Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA)
Also known as: Thioctic acid · ALA · 1,2-dithiolane-3-pentanoic acid
A naturally occurring compound cited in the literature as an antioxidant and cofactor in mitochondrial energy metabolism.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) at a glance
| Name | Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Thioctic acid, ALA, 1,2-dithiolane-3-pentanoic acid |
| Category | Metabolic & mitochondrial |
| Type | Amino / injectable |
| Sequence | Non-peptide small molecule (organosulfur cofactor) |
| Typical dose | Oral figures are commonly cited around 300-600 mg per day; not a recommendation |
| Frequency | Once or split daily in cited use |
| Route | Oral supplement most commonly; an intravenous form has been used in some research and clinical settings |
| Half-life | Short - reported around 30 minutes for oral forms in published data. |
Overview
Alpha-lipoic acid is a sulfur-containing compound that acts as a cofactor for mitochondrial enzyme complexes and is widely studied for its antioxidant properties. It is sold as a dietary supplement and is included here only for educational context.
How it’s thought to work
- Commonly cited as a cofactor for mitochondrial dehydrogenase complexes.
- Reported to function as a redox-active antioxidant in both water- and lipid-soluble environments.
- Associated with regeneration of other antioxidants such as vitamins C and E in the literature.
- Described as influencing insulin-signaling and glucose-uptake pathways in some studies.
Researched uses
- Studied for diabetic peripheral neuropathy symptoms in trial settings
- Explored in the literature for oxidative-stress endpoints
- Examined for glucose-metabolism-related outcomes
Commonly cited protocol
| Typical dose | Oral figures are commonly cited around 300-600 mg per day; not a recommendation |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Once or split daily in cited use |
| Route | Oral supplement most commonly; an intravenous form has been used in some research and clinical settings |
| Notes | Most often taken orally, so consumer injection-unit math does not apply. |
Reconstitution
Typically an oral supplement, so vial reconstitution and insulin-syringe unit conversions do not apply.
Cautions
- Sold as a dietary supplement; not an approved drug in the United States.
- Has been associated with lowered blood glucose, which is noted in the literature.
- Supplement quality and dosing accuracy vary by manufacturer.
- Presented for educational context only, not as medical advice.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) FAQ
What is Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA)?
A naturally occurring compound cited in the literature as an antioxidant and cofactor in mitochondrial energy metabolism.
How does Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) work?
Commonly cited as a cofactor for mitochondrial dehydrogenase complexes. Reported to function as a redox-active antioxidant in both water- and lipid-soluble environments. Associated with regeneration of other antioxidants such as vitamins C and E in the literature. Described as influencing insulin-signaling and glucose-uptake pathways in some studies.
What is Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) used for?
Studied for diabetic peripheral neuropathy symptoms in trial settings; Explored in the literature for oxidative-stress endpoints; Examined for glucose-metabolism-related outcomes.
What is a typical Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) dose?
Oral figures are commonly cited around 300-600 mg per day; not a recommendation, Once or split daily in cited use, Oral supplement most commonly; an intravenous form has been used in some research and clinical settings. This is a commonly cited figure for context only, not medical advice.
How do you reconstitute Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA)?
Typically an oral supplement, so vial reconstitution and insulin-syringe unit conversions do not apply.
What is the half-life of Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA)?
Short - reported around 30 minutes for oral forms in published data.