What Is Alpha-Lipoic Acid? Conditions in Which ALA Is Being Tested and Its Side Effects

Other known names

• ALA
• Thioctic acid
• Lipoate
• Thioctan

Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant and a compound naturally produced by the body. Alpha-lipoic acid supplements may be taken to treat and prevent cancer and to treat diabetes, diabetic neuropathies, HIV / AIDS and liver diseases. Alpha-lipoic acid, which plays a very important role in energy production, acts as a powerful antioxidant and is claimed to have an apoptotic (programmed cell death) effect on tumor cells.

Which Foods Contain Alpha-Lipoic Acid?

• Meat
• spinach
• broccoli
• tomatoes
• peas
• Brussels sprouts
• rice bran

Intended Uses of Alpha-Lipoic Acid Supplements

As an antioxidant

Laboratory studies confirm the antioxidant effect of alpha-lipoic acid. Chemical processes occurring at the cellular level in living organisms produce waste substances called oxygen radicals. Certain substances with antioxidant properties, both produced by the body and obtained from food, remove, neutralize and transform these waste products. The necessity of antioxidant substances and systems for sustaining life is indisputable. However, antioxidants are not used only by healthy cells. Cancer cells are metabolically more active, so they produce more cellular waste and need more antioxidants. Taking antioxidants as supplements is therefore risky in cancer.

To prevent and treat cancer

Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant, and there is no evidence that it can be used to treat cancer.

To treat diabetes-related symptoms / complications

Alpha-lipoic acid is being tested to relieve conditions such as diabetic neuropathy, meaning impaired sensation and nerve damage in the hands and feet caused by diabetes. Some studies suggest that it may be effective for this purpose.

To treat drug-induced damage to the auditory nerve

No clinical study has evaluated this use.

To treat HIV and AIDS

No scientific study supports this use.

To treat hepatitis / liver disease

Several studies suggest that alpha-lipoic acid may protect against non-alcohol-related liver disease. More research is needed before a definitive statement can be made.

What Are the Side Effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid?

Alpha-lipoic acid may lower blood sugar levels. Powerful antioxidants also carry a risk of reducing the effectiveness of cancer treatments. Taking antioxidants as supplements should therefore be avoided, particularly during cancer treatment.

Conclusion

Taking alpha-lipoic acid generally appears safe, but it has not been proven beneficial for any of its proposed uses. Patients with diabetes should consult their doctors before using alpha-lipoic acid. There is no evidence supporting its use to treat diabetes, HIV or liver disease. Taking it as a supplement during cancer treatment carries a risk because of its powerful antioxidant content. It is worth emphasizing that this risk concerns “supplement” use; alpha-lipoic acid containing foods can be consumed in normal amounts without concern.