Alpha Lipoic Acid Research
41 peer-reviewed studies · Evidence score: 9/10
Preventive Medications in Pediatric Migraine: A Network Meta-Analysis
Kohandel Gargari O et al. • JAMA network open (2024)
In this network meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials, topiramate and pregabalin were associated with reduction in headache frequency and intensity.
- Compared with placebo, pregabalin (ratio of means [RoM], 0.38; 95% CI, 0.18-0.79) and topiramate with vitamin D3 (RoM, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.30-0.65) were associated with reduction in migraine frequency.
- However, no treatments were associated with significant improvements in quality of life or reduction of the duration of migraine attacks.
- Adverse events were higher with amitriptyline (RR, 3.81; 95% CI, 1.41-10.32), topiramate (RR, 4.34; 95% CI, 1.60-11.75), and valproate (RR, 5.93; 95% CI, 1.93-18.23) compared with placebo.
Effects of Oral Alpha-Lipoic Acid Treatment on Diabetic Polyneuropathy: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review
Hsieh RY et al. • Nutrients (2023)
The use of ALA to prevent neurological symptoms should be further researched.
- ALA treatment produced favorable results for TSS (a dose-related trend was observed), NDS, and the global satisfaction score.
- For VAS, VPT, NIS-LL, and NCS results, ALA did not produce favorable results.
- The use of ALA to prevent neurological symptoms should be further researched.
Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplementation and Iron Homeostasis: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials
Sharifi-Zahabi E et al. • International journal for vitamin and nutrition research. Internationale Zeitschrift fur Vitamin- und Ernahrungsforschung. Journal international de vitaminologie et de nutrition (2024)
ALA supplementation had no statistically significant effect on iron-related parameters.
- In subgroup analysis, ALA significantly increased hemoglobin in patients with hematological disorders (WMD = 1.23 g/dL; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.45 g/dL; I2 = 96.6%, p < 0.001) and in studies with durations longer than 8 weeks (WMD = 1.03 g/dL; 95% CI: 0.82, 1.25 g/dL; I2 = 96.5%, p = 0.02).
- ALA supplementation had no statistically significant effect on iron-related parameters.
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
An updated systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of the randomized controlled trials on the effects of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers
Vajdi M et al. • International journal for vitamin and nutrition research. Internationale Zeitschrift fur Vitamin- und Ernahrungsforschung. Journal international de vitaminologie et de nutrition (2023)
In summary, ALA supplementation improves inflammatory markers without any evidence of non-linear association to dose or duration of the trial.
- The weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to evaluate the pooled effect size.
- The findings of the meta-analysis showed that ALA supplementation significantly reduced CRP (WMD: -0.69 mg/L, 95% CI: -1.13, -0.26, P=0.002), IL-6 (WMD: -1.83 pg/ml, 95% CI: -2.90, -0.76, P=0.001), and TNF-α concentrations (WMD: -0.45 pg/ml, 95% CI: -0.85, -0.04, P=0.032).
- No evidence of departure from linearity was observed between dose and duration of the ALA supplementation on serum CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α concentration.
Role of alpha-lipoic acid in vascular function: A systematic review of human intervention studies
Hajizadeh-Sharafabad F et al. • Critical reviews in food science and nutrition (2022)
In conclusion, these results suggest improvement of endothelial function, but not endothelium-independent vasodilation as a potential mechanism by which ALA attenuates cardiovascular diseases.
- Of 11 trials that evaluated endothelial function by methods such as flow-mediated dilation (n = 7), reactive hyperemia (n = 2) and ACh-induced endothelium-dependent vasodilation (n = 2), 10 reported a significant improvement in endothelial function.
- In contrast, none of six trials examining the response of endothelium-independent vasodilation reported the favorable impact.
- The effect of ALA on arterial stiffness measures has been poorly studied.
Micronutrient Supplementation to Reduce Cardiovascular Risk
An P et al. • Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2022)
Supplementation of some but not all micronutrients may benefit cardiometabolic health.
- Specifically, n-3 fatty acid supplementation decreased CVD mortality (relative risk [RR]: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.88-0.97), myocardial infarction (RR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.78-0.92), and coronary heart disease events (RR: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.80-0.93).
- Folic acid supplementation decreased stroke risk (RR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.72-0.97), and coenzyme Q10 supplementation decreased all-cause mortality events (RR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.49-0.94).
- Supplementation of some but not all micronutrients may benefit cardiometabolic health.
Effects of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation on body weight and glycemic parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Namazi N et al. • Clinical Nutrition ESPEN (2018)
ALA supplementation resulted in significant reductions in body weight and BMI compared to placebo.
- Significant weight loss effect: mean difference of -1.27 kg vs placebo across pooled RCTs
- Significant reduction in BMI (-0.43 kg/m2) in supplemented groups
- Weight loss effects were independent of glycemic status, benefiting both diabetic and non-diabetic subjects
Effects of selected dietary supplements on migraine prophylaxis: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Talandashti MK et al. • Neurological sciences : official journal of the Italian Neurological Society and of the Italian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology (2025)
The use of certain dietary supplements has resulted in a significant decrease in migraine prophylaxis.
- In adults, compared with placebo, these supplements did not significantly affect other outcomes, and omega-3 supplementation did not yield a statistically significant reduction in any of these outcomes.
- The use of certain dietary supplements has resulted in a significant decrease in migraine prophylaxis.
- Further clinical trials of high quality appear to be beneficial.
The Effect of Dietary Supplements on Male Infertility in Terms of Pregnancy, Live Birth, and Sperm Parameters: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Michaelsen MP et al. • Nutrients (2025)
This study found no convincing evidence of an effect of any dietary supplements on male infertility.
- This study found no convincing evidence of an effect of any dietary supplements on male infertility.
- Larger and more well-conducted randomized controlled trials focusing on specific supplements and considering pregnancy outcomes are needed.
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid Supplementation on Weight Loss, Inflammatory, Lipid, and Hematological Levels in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Rezaei H et al. • Journal of renal nutrition : the official journal of the Council on Renal Nutrition of the National Kidney Foundation (2025)
These findings revealed that ALA supplementation slightly but significantly reduced blood levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, total cholestrol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, but did not affect IL-6, malondialdehyde, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, weight, body mass index, iron, and hemoglobin in patients with CKD.
- However, compared to the control group, total cholestrol levels were considerably lower in CKD patients (WMD = -5.48 mg/dL, 95% CI: -10.55, -0.41, I2 = 0.0%, P = .50).
- Moreover, the sensitivity analyses showed that pooled WMDs for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly changed (-6.88 mg/dL, 95% CI, -12.78, -0.98).
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Efficacy of different therapeutic options for pain relief and treatment of burning mouth syndrome: a systematic review
Rossetti A et al. • Clinical oral investigations (2025)
While topical clonazepam, alpha-lipoic acid, and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) emerged as potentially effective options in several RCTs, the overall strength of evidence is limited.
- While topical clonazepam, alpha-lipoic acid, and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) emerged as potentially effective options in several RCTs, the overall strength of evidence is limited.
- These therapies appear promising, but further high-quality, larger randomized trials are needed before firm first-line recommendations can be made.
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
The role of diet and non-pharmacologic supplements in the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain: A systematic review
Frediani JK et al. • Pain practice : the official journal of World Institute of Pain (2024)
Based on the review, we cannot recommend any supplement use for the management of CIPN, although further research into N-acetyl-cysteine, l-carnosine, crocin, and magnesium is warranted.
- Based on the review, we cannot recommend any supplement use for the management of CIPN, although further research into N-acetyl-cysteine, l-carnosine, crocin, and magnesium is warranted.
- Acetyl-l-carnitine was found to be likely ineffective or harmful.
- Alpha-lipoic acid was not found effective.
Comparative efficacy and safety of Chinese patent medicines as an adjunctive therapy for diabetic peripheral neuropathy: systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Wang Q et al. • Pharmaceutical biology (2024)
This network meta-analysis confirms the efficacy and safety of 37 CPMs combined with Mec or αLA for treating DPN.
- This network meta-analysis confirms the efficacy and safety of 37 CPMs combined with Mec or αLA for treating DPN.
- However, given the potential risk of bias and the very low certainty of the evidence, these recommendations should be adopted with caution.
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Disease-modifying therapies for diabetic peripheral neuropathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Ran GL et al. • Journal of diabetes and its complications (2024)
For diabetic peripheral neuropathy, the triple-combination therapy may be more effective than monotherapy or dual therapy.
- Therapeutic outcomes were better in the experimental group than in the control group (odds ratio: 3.74; 95 % confidence interval: 2.57-5.45; I2 = 0 %; p < 0.00001).
- Compared with the control group, the experimental group exhibited significant improvements in median motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV), sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV), peroneal MNCV, peroneal SNCV, and vibration perception thresholds (VPT) in the left and right lower limbs.
- For diabetic peripheral neuropathy, the triple-combination therapy may be more effective than monotherapy or dual therapy.
Alpha Lipoic Acid for Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Kishi T et al. • Journal of clinical psychopharmacology (2023)
This meta-analysis examined the effects of Alpha Lipoic Acid.
- Meta-analysis examining Alpha Lipoic Acid efficacy
- Published in Journal of clinical psychopharmacology (2023)
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Treatments for Burning Mouth Syndrome: A Network Meta-analysis
Alvarenga-Brant R et al. • Journal of dental research (2023)
More randomized controlled trials comparing treatments against placebo are encouraged to confirm the evidence and test possible alternative treatments (PROSPERO CRD42021255039).
- Mean difference (MD) and 95% CI were calculated for continuous outcomes.
- The anxiolytic (clonazepam) probably reduces the pain of BMS when compared with placebo (MD, -1.88; 95% CI, -2.61 to -1.16; moderate certainty).
- Photobiomodulation therapy (MD, -1.90; 95% CI, -3.58 to -0.21) and pregabalin (MD, -2.40; 95% CI, -3.49 to -1.32) achieved the minimal important difference of a beneficial effect with low or very low certainty.
Effectiveness of alpha-lipoic acid in patients with neuropathic pain associated with type I and type II diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Orellana-Donoso M et al. • Medicine (2023)
In comparison to the use of a placebo, the findings suggest that ALA does not exhibit significant differences in terms of pain reduction and different functional scales.
- In comparison to the use of a placebo, the findings suggest that ALA does not exhibit significant differences in terms of pain reduction and different functional scales.
- Moreover, no specific dosages are identified to support the use of ALA for the reduction of neuropathic pain.
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Effect of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation on lipid profile: A systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials
Mousavi SM et al. • Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.) (2019)
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- Effect sizes were combined with fixed- or random-effects analysis, where appropriate.
- Eleven clinical trials with 452 adults (51.5% women, 48.5% men) were included in this meta-analysis.
- We also found significant changes in serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (WMD, -10.683 mg/dL; 95% CI, -19.816 to -1.550; P = 0.022, WMD, -12.906 mg/dL; 95% CI, -22.133 to -3.679; P = 0.006, respectively).
Ranking Alpha Lipoic Acid and Gamma Linolenic Acid in Terms of Efficacy and Safety in the Management of Adults With Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis
Prado MB Jr et al. • Canadian journal of diabetes (2024)
ALA and GLA appear to be safe and efficacious biofactors for improvement of DN symptoms.
- Eight of the 11 articles (73%) reported significant benefit of ALA vs placebo.
- In the meta-analysis, the Total Symptom Score (TSS) for ALA 600 mg/day (ALA600) was 1.05 points lower (standard mean difference [SMD] -1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] -2.07 to -0.04, p=0.04, I2=98.18%) compared with control at the end of the study.
- In the network meta-analysis, ALA600 (SMD -1.68, 95% CI -2.8 to -0.6) and GLA (SMD -2.39, 95% CI -4.3 to -0.5) had significantly lower TSSs compared with placebo.
A systematic review of treatment for patients with burning mouth syndrome
Tan HL et al. • Cephalalgia : an international journal of headache (2022)
A more significant volume in terms of sample size, multi-centres, and multi-arm comparison of therapeutic agents with placebo and longitudinal follow-up studies is recommended to establish a standardised burning mouth syndrome treatment protocol.
- A more significant volume in terms of sample size, multi-centres, and multi-arm comparison of therapeutic agents with placebo and longitudinal follow-up studies is recommended to establish a standardised burning mouth syndrome treatment protocol.
- Published in Cephalalgia : an international journal of headache (2022)
- Further research warranted to confirm findings