---
title: "Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) — Evidence, Benefits & Where to Buy | Magellan"
description: "Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) — Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), also called thioctic acid, is a naturally occurring sulfur-containing compound synthesized in…"
url: "https://magellanlongevity.com/p/129.md"
canonical: "https://magellanlongevity.com/p/129.html"
html: "https://magellanlongevity.com/p/129.html"
type: "product"
section: "Nutraceuticals & Cellular Energizers"
evidence_grade: "Moderate evidence"
evidence_tier: "moderate"
citations: 22
product_id: 129
price_usd: 16.99
updated: 2026-09-02
author: "Gabriel Radu, DO"
author_credentials: "Physiatrist (PM&R). NY medical license 275110. NPI 1376861765."
publisher: "Magellan Longevity"
content_format: "markdown"
license: "Educational content — not medical advice"
---

# Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA)

[Home](https://magellanlongevity.com/) › [Nutraceuticals & Cellular Energizers](https://magellanlongevity.com/c/1.md) › Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA)

**HTML version:** https://magellanlongevity.com/p/129.html · **In the Magellan app:** https://magellanlongevity.com/#/product/129

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Product | Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) |
| Category | [Nutraceuticals & Cellular Energizers](https://magellanlongevity.com/c/1.md) |
| Evidence grade | Moderate evidence (B) |
| Peer-reviewed citations | 22 |
| Typical listed price | $16.99 (check the live price) |
| Where to buy | [Search Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Alpha-Lipoic%20Acid%20%28ALA%29&tag=magellanlong-20) |
| Catalog ID | 129 |

## What it is

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), also called thioctic acid, is a naturally occurring sulfur-containing compound synthesized in mitochondria, where it serves as an essential cofactor for enzymes that convert nutrients into cellular energy. Being both water- and fat-soluble, ALA and its reduced form dihydrolipoic acid act as broad-spectrum, so-called universal antioxidants that scavenge free radicals, chelate metals, and regenerate other antioxidants such as vitamins C and E. It is present in small amounts in foods such as red meat, spinach and broccoli, and is manufactured for use as an oral or intravenous supplement.

## Its role in longevity

The best-supported clinical use of ALA is for symptomatic diabetic peripheral neuropathy: randomized trials and meta-analyses, including the SYDNEY 2 and ALADIN programs, indicate that intravenous and oral ALA can reduce neuropathic pain, burning and numbness, with 600 mg/day identified as the optimal dose, although some longer trials such as ALADIN III found no benefit distinguishable from placebo. Importantly, the 4-year NATHAN 1 trial found that symptoms improved but nerve-function decline was not slowed, so disease modification remains unproven. Meta-analyses also report modest improvements in fasting glucose, insulin resistance, HbA1c, body weight, and inflammatory markers such as CRP and IL-6, though largely from small, heterogeneous trials. European regulators have flagged a rare association between ALA and insulin autoimmune syndrome (autoimmune hypoglycemia), especially in genetically susceptible people. This research describes the alpha-lipoic acid compound and its antioxidant mechanism itself, not this specific commercial product.

## Evidence grade: Moderate evidence

- **What the grade means:** Curated grade based on the human and mechanistic evidence for this compound.
- **Dose used in studies:** 300–600 mg/day typical (600 mg/day optimal for neuropathy symptoms); up to 1,800 mg/day used in trials
- **What this grade does not say:** The strongest evidence is symptom relief in diabetic neuropathy plus modest glycemic, lipid, and inflammatory-marker improvements, mostly from small heterogeneous trials. The 4-year NATHAN 1 trial found no slowing of neuropathy progression, and European regulators flag a rare insulin autoimmune syndrome (autoimmune hypoglycemia) risk.

## Where it comes from without a bottle

Food, exercise and behaviour routes to the same pathway, each with its citation.

| Natural source | How it works | Citation |
| --- | --- | --- |
| A Mediterranean-style antioxidant diet (endogenous ALA support) | Honest note: foods contain only tiny, protein-bound traces of lipoic acid, and your own cells synthesize it — but that synthesis falls with age. ALA works by regenerating other antioxidants (vitamins C, E, glutathione), so a diet rich in those nutrients supports the same redox network. | Biochim Biophys Acta 2009 [PMID 19664690](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19664690/) |
| Spinach, broccoli & organ/red meats | The small amounts of natural lipoic acid in the diet come bound to mitochondria-rich tissues — leafy greens like spinach and broccoli and especially organ meats. They are also the best whole-food sources of the mitochondrial cofactors ALA partners with. | Nutr Neurosci 2017 [PMID 29185388](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29185388/) |

### What those papers actually say

1. **A Mediterranean-style antioxidant diet (endogenous ALA support)**
   Biochim Biophys Acta 2009 · [PMID 19664690](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19664690/) · [DOI 10.1016/j.bbagen.2009.07.026](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbagen.2009.07.026)

   > scavenges free radicals, chelates metals, and restores intracellular glutathione levels which otherwise decline with age.

2. **Spinach, broccoli & organ/red meats**
   Nutr Neurosci 2017 · [PMID 29185388](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29185388/) · [DOI 10.1080/1028415X.2017.1386755](https://doi.org/10.1080/1028415X.2017.1386755)

   > α-lipoic acid (ALA) is a natural antioxidant which acts as a cofactor of bioenergetic mitochondrial enzymes.

## In the news

- **Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) and Diabetic Neuropathy** — Healthline 2023 [Read it](https://www.healthline.com/health/alpha-lipoic-acid-and-diabetes)
  > ALA is a potential natural method for relieving nerve pain that occurs due to diabetes. ALA potentially lowers blood glucose, which can protect from nerve damage.
- **Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA): Benefits and Side Effects** — WebMD 2025 [Read it](https://www.webmd.com/diet/alpha-lipoic-acid-ala)
  > Because of its antioxidant benefits, alpha-lipoic acid is thought to help with conditions that involve oxidative stress, such as diabetic nerve pain (neuropathy).
- **Alpha Lipoic Acid - Health Encyclopedia** — University of Rochester Medical Center 2026 [Read it](https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content?contenttypeid=19&contentid=AlphalipoicAcid)
  > ALA is a strong antioxidant. This function may protect nerve tissue from damage. Conditions, such as diabetes, may be helped by antioxidants such as ALA.

## The research

Peer-reviewed studies on the active compound. Quotes are verbatim from the cited abstract. Research describes the active mechanism and is not a claim about this specific product.

### Cited studies

1. **Evidence: universal antioxidant, glucose metabolism**
   Nutrients 2023 · [PMID 37630823](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37630823/) · [DOI 10.3390/nu15163634](https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15163634)

   > ALA treatment had favorable effects by reducing sensory symptoms

2. **Oral Alpha Lipoic Acid Treatment for Symptomatic Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Randomized Double-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Study**
   Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets 2020 · [PMID 32370731](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32370731/) · [DOI 10.2174/1871530320666200506081407](https://doi.org/10.2174/1871530320666200506081407)

   > ALA-treated patients had significantly better results regarding almost all outcome parameters

3. **Examining oxidative stress as a mechanistic link between sleep irregularity and cardiovascular risk**
   Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2026 · [PMID 41740185](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41740185/) · [DOI 10.1152/ajpheart.00006.2026](https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpheart.00006.2026)

   > antioxidant supplementation with alpha-lipoic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin E reduced oxidative stress and normalized blood pressure control

4. **Evaluation of the analgesic effect of α-lipoic acid in treating pain disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials**
   Pharmacological Research 2022 · [PMID 35026405](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35026405/) · [DOI 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106075](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106075)

   > A systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs found alpha-lipoic acid reduced stabbing pain, burning, paraesthesia and numbness versus placebo in diabetic polyneuropathy by both oral and intravenous routes.

5. **Treatment of symptomatic diabetic polyneuropathy with the antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid: a meta-analysis**
   Diabetic Medicine 2004 · [PMID 14984445](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14984445/) · [DOI 10.1111/j.1464-5491.2004.01109.x](https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1464-5491.2004.01109.x)

   > This meta-analysis found alpha-lipoic acid (600 mg/day) over 3 weeks safely and significantly improved neuropathic symptoms and deficits to a clinically meaningful degree in symptomatic diabetic polyneuropathy.

6. **Alpha-lipoic acid for diabetic peripheral neuropathy.**
   Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2024 · [PMID 38205823](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38205823/) · [DOI 10.1002/14651858.CD012967.pub2](https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD012967.pub2)

   > ALA compared with placebo may have little or no effect on impairment measured by the Neuropathy Impairment Score-Lower Limbs (NIS-LL; lower score is better) after six months (MD -1.02 points, 95% CI -2.93 to 0.89; 1 study, 245 participants; low-certainty evidence).

7. **Randomized, double-blind, controlled trial of a combination of alpha-lipoic acid and pregabalin for neuropathic pain: the PAIN-CARE trial.**
   Pain 2024 · [PMID 37678556](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37678556/) · [DOI 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003038](https://doi.org/10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003038)

   > This trial demonstrates superiority of pregabalin vs ALA but provides no evidence to suggest added benefit of combining ALA with pregabalin to treat neuropathic pain.

8. **Oral treatment with alpha-lipoic acid improves symptomatic diabetic polyneuropathy: the SYDNEY 2 trial.**
   Diabetes Care 2006 · [PMID 17065669](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17065669/) · [DOI 10.2337/dc06-1216](https://doi.org/10.2337/dc06-1216)

   > Oral treatment with ALA for 5 weeks improved neuropathic symptoms and deficits in patients with DSP. An oral dose of 600 mg once daily appears to provide the optimum risk-to-benefit ratio.

9. **Alpha-lipoic acid in the treatment of diabetic peripheral and cardiac autonomic neuropathy.**
   Diabetes 1997 · [PMID 9285502](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9285502/) · [DOI 10.2337/diab.46.2.s62](https://doi.org/10.2337/diab.46.2.s62)

   > In conclusion, intravenous treatment with alpha-lipoic acid (600 mg/day) over 3 weeks is safe and effective in reducing symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and oral treatment with 800 mg/day for 4 months may improve cardiac autonomic dysfunction in NIDDM.

10. **Treatment of symptomatic diabetic polyneuropathy with the antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid: a 7-month multicenter randomized controlled trial (ALADIN III Study). ALADIN III Study Group. Alpha-Lipoic Acid in Diabetic Neuropathy.**
    Diabetes Care 1999 · [PMID 10480774](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10480774/) · [DOI 10.2337/diacare.22.8.1296](https://doi.org/10.2337/diacare.22.8.1296)

    > These findings indicate that a 3-week intravenous treatment with alpha-lipoic acid, followed by a 6-month oral treatment, had no effect on neuropathic symptoms distinguishable from placebo to a clinically meaningful degree, possibly due to increasing intercenter variability in symptom scoring during the study.

11. **A systematic review and meta-analysis of α-lipoic acid in the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.**
    Eur J Endocrinol 2012 · [PMID 22837391](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22837391/) · [DOI 10.1530/EJE-12-0555](https://doi.org/10.1530/EJE-12-0555)

    > The results of this meta-analysis provide evidence that treatment with ALA (300-600 mg/day i.v. for 2-4 weeks) is safe and that the treatment can significantly improve both nerve conduction velocity and positive neuropathic symptoms.

12. **The effects of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation on glucose control and lipid profiles among patients with metabolic diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.**
    Metabolism 2018 · [PMID 29990473](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29990473/) · [DOI 10.1016/j.metabol.2018.07.002](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.metabol.2018.07.002)

    > Overall, the current meta-analysis demonstrated that ALA administration may lead to an improvement in glucose homeostasis parameters and lipid profiles except HDL-cholesterol levels.

13. **Effects of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation on cardiometabolic risk factors: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.**
    Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2025 · [PMID 41077538](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41077538/) · [DOI 10.1016/j.numecd.2025.104370](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.numecd.2025.104370)

    > ALA supplementation may improve certain cardiometabolic risk factors by ameliorating anthropometric and glycemic parameters, as well as through its potential lipid-lowering effects.

14. **The effect of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation on anthropometric, glycemic, lipid, oxidative stress, and hormonal parameters in individuals with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.**
    Obstet Gynecol Sci 2023 · [PMID 38044616](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38044616/) · [DOI 10.5468/ogs.23206](https://doi.org/10.5468/ogs.23206)

    > ALA supplementation improves FBS and HOMA-IR levels in women with PCOS. ALA consumption is an effective complementary therapy for the management of women with PCOS.

15. **Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) as a supplementation for weight loss: results from a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.**
    Obes Rev 2017 · [PMID 28295905](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28295905/) · [DOI 10.1111/obr.12528](https://doi.org/10.1111/obr.12528)

    > Alpha-lipoic acid treatment showed small, yet significant short-term weight loss compared with placebo.

16. **Alpha-lipoic acid supplementation effects on serum values of some oxidative stress biomarkers in women with gestational diabetes.**
    Gynecol Endocrinol 2021 · [PMID 34369837](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34369837/) · [DOI 10.1080/09513590.2021.1963955](https://doi.org/10.1080/09513590.2021.1963955)

    > The current study showed that ALA supplementation at a dosage of 300 mg/day in women with GDM had improving effects on maternal circulating values of FBS, TAC, OSI, TAG, TOS, glutathione and catalase.

17. **Randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial examining the effects of alpha-lipoic acid supplement on the spermatogram and seminal oxidative stress in infertile men.**
    Fertil Steril 2015 · [PMID 26051095](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26051095/) · [DOI 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.05.014](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.05.014)

    > ALA supplementation also resulted in a significant improvement in seminal levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde compared with the placebo.

18. **Supplementation with α-Lipoic Acid Alone or in Combination with Eicosapentaenoic Acid Modulates the Inflammatory Status of Healthy Overweight or Obese Women Consuming an Energy-Restricted Diet.**
    J Nutr 2015 · [PMID 26962183](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26962183/) · [DOI 10.3945/jn.115.224105](https://doi.org/10.3945/jn.115.224105)

    > Dietary supplementation with LA improves some systemic inflammatory and cardiovascular disease-related risk markers in healthy overweight or obese women independently of weight loss, whereas EPA modulates inflammation-related genes in adipose tissue.

19. **Effect of add-on alpha lipoic acid on psychopathology in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia: a pilot randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial.**
    Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022 · [PMID 36069950](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36069950/) · [DOI 10.1007/s00213-022-06225-2](https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-022-06225-2)

    > ALA supplementation improved psychopathology and decreased oxidative stress in patients with TRS. This study thus shows the potential of adjunctive ALA in TRS.

20. **α-Lipoic Acid as Adjunctive Treatment for Schizophrenia: A Randomized Double-Blind Study.**
    J Clin Psychopharmacol 2023 · [PMID 36584248](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36584248/) · [DOI 10.1097/JCP.0000000000001639](https://doi.org/10.1097/JCP.0000000000001639)

    > We found no significant improvement in body mass index, cognition, psychopathology, antipsychotic adverse effects, or oxidative stress and inflammation in the experimental group compared with placebo.

21. **Efficacy and safety of antioxidant treatment with α-lipoic acid over 4 years in diabetic polyneuropathy: the NATHAN 1 trial.**
    Diabetes care 2011 · [PMID 21775755](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21775755/)

    > In the 4-year NATHAN 1 trial, ALA improved neuropathy symptoms but did not significantly improve the primary neuropathy-impairment composite, leaving disease modification unproven.

22. **The effect of alpha-lipoic acid on inflammatory mediators: a systematic review and meta-analysis on randomized clinical trials.**
    European journal of pharmacology 2019 · [PMID 30721699](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30721699/)

    > A meta-analysis of 19 RCTs found ALA significantly lowered CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α, though with very high heterogeneity across studies.

## Where to buy

[Search Amazon for Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA)](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Alpha-Lipoic%20Acid%20%28ALA%29&tag=magellanlong-20) — affiliate search link.

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## Scope and disclosures

Educational information, not medical advice. Nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your physician before starting any supplement or device, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.

Editorial firewall: evidence grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of any affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, Magellan Longevity earns from qualifying purchases.

Reviewed for accuracy by a board-certified physician (DO).