Alpha lipoic acid recommended dosage
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Analyzed relevant papers
Alpha Lipoic Acid Dosage Recommendations: Clinical Evidence
Commonly Studied Dosages for Alpha Lipoic Acid
Clinical studies have most frequently evaluated alpha lipoic acid (ALA) at daily doses ranging from 300 mg to 1800 mg, with 600 mg per day being the most common dose in trials for diabetic neuropathy and metabolic health 12345678+2 MORE.
Efficacy at Different Dosages
- Metabolic and Glycemic Benefits: Higher doses of ALA, specifically 800 mg and 1200 mg per day, have shown significant improvements in fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and inflammatory markers in both healthy and dysglycemic individuals. These benefits were more pronounced at 1200 mg per day compared to lower doses like 400 mg 12.
- Neuropathy and Pain Relief: For diabetic peripheral neuropathy, both oral and intravenous ALA at 600 mg per day have demonstrated significant symptom improvement. Some studies also used 1200 mg per day (split into two 600 mg doses) and found pronounced positive effects on neuropathic symptoms 3467.
- Weight Management: Doses of 600 mg, 1200 mg, and 1800 mg per day have been studied for weight loss in obese individuals. Modest but significant reductions in body weight and BMI were observed, with 1800 mg per day leading to slightly greater weight loss than lower doses 89.
- Blood Pressure: ALA supplementation at doses below 800 mg per day, administered for up to 12 weeks, significantly reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in adults .
Safety and Tolerability of Alpha Lipoic Acid
Across studies, ALA was generally well tolerated at doses up to 1200 mg per day for long-term use (up to 4 years), with no significant differences in adverse events between lower and higher dosages. Reported side effects included mild symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, skin rash, hypoglycemia, and hypotension, but these were not more frequent at higher doses 1289.
Summary of Recommended Dosage Ranges
- General Supplementation and Metabolic Health: 600–1200 mg per day is effective and well tolerated for improving glycemic control and lipid profiles 1257.
- Diabetic Neuropathy: 600 mg per day (oral or intravenous) is commonly used, with some studies supporting up to 1200 mg per day for greater symptom relief 3467.
- Weight Loss: 1200–1800 mg per day can be considered for modest weight reduction, with 1200 mg per day being a safe upper limit for most individuals 89.
- Blood Pressure: Doses below 800 mg per day are effective for reducing blood pressure over short-term use .
Conclusion
Alpha lipoic acid is most commonly recommended at 600–1200 mg per day for metabolic and neuropathic benefits, with higher doses (up to 1800 mg) used for weight loss. These dosages are generally safe and well tolerated, with only mild side effects reported. For most uses, 600 mg per day is a standard starting point, with higher doses reserved for specific therapeutic goals.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
1
Safety and Efficacy of Alpha Lipoic Acid During 4 Years of Observation: A Retrospective, Clinical Trial in Healthy Subjects in Primary Prevention
Alpha lipoic acid is well-tolerated and improves glycemic status and lipid profile in healthy individuals when administered at high dosages, but not at lower dosages.
Observational StudyRigorous Journal
2020·
12citations
·G. Derosaet al.Drug Design, Development and Therapy
PDF
4
Alpha lipoic acid: a new treatment for neuropathic pain in patients with diabetes?
Alpha lipoic acid, when given intravenously at 600 mg once daily for three weeks, significantly reduces neuropathic pain in patients with diabetes.
Meta-Analysis
2010·
66citations
·G. S. Mijnhoutet al.The Netherlands journal of medicine
5
Alpha-lipoic acid reduces body weight and regulates triglycerides in obese patients with diabetes mellitus.
Alpha-lipoic acid treatment 600 mg/day significantly reduces weight and lowers triglyceride levels in obese patients with diabetes mellitus type 2.
2015·
35citations
·Azra Okanovićet al.Medicinski glasnik : official publication of the Medical Association of Zenica-Doboj Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina
6
Efficacy of Alpha-Lipoic Acid in the Treatment of Diabetic Polyneuropathy. A Randomized, Double Blind Study (P03.199)
Alpha lipoic acid treatment for 4 weeks at 600mg twice daily may improve symptoms in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy, with little adverse effects.
RCTRigorous Journal
2012·
0citations
·R. Millán-Guerreroet al.Neurology
7
Effects of Oral Alpha-Lipoic Acid Treatment on Diabetic Polyneuropathy: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review
Oral alpha-lipoic acid treatment improves symptoms and global satisfaction in diabetic sensorimotor peripheral neuropathy patients, with dose-dependent responses compared to placebo.
Meta-Analysis
2023·
18citations
·Ruey-Yu Hsiehet al.Nutrients
PDF
8
Effects of alpha-lipoic Acid on body weight in obese subjects.
Alpha-lipoic acid 1800 mg/d led to modest weight loss in obese subjects, suggesting its potential as an adjunctive therapy for obesity.
RCTLarge Human TrialHighly Cited
2011·
153citations
·E. Kohet al.The American journal of medicine
PDF
9
Alpha-lipoic acid supplement in obesity treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.
Alpha-lipoic acid supplementation slightly but significantly decreased body weight and BMI, but its effects on waist circumference were not significant.
Meta-AnalysisVery Rigorous JournalHighly Cited
2017·
93citations
·N. Namaziet al.Clinical nutrition
10
The effects of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) supplementation on blood pressure in adults: a GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Alpha lipoic acid supplementation significantly reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure in adults when administered at doses of 800 mg/day for 12 weeks.
Meta-Analysis
2023·
4citations
·Mahdi Vajdiet al.Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine
PDF