Alpha lipoic acid is a powerful, natural antioxidant slowly becoming recognized as having some unique properties in the therapy and prevention of a broad range of diseases. In addition to being a powerful antioxidant, it helps the body use glucose, hence alpha lipoic acid's potential role in improving blood sugar control.  Lipoic acid is readily absorbed from the diet or as a supplement. You can find alpha lipoic acid in Eyesight Rx, a product that helps with vision improvement.

Discount R Alpha Lipoic Acid product by Advance Physician Formulas

R-ALA is much more potent (2 times on average) than commonly sold synthetic lipoic acid which contains both the R and S forms of lipoic acid. The S form is chemically the mirror image of the R form of alpha lipoic acid and is not useful to the body.

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Alpha Lipoic Acid dosage 50 mg and 100 mg per pill
This is a powerful fat- and water soluble antioxidant. It directly recycles vitamin C and indirectly recycles vitamin E, providing additional antioxidant protection.  It is also an important component in the energy production process in the cells.

For children
Is this safe for a 7 year old? What amount a day should he take?
   We have not seen research in children. If a child is healthy there is no reason to take the nutrient, if the child has a medical condition we cannot advise since that would be role of his pediatrician.

Good for your brain and eyes
For many decades people associated the word antioxidant with vitamins E and C. In recent years it has become apparent that there are literally thousands of nutrients and herbs that have antioxidant activity. One of the new stars is alpha lipoic acid. And it now appears that a form of ALA, called R alpha lipoic acid, is actually the active form.
   If you're taking a conventional ALA supplement, you're only getting half or less of the benefit. The reason for this is that most alpha lipoic acid products on the market have both the S form and the R form. The S form is chemically the mirror image of the R form of lipoic acid and cannot be used by the body, hence it is useless. Thus, 50 mg of R ALA is equivalent to 100 mg of regular synthetic alpha lipoic acid which includes both forms. 
  Scientists are now starting to focus their attention on R lipoic acid. Two recent studies shed additional light on the benefit of the R form. At the University of California in Berkeley, researchers discovered that it protects cultured human retinal pigment cells when the cells were exposed to oxidants. The researchers say, "The present study suggests that the protective effect of R alpha lipoic acid involves multiple pathways and that R alpha lipoic acid could be effective against age-associated increase in oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in retinal cells."
   In a second study completed at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon, rats were supplemented with R alpha lipoic acid to determine if any changes occurred in iron accumulation in the brain. Accumulation of iron and copper has been proposed to contribute to additional oxidative stress in aging and certain neurodegenerative disorders. Results showed that brain iron levels in old R alpha lipoic acid fed animals were lower when compared to controls and were similar to levels seen in young rats.
   Most R alpha lipoic acid capsules come in a 50 mg dosage. For long term use, half or one capsule 3 times a week is adequate. Some people may prefer using a quarter, third or half a capsule since high doses may cause shallow sleep, even if the supplement is taken in the morning.

Blood sugar and diabetes
A randomized, controlled, double-blinded study was performed at the Medical University of Vienna in Vienna, Austria to investigate whether ALA could be effective in treating endothelial dysfunction. The researchers recruited 30 patients with type 2 diabetes and proceeded to measure forearm blood flow before and after 21 days of either intravenous treatment with 600 mg alpha-lipoic acid or placebo. In the beginning of the trial forearm blood flow responses were comparable in all patients. The patients treated with placebo experienced no change in forearm blood flow while the patients treated with ALA experienced improved vascular endothelial function. In conclusion, alpha-lipoic acid may reduce the risk of vascular endothelial dysfunction. Heinisch BB, Francesconi M, Mittermayer F, et al. Alpha-lipoic acid improves vascular endothelial function in patients with type 2 diabetes: a placebo-controlled randomized trial. Eur J Clin Invest. 2010. Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, occurs when the body's supply of sugar becomes too low.

Diabetic neuropathy treatment and therapy
An ALA supplement improves nerve pain or polyneuropathy in those with diabetes. Dr. Dan Ziegler from Heinrich Heine University, Duesseldorf, Germany gave lipoic acid to those with diabetic neuropathy. Symptoms were reduced after 5 weeks. Symptoms improved significantly as early as 1 week with the highest alpha lipoic acid dose (1800 mg daily) and within 2 weeks with the other doses (600 mg and 1200 mg daily. Side effects of high dose lipoic acid were nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.

The role of alpha-lipoic acid in diabetic polyneuropathy treatment.
Bosn J Basic Med Sci. 2008 Nov; Bureković A, Terzić M, Alajbegović S, Vukojević Z. Clinic of Endocrinology, Diabetes Mellitus and Metabolic Diseases, University of Sarajevo Clinics Centre, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Diabetic neuropathy represents late diabetes complications, and diabetes duration and long-term hyperglycemia are the main reasons for polyneuropathy. The goal was to estimate the effects of alpha-lipoic acid on symptoms of diabetic neuropathy after 600 mg i.v. for 3 weeks and 3 months of 300-600 mg of alpha-lipoic acid per os. This study has been designed as a multicentric, in 5-centers in B&H, carried out by 5 physicians with 20 diabetic patients each. Following parameters were monitored in 100 diabetics suffering from Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, both men and women: diabetes duration, diabetes therapy, duration of polyneuropathy symptoms, height, weight, BMI (body mass index), subjective assessment of patients, objective examinations of physicians and subjective assessment of physicians. 100 diabetics, average age 61, suffered from diabetes in average 11,9 years. There were 35 men and 65 women, 16 with Type 1 and 80 with Type 2 diabetes, while 4 patients were not classified. 69 were having insulin therapy and 31 oral hypoglicemics. Shortest diabetic status was less than a year, and longest was 28 years. Average duration of polyneuropathic symptoms was 3 years, shortest was less than a year, and the longest was 15 years.  Significant statistic differences in improvement were recorded according to Fridman's test for repeated measurements compared to initial findings in assessments: sensory symptoms of polyneuropathy, pain sensations as polyneuropathy symptoms, total score of polyneuropathy symptoms, subjective assessment of patients, subjective findings of physicians, and significant differences were not find in autonomous and motoric neuropathy. Based on the conducted study, we have concluded that the application of alpha-lipoic acid during 3 months has helped to decrease the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy and in only one case out of 100 included patients there was no subjective improvement after drug application.

Alpha lipoic acid danger, risk
There is a danger when taking alpha lipoic acid in high amounts, including heart rhythm problems.

Alpha Lipoic Acid dosage questions
Q. I am a type II diabetic and use no insulin or prescription drugs. I keep my morning glucose readings in the 80-120 range with diet and supplements. Other sources recommend more alpha lipoic acid for diabetics that for "normal" people. Do you agree with that recommendation? They recommend 600mg (equals 300mg R-form) for diabetics which greatly exceeds the recommendation of 50mg R alpha lipoic acid three days a week! How can I reconcile these disparate recommendations? What is your advice for diabetics?
   A. There is a difference in the dosage of a supplement as to whether it is meant for long term preventive maintenance or for the treatment of a medical condition. Also, when alpha lipoic acid research is done, they use high amounts of the tested nutrient or drug for short period of time just so they can elicit a statistically measurable effect. This does not mean that people should be taking these high alpha lipoic acid dosages forever. We have no idea what would happen to people if they took 300 or 600 mg every day for years to come.
     If you have diabetes, first inform your doctor of your interest in using ALA, then start with half a capsule of 50 mg R-ALA. With time you can increase the dose gradually while monitoring your blood sugar. One side effect to look out for is insomnia. If you notice being too alert when you go to bed, it may be that you are taking too much alpha lipoic acid, or perhaps too many other supplements.

I read in Dr Sahelian's newsletter about the lady who suffered irregular heartbeat from taking alpha lipoic acid dosage 300mg three times per day for several weeks and having to be hospitalized as a result. In a Pub Med report German researchers reported how alpha lipoic acid interfered with the conversion of T4 to T3 by body tissues. The alpha lipoic acid caused more interference than even the antihyperthyroid drug propylthiouracil. If the lady in question was taking T4 or if her thyroid system was not working well, then perhaps this relatively large quantity of alpha lipoic acid taken daily, could have acted like a large daily dose of a antihyperthyroid medicine and could possibly could have affected her heart rhythm. I have had a unique experience myself, I believe, with the interaction of alpha lipoic acid and Levothroid (T4). MAbout a year ago I was taking 300mcg of Levothroid and 200x2 mg of alpha lipoic acid per day, as
well as 500 mg x 2 of acetyl l carnitine, plus all of the common vitamins, minerals and Androgel and told my doctor that I was feeling the better than I had in the last 20 years. However, because my FT4 level test registered about 20% above the high range he recommended that I reduce my Levothroid dosage. I had no hyperthyroid symptoms. After reducing my Levothroid in steps over time, my FT4 tests came down to just under the high range, but physically I lost most of my physical and mental drive. I have since raised by Levothroid dosage back to 300mcg, in steps, and feel great again. I should mention that I am a 86 year old male, play tennis twice a week and work out twice a week doing strength training. I hope that my experience with alpha lipoic acid and T4 will be of value to others. Incidentally, the alpha lipoic acid acetyl l carnitine combination worked well for me, as it has for others.

Can alpha lipoic acid and co q10 be taken together? What about with and dmae?
   Yes, as long as the dosage of alpha lipoic acid and CoQ10 are kept low, same with DMAE.

Q. Is alpha lipoic acid a vitamin?
   A. Since the body can make some alpha lipoic acid on its own, it is not considered a vitamin.

Q. Would you say alpha lipoic acid is an anti-aging supplement?
   A. It is possible that low dosages of alpha lipoic acid could have antiaging potential but no such research is available and is not likely to be available for several decades. It is also possible that high doses of alpha lipoic acid could cause reduce longevity due to side effects.

Q. What is R-Lipoic Acid derived from, how is R Lipoic acid made? What is the estimated half-life of R-Lipoic Acid in the body of an adult male?
   A. R alpha lipoic acid is made synthetically, and different labs have different methods of making it and purifying it. We have not come across any specific research on the half life of R lipoic acid, but from feedback from users we do know that even if a 50 mg R lipoic acid is taken in the morning, some people notice the effects of alertness even at bedtime.

I have read with interest the emails of folks having side-effects from Alpha lipoic acid. I have have been using an R-ALA product now for several years. I began using it for its potential as an anti-inflammatory when I had a severe brachial plexus neuritis, and it seemed to be helpful. At that time I took 450 mg t.i.d. I currently take 150 mg each am, along with 250 mg Acetyl-l-Carnitine. I have experienced no side effects from either dose, at least as far as I can ascertain. What is your opinion of using the right isomer isolate?
   We think the R form is the preferred isomer. At this time we are not convinced that taking more than 50 mg a day is necessary, but each person is unique in their response.

Can Hoodia Extract and alpha lipoic acid be taken together?
   In small amounts, yes.

What is the usual starting dose for alpha lipoic acid?
   The usual staring dosage for alpha lipoic acid can range from 10 to 50 mg.

Are there are any supplements that can be taken to help regenerate Olfactory Nerve receptor cells? I lost my sense of smell and taste 15 months ago after using a zinc-based homeopathic nasal spray, and I have read that the Olfactory Nerve receptors have the ability, over time, to regenerate. I also read that treatment with Human Growth Hormone may aid in the regeneration of damaged nerves and wonder whether this is a legitimate claim.
   Over the counter human growth hormone products cannot be trusted. One small study showed Alpha lipoic acid was helpful treating loss of smell after a cold, but we have not seen clinical trials in other cases.

I too had been taking alpha lipoic acid 300 mg a day--and started having heart palpitations so I stopped. My question is do you think that taking 300 mg once a week would be the same as taking 50 mg once a day?
   It's difficult to say, but we prefer using lower amounts of alpha lipoic acid more frequently than a high dose.

I am sorting out the varying information available about Alpha Lipoic Acid. I was reviewing information on R-Alpha Lipoic Acid on your website and I am wondering if it contains biotin. If not, will you tell me why you don't include it.
   We have seen no human studies that indicate biotin is necessary to be taken along with an alpha lipoic acid supplement.

I am experiencing strange effect after taking 50 mg R Alpha Lipoic Acid. Well when I took a capsule, in 1 or 2 seconds I got this burning feeling on my chest and throat area, its bit like heartburn, it happened so quick it surprised me. It feels bit like when you drink coke or strong carbonated water you get this acidic strong effect but with burning feeling. Could you explain why this maybe happening because I never experienced anything like that before, I take r alpha lipoic acid capsules with water (not in empty stomach), do you think I should stop taking the supplement?
    The decision to take or not to take a supplement rests with you in consultation with your doctor. We are not sure why you are experiencing this feeling in the chest or throat area. You may consider opening the capsule, taking a quarter or a third or so with a few ounces of glass of fruit juice to see if the symptoms re-occur.

What do you think of Alpha Lipoic Acid 600 mg. The promotion states, Alpha lipoic acid a the Universal Antioxidant. Potent scavenger of free radicals; water and fat soluble for whole body benefits. Increases energy production in the cells. Supports healthy blood sugar levels and insulin efficiency. Promotes healthy liver, nerve function and eye health. Is 600 mg a high dose?
    Yes, 600 mg is a very high dose and could cause side effects such as heart rhythm disturbances.

Is there any advantage of the reduced form of alpha lipoic acid, dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA) over R-Alpha Lipoic Acid?
    We have not seen human studies comparing the two forms. R ALA has had many more studies than DHLA.

I have ordered several times R-Lipoic Acid and would like to ask a question about it. I read: The absorption of most commercial R ALA powder, capsules and
tablets is less than 1%, due to extensive polymerization during manufacturing and in the stomach. R ALA has poor solubility and absorption from the GI tract
and polymerizes on contact in low pH environments. Therefore, R ALA must first be stabilized as a salt, or an aqueous solution of the salt. How about your R ALA product, how readily is it absorbed by the body?
    There is a lot of information on the internet and some of this information is correct and some is not based on any valid research. People who take R ALA notice the results within hours and this means it is absorbed quite well. You can tell the R ALA supplement is absorbing well and working by the effects, more alertness, and the effects can last late into the night if you take too much. We don't have absorption studies on our product, no vitamin company does testing on absorption for all their products since it costs tens of thousands of dollars to do a study and it cannot be done for every product that is sold. For additional articles on nutritional healing.

I am taking dialysis treatment 3 x week, I have a chronic renal failure, a naturopath doctor from Australia recommended the following as treatment to my kidney disease:Alpha Lipoic Acid: 600mg a day (the key nutrient), Coenzyme Q10: 200mg a day. Multi-vitamin (with selenium and iron). Vitamin C: 1500mg a day. Nettle Leaf Tea. You said that the maximum dosage that should taken is 100mg a day without side effect. But in my case, I need a strong dosage of ALA being the key nutrient to treat my kidney disease. The Australian doctor's e-book kidney disease solution has treated quite a number of patients with kidney disease using the recommended treatment. If you have the abovementioned products, may I know the price, including shipping charges. I am based in Bucharest, Romania. I do not have a visa card, but I can make a bank transfer to your bank account.
    The dosage of ALA used for prevention is lower than that used for treatment.