Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA)









Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA)


Natural product category
Nutraceutical
What is this natural product used for?
This natural product is used to support individuals with diabetes, those with nerve damage from diabetes complications, and persons with glaucoma. It has also been used to help prevent glaucoma and certain nervous system disorders, including stroke.
How does it work?
ALA is a fairly strong antioxidant. This means it helps cells function effectively. ALA also helps the body use insulin and sugar more effectively, which may assist with blood sugar control.
How is it best taken?
  • Take this product with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
  • Take this product with a full glass of water.
  • Take this product at a similar time every day.
  • Follow diet plan and exercise program as recommended by healthcare provider if you have diabetes.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
  • To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
What are the precautions when taking this natural product?
  • Check medicines and natural products with healthcare provider. This natural product may not mix well with other medicines or natural products.
  • Use caution if you have diabetes. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Keep hard candies, liquid glucose, or milk on hand for low blood sugars.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicines or natural products. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are the possible side effects of this natural product?
  • Rash. If it worsens or additional effects occur, talk with healthcare provider.
What should I monitor?
  • Check blood sugar as directed by healthcare provider.
  • Watch for low blood sugar. This can cause anger, shaking, rapid heartbeats, confusion, and sweating.
  • Any significant changes in skin (pigmentation, color, rash).
Reasons to call healthcare provider
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Changes in balance, feeling shaky or unsteady.
  • Changes in thinking clearly and logically.
  • Too tired or sleepy.
  • Passing out, fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Severe diarrhea.
How should I store this natural product?
  • Store in original container at room temperature.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
Dietary sources
Spinach, yeast, broccoli, beef, organ meats
Dosage forms
Oral: Tablets, capsules
Drug interactions
Medications used for diabetes or medications to lower blood sugar
General statements
  • Nutraceuticals are a type of dietary supplement that provide a specific amount of a substance that offers possible health benefits.
  • Nutraceutical products are almost always obtained from plant or animal sources.
  • In general, nutraceutical doses are much higher than the amount that could be obtained from food sources.
  • These products have the potential to provide significant benefits and possible risks. Use nutraceuticals with caution if you are taking pharmaceutical medications (prescription and others), herbs, or other natural products. Always review for potential nutraceutical-drug, nutraceutical-herb, and nutraceutical-natural product interactions with your healthcare provider.
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