Thioctic acid

Alpha-lipoic acid/Nutrient Depletion:

  • Blood glucoseBlood glucose: In human research, effects of alpha-lipoic acid on blood glucose levels and glucose hemostatis were mixed, with decreases or no effects occurring, alone or in combination with antidiabetic agents (8; 9; 10; 11; 12; 13; 14; 15; 16; 17; 18; 88; 20; 21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27; 28; 29; 89; 90).
  • Blood lipidsBlood lipids: In human research, alpha-lipoic acid has been shown to moderate cholesterol increases associated with use of atypical antipsychotic drugs (107). Improvements in plasma lipids (decreased total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, and/or increased HDL cholesterol) occurred in some (82; 118; 13) but not all (19; 17; 20; 27; 96; 126; 28; 30; 29) human studies.
  • ThiamineThiamine: In animal research, thiamine deficiency has been reported with alpha-lipoic acid when taken in high doses (111; 112).
  • Trace elementsTrace elements: An overdose of alpha-lipoic acid has been hypothesized to cause trace element deficiency in those with diabetes mellitus (113).
  • Vitamin CVitamin C: The reduced form of alpha-lipoic acid, DHLA, enhanced recycling of ascorbic acid and vitamin E (204; 205).
  • Vitamin EVitamin E: The reduced form of alpha-lipoic acid, DHLA, enhanced recycling of ascorbic acid and vitamin E (204; 205). However, in human research, alpha-lipoic acid increased alpha-tocopherol plasma concentration (150).