Overview

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is available over the counter as a supplement. It is commonly used for many different reasons, although its benefits are not well defined. Common side effects may include nausea and vomiting. Before using alpha-lipoic acid, tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any medicines or supplements you may be using.

Uses

What is alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) used for?

Alpha-lipoic acid is used for various reasons, although its benefits are not well defined. Some common reasons that people use alpha-lipoic acid include the following.

• Burning mouth syndrome
• Diabetes
• Liver problems
• Nerve problems from diabetes (diabetic neuropathy)

Note: The FDA  has not reviewed alpha-lipoic acid for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does alpha-lipoic acid work (mechanism of action)?

Alpha-lipoic acid is a chemical that is naturally found in the cells in your body. It is sometimes called lipoic acid or thioctic acid. Your body uses alpha-lipoic acid to make energy. It is also an antioxidant that helps reduce damage to your cells.

Your body makes alpha-lipoic acid on its own. It is also available over the counter as a dietary supplement and is found in many foods, such as red meat, potatoes, carrots, broccoli, and rice bran. Since alpha-lipoic acid may help reduce damage to your cells, there is interest in using it for burning mouth syndrome, diabetes-related nerve problems, or liver problems. Alpha-lipoic acid is also sometimes used to lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. But its benefits are not well defined for any of these uses.

Some skin care products also contain alpha-lipoic acid. These products are meant to reduce the damage to your skin cells that can lead to signs of aging. But the benefits and risks of applying alpha-lipoic acid to the skin are not well defined.

How should I store alpha-lipoic acid?

You should store alpha-lipoic acid according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of alpha-lipoic acid?

The most common side effects of alpha-lipoic acid are nausea or vomiting. These side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of alpha-lipoic acid that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of alpha-lipoic acid?

While less common, the most serious side effects of alpha-lipoic acid are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Alpha-lipoic acid may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using alpha-lipoic acid and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching or skin rash
• Bumps on the skin called hives, which can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Precautions

Who should not use alpha-lipoic acid?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use alpha-lipoic acid.

• Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA)
• Lipoic acid
• Thioctate
• Thioctic acid
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific alpha-lipoic acid products they stock.

What should I know about alpha-lipoic acid before using it?

Alpha-lipoic acid is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep alpha-lipoic acid out of the reach of children.

The FDA has not tested alpha-lipoic acid products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using alpha-lipoic acid?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if alpha-lipoic acid is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions.Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

• Diabetes
• Kidney or liver problems
• Thyroid problems
• Treatment for cancer, including radiation or chemotherapy

Other Medicines and Supplements.Alpha-lipoic acid may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using alpha-lipoic acid, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how alpha-lipoic acid could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if alpha-lipoic acid passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does alpha-lipoic acid interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between alpha-lipoic acid and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect alpha-lipoic acid.

Does alpha-lipoic acid interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using alpha-lipoic acid.

• A medicine for diabetes
• A thyroid medicine, such as levothyroxine, which is used to raise thyroid hormone levels
• Chemotherapy, which is a type of medicine used to treat cancer

The interactions between alpha-lipoic acid and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with alpha-lipoic acid is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before using alpha-lipoic acid with any medicines.

Dosing

What should I do if I accidentally use too much alpha-lipoic acid?

If you or someone else has used too much alpha-lipoic acid, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Alpha-lipoic acid is available in a wide range of doses. Read the product label closely and speak with a health care provider about how to use alpha-lipoic acid safely. Do not use double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.