2018's 10 Best
Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplements

Antioxidants receive a lot of attention. So much, in fact, that it’s pretty much turned into a buzzword in many wellness articles. From antioxidant-rich sources like certain fruits, vegetables, chocolate, and even wine, these superfoods are touted as being big game changers when it comes to your health. But, is the hype real?

Antioxidants come in all shapes and sizes. We’re talking vitamins, minerals, proteins, enzymes, phytonutrients, hormones, and more. They can be water soluble or fat soluble, allowing them to either work inside or outside the cell, or both.

Stick with us while we explore the depths of one particular antioxidant — Alpha Lipoic Acid. Then you can decide for yourself whether or not ALA is worth the praise. Or, you can skip straight to our list of best products if you have already decided that Alpha Lipoic Acid is the right fit for you. See the #1 Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplement now

What Is Alpha Lipoic Acid?

Alpha Lipoic Acid, or ALA, is a naturally-occuring fatty acid. It’s found primarily in organ meat and some vegetables, although in small amounts. These include kidneys, spinach, liver, broccoli, heart tissue, and tomatoes. Not everyone is chomping at the bit to eat organ meat (if you like them, more power to ya!) so getting in those greens is important.

Aside from food sources, our bodies are able to biosynthesize very small amounts of ALA. ALA is synthesized in the liver within the mitochondria, using octanoic acid as a precursor. Here, it acts as a coenzyme to several vital functions within the mitochondria. A big one includes the production of acetyl-CoA, which is used in energy production.

However, Alpha Lipoic Acid is sought after for its high antioxidant activity. It is a unique antioxidant because it is both fat and water soluble. ALA helps scavenge free radicals, combats inflammation, and helps regulate the immune system. [1] See the #1 Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplement now

How Antioxidants Work

Most people may understand that antioxidants help quell inflammation. But how? Inflammation kind of has a bad rap, but it’s not so black and white. Long-term inflammation has negative consequences, sure, but acute inflammation can be protective during an injury. If you fall and bruise your knee, the accompanying swelling helps provide protection so there’s less of a chance of further injury occurring. Blood circulation is increased to bring healing nutrients to the surrounding area quicker.

Chronic inflammation, however, is harmful and is usually a result of free radical damage and oxidative stress. As you breathe in oxygen-rich air, the oxygen molecules react with other molecules in the body. This causes oxidation, or a loss of electrons. Chemistry dictates that when one molecule loses an electron, it will want to steal electrons from surrounding molecules to regain stability. This creates reactive oxygen species (ROS). This is essentially how inflammation starts and spreads.

This is also where antioxidants come into play, because these compounds have extra electrons that they can donate. This helps dampen inflammation and minimizes free radical damage.[2]

Benefits Of ALA

The antioxidant effects of Alpha Lipoic Acid provide several benefits for varying conditions. Fighting inflammation, which is found to be at the center of most, if not all, diseases is where ALA really shines. This is especially true in regard to diabetes, eye conditions, cognition and memory, and healthy skin function. See the #1 Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplement now

Diabetes

Alpha Lipoic Acid has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity. When you ingest sugars or carbohydrates, your pancreas produces and secretes insulin. Insulin signals cells to uptake glucose from the bloodstream. Those who are insulin resistant (the opposite of insulin sensitive) do not respond to insulin signaling. Ultimately, insulin-resistant cells are not taking in glucose for energy production. Instead, it is being stored as fat because it is seen as excess glucose. By improving insulin sensitivity, glucose can be regulated at healthier levels.

ALA can also help with nerve complications triggered by diabetes. Symptoms of neurovascular conditions include numbness, tingling, or pain in the extremities, known as peripheral neuropathy. High doses of Alpha Lipoic Acid have been shown to improve these symptoms and provide relief.[3]

Eye Health

Vision loss and other complications are a result of oxidative stress and damage. While vision problems are often associated with diabetes, there is a whole host of health conditions that can impact eye health. Symptoms of eye disorders can include vision loss, retinal damage, cataracts, glaucoma, and overall eye pain or irritation.

A study performed on rabbits was designed to investigate the protective effects of ALA on cornea health when subjected to UV radiation for 90 days. Free malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase levels were measured among each group of rabbits. Results showed that free malondialdehyde levels were lower, while glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase levels were higher in the groups receiving ALA. This is reflective of ALA’s protective effects against UV light on the eyes.[4]

Alpha Lipoic Acid can help repair oxidative damage that impairs eye health. This is especially important as we age, because eye degeneration increases as we get older. Keeping your peepers in good working condition is incredibly important. As the saying goes: in the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.

Cognition And Memory

ALA is able to cross the blood-brain barrier, offering brain-related benefits as well. Antioxidant activity has been shown to help treat and prevent neural damage and memory loss, while improving cognitive function. See the #1 Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplement now

Alpha Lipoic Acid is able to boost the production of the neurotransmitter acetlycholine, by activating choline acetyltransferase. This neurotransmitter plays a critical role in focus, memory, and mood. Deficiency in acetylcholine has also been linked to ADHD, Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s patients. Acetylcholine levels decline as we age, so restoring levels can help protect against age-related cognitive dysfunction.

Skin Function

Alpha Lipoic Acid has been shown to be beneficial for skin health and function. ALA can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The ability for Alpha Lipoic Acid to regenerate Vitamins C and E are attributed to improved skin appearance. Along with a reduction in cellular inflammation.

These results are supported by a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical study conducted using a topical 5% ALA cream. The participants receiving the ALA cream noted a reduction of fine lines, especially around the periorbital and upper lip regions. There was also an improvement in skin color and texture. No adverse side effects, including irritation or peeling, were reported.[5]

Forms Of Alpha Lipoic Acid

There are two different isomers (mirror image) forms of Alpha Lipoic Acid. They are R-LA and S-LA. S-LA is the synthetic version that is made as a byproduct of Alpha Lipoic Acid synthesis, and does not naturally exist in nature. Most supplements today are an equal blend of both R-LA and S-LA, although sole R-LA supplements do exist. R-LA is very chemically unstable, and will deteriorate rapidly unless kept at the right conditions. This makes encapsulating pure R-LA difficult. Also, without specific processing methods, it is also difficult to absorb. That’s why finding a supplement that utilizes both forms is most likely your best bet.

Recommended Dosage

Alpha Lipoic Acid is not an essential nutrient, and as a result there are no guidelines on the amount needed. However, there are suggested amounts you can take that are dependent on the reasons you’re taking it. For those who are healthy, and just want the antioxidant benefits, less is definitely more. A dose of 50-100 mg per day will more than suffice. It is recommended to take on an empty stomach, as taking it with a meal can interfere with absorption.

Those who are suffering from diabetes will want to take 600-800 mg per day, split into two doses. Lastly, those who suffer from neuropathy (diabetes-related or otherwise) will need heftier doses, around 900-1500 mg per day. Only attempt to take this dose though as recommended by your doctor, and under their supervision.

Side Effects

ALA side effects are rare, however they do exist. These include: insomnia, fatigue, diarrhea, skin rash or low blood sugar levels. These side effects are more likely if you are diabetic, have any other health conditions, or are taking any medications. Please speak with your doctor before taking Alpha Lipoic Acid, if any of these are a concern. ALA is not recommended for children, for women who are pregnant, and those who are breastfeeding.

Alpha Lipoic Acid can also deplete levels of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine). Therefore, it is recommended that you add a quality Vitamin B1 supplement or Vitamin B complex.

Something else you’ll want to watch out for comes from the fact that ALA is structurally similar to Biotin, and therefore competes for the same receptors. Thus, you may also deplete levels of Bioton over time, so stacking Biotin with your ALA is also a wise choice. See the #1 Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplement now

Questions To Ask When Choosing An ALA Supplement

Even when you know all there is to know about Alpha Lipoic Acid, trying to choose the right supplement is a whole other ballgame. We decided to compile a small list of questions to ask when looking through different supplements, so that you find the one that best fits you. We also have a list of top products we recommend based on our own research, which you can check out.

Q. What Form Of ALA Is Best?

A. R-LA is the most ideal form of Alpha Lipoic Acid to take, however finding a supplement that contains only R-LA can be difficult. This is because R-LA is relatively unstable, degrades easily, and can be notoriously hard to absorb. That’s why many supplements contain a blend of R-LA and S-LA (synthetic version), because S-LA helps to stabilize the compound.

Q. What Dosage Is Right For Me?

A. Finding the right dosage is dependent on your health needs. If you are just looking for antioxidant benefits, a modest dose of 50-100 mg will suffice. However, those who are diabetic and taking ALA for treating symptoms will want to resort to higher doses. Those doses can range from 600-1500 mg depending on whether neuropathy is present. It is also important to mention that you should only take higher doses under the suggestion and supervision of your doctor.

Q. Should I Stack My ALA With Other Supplements?

A. Alpha Lipoic Acid can deplete levels of Thiamine (Vitamin B1) and Biotin. Adding a quality B Vitamin Complex can go a long way toward protecting against deficiencies of these vitamins. Or if you’d rather, feel free to find individual high-quality single-ingredient supplements that can provide each.