Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA, thioctic acid)
Also known as: ALA, Thioctic acid
A versatile antioxidant compound studied for diabetic nerve pain and metabolic health, sold as a supplement and used as a drug in some countries.
Overview
Alpha-lipoic acid is a naturally occurring compound that works as an antioxidant in both water and fat environments and helps regenerate other antioxidants. It has been studied most for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, where intravenous forms are used as a medicine in some countries, with more modest oral results. It is widely sold as a supplement. It is not a peptide but appears across antioxidant and metabolic resources.
Mechanism of action
Acts as a broad-spectrum antioxidant, regenerates vitamins C and E and glutathione, and supports mitochondrial energy metabolism.
Key studies & citations
- Review2004
Treatment of symptomatic diabetic polyneuropathy with the antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid: a meta-analysis
600 mg/day intravenous ALA for 3 weeks improved neuropathic symptoms and deficits; responder rate 52.7% versus 36.9%.
Diabetic Medicine - Human2006
Oral treatment with alpha-lipoic acid improves symptomatic diabetic polyneuropathy: the SYDNEY 2 trial
Oral ALA 600 to 1,800 mg for 5 weeks reduced symptom scores by about 50% versus 32% with placebo; 600 mg gave the best risk-benefit.
Diabetes Care - Human2011
Efficacy and safety of antioxidant treatment with alpha-lipoic acid over 4 years in diabetic polyneuropathy: the NATHAN 1 trial
4-year oral ALA missed its composite primary endpoint but improved and slowed progression of neuropathic impairment.
Diabetes Care
Frequently asked questions
Is alpha-lipoic acid a peptide?
No. It is a small sulfur-containing compound. It is included because it is a widely used antioxidant that appears across peptide and longevity resources.