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Alpha-Lipoic Acid for Oxidative Stress & Neuroinflammation

C

A universal antioxidant that regenerates vitamins C, E, and glutathione. Metal chelation reduces oxidative neuronal damage. Shows significant synergistic neuroprotective effects when combined with ALCAR.

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The Bottom Line

A universal antioxidant that regenerates vitamins C, E, and glutathione. Metal chelation reduces oxidative neuronal damage. Shows significant synergistic neuroprotective effects when combined with ALCAR.

Key Study Findings

In Vitro
Evaluation of the neuroprotective effects of alpha lipoic acid-loaded folate-conjugated chitosan nanoparticles against 6-OHDA-induced apoptosis …
Dose: None vs: free alpha-lipoic acid Outcome: neuroprotective efficacy against 6-OHDA-induced neurotoxicity Effect: None None

Population: SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells with 6-OHDA-induced neurotoxicity (in vitro PD model)

Other 8 weeks
α-Lipoic acid mitigates age-related cognitive decline by modulating PPARγ/NF-κB-mediated neuroinflammation.
Dose: 100 mg/kg/day vs: untreated aged mice; D-galactose-induced senescent BV2 cells Outcome: cognitive function (T maze behavioral tests) Effect: None None

Population: 18-month-old naturally aged C57BL/6 mice

Other
Efficacy of alpha-lipoic acid in mitigating neuropathic pain: mechanistic insights and therapeutic implications.
Dose: 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg vs: sham-operated controls Outcome: mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia Effect: None None

Population: mice with spinal nerve ligation-induced neuropathic pain

Other
Executive Summary of the Vulvodynia Therapeutic Research Summit.
Dose: None vs: None Outcome: None Effect: None None

Population: expert consensus on therapeutics for provoked vestibulodynia

Other
α-lipoic acid nanoparticles functionalized with RVG29 peptide attenuate seizure-induced neurotoxicity by restoring mitochondrial homeostasis via …
Dose: None vs: free alpha-lipoic acid and non-targeted nanoparticles Outcome: seizure-induced neurotoxicity and mitochondrial homeostasis Effect: None None

Population: in vitro and in vivo epilepsy models

Controlled Clinical Trial n=24 4 weeks
Neuroprotective Effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid Against Behavioral Toxicity, Oxidative and Inflammatory Damage Caused by Titanium …
Dose: ALA 50 mg/kg orally; TiO2-NPs 150 mg/kg i.p. vs: negative control, TiO2-NPs alone, ALA alone Outcome: neurobehavioral performance and neurodegeneration markers Effect: None None

Population: male Sprague-Dawley rats

Key Statistics

8

Studies

500

Participants

Positive

C

Grade

Referenced Papers

International journal of … 2016 29 citations
Evidence-based complementary and … 2011 23 citations

Dosage & Usage

mg = milligrams · mcg = micrograms (1,000× smaller) · IU = International Units

Commonly Used Dosages

general:
300-600 mg/day
cognitivesupport:
600-1,200 mg/day (R-ALA preferred)

Upper limit: 2,400 mg/day (highest dose in clinical trials)

Dosages Studied in Research

Dosage Duration Effect N
None -- Positive --
100 mg/kg/day 8 weeks Positive --
50, 100, and 200 mg/kg -- Positive --
None -- Neutral --
None -- Positive --
ALA 50 mg/kg orally; TiO2-NPs 150 mg/kg i.p. 4 weeks Positive 24
None -- Positive --
None -- Positive --

Best taken: On empty stomach; 30 minutes before meals

Safety & Side Effects

Reported Side Effects

  • Gastrointestinal discomfort
  • Skin rash
  • Hypoglycemia (in diabetics)
  • Headache

Known Interactions

  • Antidiabetic drugs (may enhance blood sugar lowering)
  • Thyroid medications (may affect thyroid hormone levels)
  • Chemotherapy agents (may reduce efficacy of some agents)

Tolerable upper intake: 2,400 mg/day (highest dose in clinical trials)

Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Alpha-Lipoic Acid help with Oxidative Stress & Neuroinflammation?
Based on 8 studies with 500 participants, there is limited but promising evidence that Alpha-Lipoic Acid may support Oxidative Stress & Neuroinflammation management. Our evidence grade is C (Some Evidence).
How much Alpha-Lipoic Acid should I take for Oxidative Stress & Neuroinflammation?
Studies have used various dosages. A commonly studied range is 300-600 mg/day. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.
Are there side effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid?
Reported side effects may include Gastrointestinal discomfort, Skin rash, Hypoglycemia (in diabetics), Headache. Most side effects are mild and dose-dependent. Consult your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions.
How strong is the evidence for Alpha-Lipoic Acid and Oxidative Stress & Neuroinflammation?
We rate the evidence as Grade C (Some Evidence). This rating is based on 8 peer-reviewed studies with 500 total participants. The overall direction of effect is positive.

Related Evidence

FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The evidence grades presented are based on our analysis of published peer-reviewed research and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.