ALA

Indications

Alpha-Lipoic Acid (also called thioctic acid) is an antioxidant supplement. It is mainly used to help relieve symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, nerve damage caused by diabetes that leads to burning pain, tingling, numbness and pins and needles in the feet and hands. It is also used as a general antioxidant supplement. It supports, but does not replace, good blood sugar control.

How It Works

Alpha-Lipoic Acid is a natural substance made in small amounts in the body, where it helps cells turn food into energy. It is a strong antioxidant that neutralises harmful molecules called free radicals and helps regenerate other antioxidants such as vitamins C and E. In diabetic neuropathy it is thought to reduce oxidative stress on nerves and improve blood flow to them, which may ease pain and numbness. It may also slightly improve the way the body uses insulin.

Dosage and Administration

Take as directed on the label or by your doctor. For diabetic neuropathy, a common adult amount is 600 mg once a day. It is best taken on an empty stomach, about 30 minutes before breakfast, with water, because food reduces its absorption. Improvement in symptoms may take several weeks.

Interactions

It may lower blood sugar, so people taking Insulin, Metformin, Gliclazide or other diabetes medicines should check blood sugar more often; the doctor may adjust the dose. It may bind minerals such as iron, magnesium and calcium; take these supplements at a different time of day. It may affect thyroid medicine Levothyroxine. Alcohol reduces its benefit and may worsen nerve damage.

Contraindications

• Allergy to Alpha-Lipoic Acid or any ingredient of the product.

Side Effects

It is usually well tolerated. Possible effects include nausea, stomach discomfort, heartburn, dizziness, headache and a skin rash or itching. Low blood sugar (sweating, shaking, hunger, confusion) can occur in people with diabetes. A urine odour change may occur.

Get urgent medical help for signs of severe low blood sugar such as fainting or fits, or an allergic reaction with swelling of the face, lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing.

Pregnancy and Lactation

There is not enough information on safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Use only if your doctor advises it.

Precautions and Warnings

• People with diabetes should monitor blood sugar, especially at the start.
• People with thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, for example from heavy alcohol use, should have this corrected first.
• Tell your doctor if you have thyroid disease.
• See a doctor if neuropathy symptoms worsen or a foot wound appears.

Overdose

Very large amounts may cause nausea, vomiting, headache and, rarely, serious effects such as low blood sugar, fits and blood problems. Contact a doctor or poison centre at once.

Therapeutic Class

Antioxidant supplement; used in diabetic neuropathy.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.