Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)
Also known as Alpha Lipoic Acid
Half-life
~30 minutes
What is Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)?
Universal antioxidant that regenerates other antioxidants (vitamins C, E, glutathione). Water and fat soluble.
How Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) works
Cofactor for pyruvate dehydrogenase and alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase. Chelates heavy metals. Directly neutralizes reactive species in both aqueous and lipid compartments. Regenerates vitamins C and E and glutathione.
Benefits & uses
- Blood-sugar support
- Nerve health (neuropathy)
- Antioxidant recycling
- Metabolic support
Common uses: Insulin sensitivity, heavy metal chelation, antioxidant, neuropathy, liver support.
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) dosage
- Typical dose
- 300–600 mg/day. R-ALA form is biologically active — use half the dose of racemic ALA. Take fasted (30 min before meals) for best absorption.
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) half-life
~30 minutes (plasma); but intracellular effects last much longer
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) side effects
Lowers blood sugar — monitor in diabetics. GI upset. Thiamine depletion with chronic use.
- Hypoglycemia risk in diabetics on medication — monitor glucose
- GI nausea fasted
- Potential thiamine depletion with chronic high-dose use — supplement B1
- Generally well tolerated
- May lower blood sugar
Warnings & monitoring
- Can lower blood sugar — caution with diabetes meds
Track Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) in Protokol.
Log doses, model half-lives, check interactions, and line it all up against your bloodwork. Free on iPhone and Android.
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