Alpha Lipoic Acid

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is a substance naturally produced by the body in healthy individuals. It has been shown to act as an antioxidant and to decrease inflammation. It has been used as a supplement in Europe for many years to improve pain, numbness, and burning in diabetic patients suffering from diabetic neuropathy. Recently, ALA supplementation has been proposed as assisting in weight loss since it improves the body’s regulation of blood sugar levels, but more research is needed on this matter.

In regards to recovery after surgery, it is ALA’s potential benefit as an anti-inflammatory that is useful. A well-known anti-inflammatory drug is ibuprofen. However, drugs like ibuprofen can damage the lining of the stomach in some people and can harm the kidneys in those with decreased function.

Studies have shown that decreasing inflammation can not only speed up the healing process for wounds but can also make it less painful. ALA is attractive as a natural alternative to other anti-inflammatory drugs.*

Kucukgoncu S, Zhou E, Lucas KB, Tek C. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) as a supplementation for weight loss: results from a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Obes Rev. 2017;18(5):594-601.

Akbari M, Ostadmohammadi V, Tabrizi R, et al. The effects of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation on inflammatory markers among patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Nutr Metab (Lond). 2018;15:39. Published 2018 Jun 5.

Shaafi S, Ebrahimpour-Koujan S, Khalili M, et al. Effects of Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplementation on Serum Levels of Oxidative Stress, Inflammatory Markers and Clinical Prognosis among Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients: A Randomized, Double Blind, TNS Trial. Adv Pharm Bull. 2020;10(2):284-289.

Mendoza-Núñez VM, García-Martínez BI, Rosado-Pérez J, Santiago-Osorio E, Pedraza-Chaverri J, Hernández-Abad VJ. The Effect of 600 mg Alpha-lipoic Acid Supplementation on Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and RAGE in Older Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2019;2019:3276958. Published 2019 Jun 12.

Ghibu S, Craciun CE, Rusu R, et al. Impact of Alpha-Lipoic Acid Chronic Discontinuous Treatment in Cardiometabolic Disorders and Oxidative Stress Induced by Fructose Intake in Rats. Antioxidants (Basel). 2019;8(12):636. Published 2019 Dec 11.

*Disclaimer: If you suffer from any medical illness or have medical concerns or questions, please speak with your healthcare provider. The information on wound healing found on this site is derived from peer-reviewed research and information drawn from medical societies and governmental agencies, links to which are available under “Sources.” However, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.