Other compounds

Alpha-lipoic acid

Also called: ALA, lipoic acid, thioctic acid

An antioxidant the body makes.

Why people take it
Diabetic nerve pain, weight.
What the evidence says
Some evidence for diabetic nerve pain.
How it is usually taken
Usually 300 to 600 mg a day for diabetic nerve pain.
Be careful
Can lower blood sugar; may affect thyroid medicine.
Medicines it can interact with
Lowers sugar with diabetes medicines; may affect thyroid medicine.

Other other compounds

ResveratrolQuercetinPterostilbeneNMNSpermidineFisetinPQQSulforaphaneDIMDHEAMelatoninCaffeine and L-theanineCannabidiol (CBD)Hemp seedBee pollenRoyal jellyPropolisManuka honeyChlorophyllWheatgrass

Common questions

What is Alpha-lipoic acid?

An antioxidant the body makes.

Why do people take Alpha-lipoic acid?

Diabetic nerve pain, weight.

Does Alpha-lipoic acid work?

Some evidence for diabetic nerve pain.

How much Alpha-lipoic acid do people take?

Usually 300 to 600 mg a day for diabetic nerve pain.

Is Alpha-lipoic acid safe?

Can lower blood sugar; may affect thyroid medicine.

Does Alpha-lipoic acid interact with medicines?

Lowers sugar with diabetes medicines; may affect thyroid medicine.

Sources and further reading

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.

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