Alpha-lipoic acid is a chemical your body makes. It’s also found in foods such as red meat, spinach, broccoli, tomatoes, peas, Brussel sprouts, and rice bran.
You can take alpha-lipoic acid as a dietary supplement. It comes as tablets or capsules.
Alpha lipoic acid
MSK About Herbs
Alpha lipoic acid
Common Names
- Thioctic acid
- Lipoate
- Lipoic acid
- ALA
- Thioctan
Tell your healthcare providers about any dietary supplements you’re taking, such as herbs, vitamins, minerals, and natural or home remedies. This will help them manage your care and keep you safe.
What is it?
What are the potential uses and benefits?
Your body uses alpha-lipoic acid to make energy. Alpha-lipoic acid is also used to:
- Treat nerve pain due to diabetes
- Treat liver disease
Alpha-lipoic acid has other uses, but doctors haven’t studied them to see if they work.
It’s generally safe to eat foods that have alpha-lipoic acid. Talk with your healthcare providers before taking alpha-lipoic acid supplements. Herbal supplements are stronger than compounds that are naturally found in foods.
They can also interact with some medications and affect how they work. For more information, read the “What else do I need to know?” section below.
What are the side effects?
Side effects of using alpha-lipoic acid may include:
- Nausea (feeling like you’re going to throw up)
- Vomiting (throwing up)
- Low blood sugar level
What else do I need to know?
- Talk with your healthcare provider if you take drugs that lower your blood sugar level. If you do, alpha-lipoic acid may be harmful because it also lowers your blood sugar level.
