Rankings / Mitochondria & Cellular Energy
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA)
Mitochondria & Cellular Energy · Antioxidant / mitochondrial
Tier B+
Bottom line
Read Off Label grades Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) as B+ (7.1/10) based on moderate evidence, med benefit magnitude, and a low-risk safety profile.
IV form (600 mg) standard in Germany for diabetic neuropathy (ALADIN trials).
Typical use: 300-1800 mg/day PO (R-enantiomer more bioavailable); empty stomach — OTC.
What this is
IV form (600 mg) standard in Germany for diabetic neuropathy (ALADIN trials). Oral R-ALA more bioavailable than racemic. Chelation properties mean it can deplete thiamine chronically — supplement or cycle.
Mechanism
Both fat- and water-soluble antioxidant; regenerates glutathione, vitamin C/E; essential cofactor for pyruvate/alpha-KG dehydrogenase; heavy metal chelator
Dose & route
300-1800 mg/day PO (R-enantiomer more bioavailable); empty stomach
Citations
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16702764/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22887617/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4037019/
- https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18101538
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Common questions
- Does Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) work?
- Read Off Label rates the evidence for Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) as Moderate and the benefit magnitude as med, producing an overall grade of B+ (7.1/10). IV form (600 mg) standard in Germany for diabetic neuropathy (ALADIN trials).
- Is Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) safe?
- Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) has a low risk profile in published human data. Legal status: OTC. This is not medical advice — see the disclaimer.
- What is the typical dose for Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA)?
- 300-1800 mg/day PO (R-enantiomer more bioavailable); empty stomach
- How does Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) work?
- Both fat- and water-soluble antioxidant; regenerates glutathione, vitamin C/E; essential cofactor for pyruvate/alpha-KG dehydrogenase; heavy metal chelator
This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.