid.
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid in short-term dietary caffeine intake for alleviating symptoms of burning mouth syndrome: a randomised controlled comparison with alpha-lipoic acid.
Dose
Alpha-Lipoic Acid (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
This study investigates whether daily supplementation of 120-150 mg of caffeine can relieve symptoms of Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) compared to alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) and a control group.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid in randomized, double-blind, controlled trial of a combination of alpha-lipoic acid and pregabalin for neuropathic pain: the pain-care trial.
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid in randomized, double-blind, controlled trial of a combination of alpha-lipoic acid and pregabalin for neuropathic pain: the pain-care trial.
Dose
Alpha-Lipoic Acid (dose not specified)
Participants
55 participants
Duration
6 weeks
Results
(1.88), 70.1 (1.88), and 69.4 (1.87) with ALA, pregabalin, and combination ( P < 0.05 for ALA vs combination and pregabalin). At MTD, there were no statistically significant treatment differences in adverse effects or drug doses. This trial demonstrates superiority of pregabalin vs ALA but provides no evidence to suggest added benefit of combining ALA with pregabalin to treat neuropathic pain.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid in l-carnitine and alpha-lipoic acid fail to improve anaerobic and aerobic performance in trained cyclists despite a reduction in blood lactate concentra
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid in l-carnitine and alpha-lipoic acid fail to improve anaerobic and aerobic performance in trained cyclists despite a reduction in blood lactate concentra
Dose
1200 mg/day
Participants
41 participants
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
: Four weeks of Acetyl-l-Carnitine and ALA supplementation did not enhance aerobic or anaerobic performance in trained cyclists, despite reducing blood lactate after high-intensity exercise, suggesting no ergogenic benefits.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid in efficacy and safety of the combination of palmitoylethanolamide, superoxide dismutase, alpha lipoic acid, vitamins b12, b1, b6, e, mg, zn and nicotina
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid in efficacy and safety of the combination of palmitoylethanolamide, superoxide dismutase, alpha lipoic acid, vitamins b12, b1, b6, e, mg, zn and nicotina
Dose
300 mg
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
To investigate the efficacy of Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA, 300 mg), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD, 70 UI), Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA, 300 mg), vitamins B6 (1.5 mg), B1 (1.1 mg), B12 (2.5 mcg), E (7.5 mg), nicotinamide (9 mg), and minerals (Mg 30 mg, Zn 2.5 mg) in one tablet in people with Diabetic Neuropathy (DN).
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid in the role of oral alpha-lipoic acid as an adjuvant antioxidant therapy in diabetic nephropathy among children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes: a r
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid in the role of oral alpha-lipoic acid as an adjuvant antioxidant therapy in diabetic nephropathy among children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes: a r
Dose
Alpha-Lipoic Acid (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
Evaluate the oxidant-antioxidant balance and the efficacy of Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) as an adjuvant therapy for diabetic nephropathy (DN) among individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D).
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
Systematic reviews
To investigate the effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid in alpha lipoic acid supplementation and iron homeostasis: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials.
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid in alpha lipoic acid supplementation and iron homeostasis: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials.
Dose
Alpha-Lipoic Acid (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
A growing body of evidence indicates the regulating effects of alpha-lipoic acid on iron metabolism. However, findings from clinical trials are equivocal. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the quantitative effect of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) supplementation on iron metabolism parameters including serum iron, total iron binding capacity, hemoglobin, and ferritin.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid in the effect of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation on anthropometric, glycemic, lipid, oxidative stress, and hormonal parameters in individuals with poly
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid in the effect of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation on anthropometric, glycemic, lipid, oxidative stress, and hormonal parameters in individuals with poly
Dose
Alpha-Lipoic Acid (dose not specified)
Participants
7 participants
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
mass index, insulin, estrogen, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, low-density lipoprotein, highdensity lipoprotein, triglyceride, total cholesterol, malondialdehyde, or total antioxidant capacity profiles. ALA supplementation improves FBS and HOMA-IR levels in women with PCOS. ALA consumption is an effective complementary therapy for the management of women with PCOS.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid in effects of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation on weight loss, inflammatory, lipid, and hematological levels in patients with chronic kidney disease: a
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid in effects of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation on weight loss, inflammatory, lipid, and hematological levels in patients with chronic kidney disease: a
Dose
Alpha-Lipoic Acid (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
The effects of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) supplementation on cardiovascular-related factors have been evaluated in a number of randomized clinical trials, with different results. Thus, in this meta-analysis, the effects of ALA on blood levels of inflammatory, lipid, and hematological markers as well as anthropometric indices in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) were evaluated.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid in effectiveness of alpha-lipoic acid in patients with neuropathic pain associated with type i and type ii diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and met
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid in effectiveness of alpha-lipoic acid in patients with neuropathic pain associated with type i and type ii diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and met
Dose
Alpha-Lipoic Acid (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
ain affects different functional and structural components of the neuroanatomical pain pathways. The review also seeks to provide guidelines for the best approach and treatment for patients experiencing this type of pain. The objective is to determine the effectiveness of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) in improving functional and symptomatic outcomes in patients with diabetes mellitus type I and type II.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid in alpha-lipoic acid on intermediate disease markers in overweight or obese adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid in alpha-lipoic acid on intermediate disease markers in overweight or obese adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Dose
Alpha-Lipoic Acid (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
To evaluate the associations between alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) intake and intermediate disease markers in overweight or obese adults.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid in effects of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation on cardiometabolic risk factors: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid in effects of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation on cardiometabolic risk factors: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.
Dose
Alpha-Lipoic Acid (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
There is no definitive consensus regarding the impacts of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) supplementation on the risk factors of cardiometabolic syndrome (CMS). This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of ALA supplementation on CMS risk factors.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid in ranking alpha lipoic acid and gamma linolenic acid in terms of efficacy and safety in the management of adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid in ranking alpha lipoic acid and gamma linolenic acid in terms of efficacy and safety in the management of adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a
Dose
Alpha-Lipoic Acid (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
American Diabetes Association and American Academy of Neurology do not address the pathologic process of denervation among patients with DN, because ancillary treatments, such as reactive oxygen scavengers, may be needed. The purpose of this work was to summarize the available evidence about the efficacy and safety of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) and gamma linolenic acid (GLA) in the management of DN.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Alpha-Lipoic Acid research
There are currently 23 peer-reviewed studies on Alpha-Lipoic Acid (Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA)), involving 3,032 total participants. Research covers Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy, Weight Loss & Obesity, Blood Pressure & Cardiometabolic Risk and 5 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (8 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid has been researched for: Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy, Weight Loss & Obesity, Blood Pressure & Cardiometabolic Risk, Inflammation & Oxidative Stress, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), Diabetic Neuropathy, Clinical trials, Systematic reviews. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 8 out of 23 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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