Alpha-Lipoic Acid

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a powerful antioxidant compound that plays a crucial role in supporting overall health and well-being. Found naturally in the body and in certain foods, ALA exhibits unique properties that contribute to its diverse range of health benefits. 

This compound is renowned for its ability to combat oxidative stress, enhance cellular energy production, and exert anti-inflammatory effects. Moreover, ALA has garnered attention for its potential neuroprotective properties, as well as its role in regulating blood sugar levels and supporting cardiovascular health. 

Understanding the significance of ALA, its recommended daily intake, dietary sources, and testing methods for assessing ALA levels are essential components in unlocking its full potential for promoting optimal health.

What is Alpha Lipoic Acid?

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a potent antioxidant compound characterized by its unique chemical structure, featuring a sulfur-containing carbon chain with two thiol (sulfhydryl) groups, which confer its antioxidant properties. 

This structure allows ALA to readily donate or accept electrons, making it effective in neutralizing harmful free radicals and protecting cells from oxidative damage. 

ALA can be synthesized within the human body, but it's also found abundantly in various foods such as organ meats, spinach, broccoli, and tomatoes. Once ingested, ALA undergoes metabolism primarily in the liver, where it is converted into dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA). 

DHLA is a more potent antioxidant than ALA itself and plays a crucial role in scavenging free radicals and regenerating other antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, further enhancing the body's antioxidant defense system. 

Despite its bioavailability and ability to cross cell membranes, ALA is rapidly metabolized and excreted, necessitating regular intake for sustained antioxidant support. Understanding ALA's chemical properties, sources, and metabolism is essential for clinicians to leverage its therapeutic potential effectively in clinical practice.

Recommended Daily Intake of Alpha Lipoic Acid

There is no recommended daily intake (RDI) set forth for alpha lipoic acid intake.  However, it is commonly supplemented in oral doses between 300-1800 mg per day, with many research studies using doses between 600-1800 mg per day.  [7.] 

Health Benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid

Alpha Lipoic acid offers many health benefits across various body systems.  Some of its major known benefits include: 

Antioxidant Support: ALA scavenges free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and protecting cells from damage, thereby supporting overall health and longevity.  [9.]

Metabolic Health: ALA enhances glucose uptake and utilization, promoting healthy blood sugar levels and improving insulin sensitivity, making it beneficial for individuals with diabetes or metabolic syndrome.  It also has direct functional capacity inside mitochondria, making it an important component of healthy metabolic function.  [2.]

Neuroprotection: ALA crosses the blood-brain barrier and exerts neuroprotective effects, reducing inflammation, supporting nerve function, and potentially mitigating neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.  Both oral and IV ALA are used in studies to promote nervous system health.  [7.]

Cardiovascular Health: ALA improves endothelial function, reduces inflammation in blood vessels, and lowers oxidative stress, contributing to heart health and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.  [10.]

Liver Health: ALA supports liver function by aiding in detoxification processes, reducing inflammation, and protecting against oxidative damage, making it beneficial for individuals with liver conditions such as fatty liver disease or hepatitis.  [2., 5., 7.]

Skin Health: ALA's antioxidant properties help protect skin cells from damage caused by environmental stressors and UV radiation, promoting healthy skin aging and potentially alleviating conditions like acne or dermatitis.  [9.]

Eye Health: ALA may help protect against age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the eyes.  Oral doses of 300 mg/day for 3 months have been shown to maintain and improve functional vision in type 1 and type 2 diabetics.  [7.]

Cognitive Function: ALA's ability to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain may support cognitive function, memory, and overall brain health, potentially reducing the risk of cognitive decline associated with aging.  [3.]

Symptoms of Low Alpha Lipoic Acid

It is difficult to determine a clear symptom picture for low levels of alpha lipoic acid; instead, it is best to consider the individual’s overall health and aging status and assess factors such as inflammation, cellular oxidation and antioxidant capacity through targeted functional testing.  

Common symptoms that manifest in early aging and increased oxidation include accelerated aging, chronic inflammation, and heightened risk of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer. 

Neurological symptoms such as cognitive decline, memory impairment, and neuropathy may also occur due to ALA's role in protecting nerve cells and supporting optimal brain function. 

Additionally, individuals with low ALA levels may experience fatigue, weakness, and reduced energy levels, as ALA is involved in cellular energy production. 

Ensuring adequate ALA intake through dietary sources or supplements may help mitigate these symptoms and support overall health and well-being.

Medical Conditions Associated with Low Alpha Lipoic Acid

There is no clear disease process caused by low levels of alpha lipoic acid; instead, it is important to consider an alpha lipoic acid deficiency in the context of certain situations including accelerated aging, increased inflammation, and medical conditions including: 

Diabetes mellitus: ALA plays a crucial role in glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and mitigating oxidative stress associated with diabetic complications.  It is also beneficial for people suffering from diabetic neuropathy.  [4.]

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's: individuals with these conditions may exhibit lower ALA levels, suggesting a potential link between ALA deficiency and neurological dysfunction. [7.]

Cardiovascular diseases: certain cardiovascular diseases have been associated with low ALA status due to ALA's protective effects on blood vessels and its ability to reduce inflammation and oxidative damage in the cardiovascular system.  [7., 10.]

Liver disease: liver diseases such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), alcoholic liver disease (ALD), and other instances of oxidative liver damage have been associated with low alpha lipoic acid (ALA) levels.  [1., 2., 5.]

Safety Considerations and Potential Side Effects of High Alpha Lipoic Acid

While alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is generally considered safe when used at recommended dosages, excessive levels of ALA intake may lead to potential side effects and safety concerns. 

Doses up to 1800 mg daily are used; one study used doses at 2400 mg a day and reported no adverse effects.  [7.]

High doses of ALA supplementation have been associated with gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Additionally, some individuals may experience allergic reactions or skin rash as a result of ALA supplementation. 

ALA may interact with certain medications including thyroid hormones, chemotherapy drugs, and medications for diabetes, leading to adverse effects or altering their effectiveness. 

It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting ALA supplementation, especially for individuals with underlying medical conditions or those taking medications, to minimize the risk of adverse reactions and ensure safe use.

Foods Rich in Alpha Lipoic Acid

Foods rich in alpha lipoic acid (ALA) include both plant-based and animal-derived sources. 

Animal-derived sources of ALA include organ meats such as liver, kidney, and heart, as well as red meats like beef and pork. [8.]

Among plant-based options, spinach, broccoli,  and to a lesser extent Brussels sprouts and tomatoes are notable for their ALA content. [6.]

While ALA is found in a variety of foods, its concentration may vary, and cooking methods can affect its availability. Incorporating a diverse range of ALA-rich foods into the diet can help ensure an adequate intake of this essential antioxidant compound, supporting overall health and well-being.

Supplementing Alpha Lipoic Acid

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is available in both oral supplement and intravenous injection forms, with research suggesting promising therapeutic applications in various medical conditions, including type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), neuropathy, and ischemic-perfusion injury. 

Oral daily doses range from 300 mg of ALA up to 1800 mg daily for up to six months. 

Intravenous injection of 600 mg of ALA daily has been shown to improve positive neuropathic symptoms and neuropathic deficits according to research findings.

Testing for Alpha Lipoic Acid Levels

Testing alpha lipoic acid (ALA) levels in the body is beneficial to assess nutritional status and monitor therapeutic interventions. Blood tests are the most common approach. 

These tests measure the concentration of ALA in plasma or serum samples, providing valuable insights into ALA status and potential deficiencies.  

The common procedure for obtaining a blood sample for alpha lipoic acid testing involves a healthcare professional using a sterile needle to puncture a vein in the arm, allowing for the collection of a small amount of blood into a vacuum tube or syringe.  Fasting is generally recommended, and certain supplements should be avoided prior to testing.

Interpretation of test results involves comparing ALA levels to lab-established reference ranges, considering individual factors such as age, gender, and health status. Deviations from normal ALA levels may indicate nutritional deficiencies or underlying health issues, guiding appropriate interventions to optimize ALA intake and support overall health. 

Additionally, monitoring ALA levels over time can help assess the effectiveness of dietary changes or supplementation in addressing ALA deficiencies and improving health outcomes.