Alpha Lipoic Acid is a sulfur-containing antioxidant naturally produced in small amounts by the body and found in certain foods. Unlike most antioxidants, ALA is both water- and fat-soluble, allowing it to work throughout the body, including within cells and the brain.
ALA also plays a direct role in mitochondrial energy metabolism and helps regenerate other antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and glutathione.
Functions:
Acts as a universal antioxidant (water + fat soluble)
Supports glucose uptake and insulin signalling
Protects nerves from oxidative and inflammatory damage
Regenerates endogenous antioxidants (vitamin C, E, glutathione)
Supports liver detoxification enzymes
Enhances mitochondrial energy production
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is a powerful antioxidant commonly used to support:
Blood sugar balance and insulin sensitivity
Nerve health and neuropathy support
Cellular energy production (mitochondrial function)
Liver detoxification and antioxidant recycling
Skin health and healthy ageing (oxidative stress reduction)
Inflammation modulation
ALA is present in small amounts in food, but therapeutic intakes typically require supplementation.
Food Sources:
Spinach
Broccoli
Tomatoes
Brussels sprouts
Peas
Potatoes
Organ meats (especially liver and heart)
Synergistic Nutrients:
Acetyl-L-Carnitine: Enhances mitochondrial and nerve support
Magnesium: Supports insulin sensitivity and nerve relaxation
B-Complex vitamins: Assist energy metabolism
Chromium: Enhances glucose regulation
Glutathione or NAC: Works synergistically for antioxidant recycling
Typical Dosages:
Maintenance / antioxidant support: 15–30 mg/day
Metabolic or nerve support: 100–600 mg/day
Therapeutic (e.g. neuropathy, insulin resistance): 600–1,000 mg/day (divided doses)
Best taken away from meals for optimal absorption unless blood sugar sensitivity is a concern.
Warnings & Precautions
May lower blood sugar; use caution if taking insulin or glucose-lowering medications
Can cause mild nausea or reflux in sensitive individuals (start low)
High doses may reduce biotin levels - consider biotin co-supplementation
Consult a healthcare provider if pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing diabetes or thyroid conditions
Scientific Reading
NIH: Alpha Lipoic Acid Overview – ods.od.nih.gov
Linus Pauling Institute: lpi.oregonstate.edu
Ziegler et al., Diabetes Care (2006) – ALA and diabetic neuropathy
Packer et al., Free Radical Biology & Medicine (1995) – Antioxidant recycling
Shay et al., Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (2009) – Mitochondrial and metabolic effects