Alpha-Lipoic Acid (racemic)
Also known as: ALA, thioctic acid, lipoic acid, R/S-lipoic acid, DL-alpha-lipoic acid
Alpha-lipoic acid is a sulfur-containing compound that serves as a mitochondrial enzyme cofactor and a water- and fat-soluble antioxidant. The supplement form is usually a 50:50 racemic mix of R and S isomers. A meta-analysis of 24 RCTs in people with metabolic conditions found improvements in fasting glucose, insulin resistance, and lipid markers. It is widely used in blood-sugar, nerve-comfort, and antioxidant formulas at 300–600 mg per day.
Research summary
Recycles glutathione and vitamins C and E, chelates metals, and supports glucose uptake via AMPK and insulin signaling.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of compound.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300 mg | 300–600 mg | — | — |
Most trials used 300–600 mg daily, sometimes divided. Absorption is best on an empty stomach; food reduces bioavailability. Some people report mild GI upset or skin rash at higher doses. The racemic form requires roughly twice the dose of R-ALA for similar exposure.
Standardization: ≥99% alpha-lipoic acid
Source material: synthetic
Forms of Alpha-Lipoic Acid
| Form | Typical dose | Element % | Formats | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpha-Lipoic Acid (racemic) | 300–600 mg | — | Capsule, Tablet, Powder | low |
| R-Alpha-Lipoic Acid (Na-R-ALA) | 100–300 mg | — | Capsule, Tablet, Powder | high |
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Low melting point (about 60 °C) and sulfur odor; avoid heat during tableting. Not suited to gummies or liquids.
Formulation notes
May add to the glucose-lowering effect of diabetes medications and other blood-sugar botanicals; may affect thyroid hormone conversion in theory.
- Notable drug interactions
Sources
Related ingredients
R-Alpha-Lipoic Acid (Na-R-ALA)
AntioxidantR-alpha-lipoic acid is the naturally occurring enantiomer of lipoic acid, the form made in mitochondria and used as a cofactor for energy-producing enzymes.
Typical: 100–300 mg
CoQ10 (Ubiquinone)
AntioxidantCoenzyme Q10 in its oxidized form, ubiquinone, is the standard, most-studied CoQ10 ingredient.
Typical: 100–300 mg
Green Tea Extract (50% EGCG)
BotanicalA leaf extract of Camellia sinensis concentrated for catechins, especially EGCG, with a small amount of naturally occurring caffeine.
Typical: 300–500 mg
CoQ10 (Ubiquinol)
AntioxidantUbiquinol is the reduced, active antioxidant form of coenzyme Q10 and the form that predominates in blood.
Typical: 100–200 mg
Black Seed Oil (Nigella sativa)
Fatty acidBlack seed oil is cold-pressed from Nigella sativa seeds, a spice with a long history of traditional use across the Middle East and South Asia.
Typical: 500–2,000 mg