Nutrient Spotlight: Alpha Lipoic Acid

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA, also called lipoic acid) might not be a nutrient you hear about every day, but your body has been relying on it all along. Here is a closer look at what it is, what it does, where to find it, and how we use it at Purifi IV.

What Is Alpha Lipoic Acid?

Alpha lipoic acid is a naturally occurring compound that plants, animals, and people all make in small amounts. It contains sulfur, and one thing that makes it unusual is that it is both water soluble and fat soluble. That means it can work in the watery parts of cells and in the fatty membranes around them.

It comes in two mirror image forms, called R and S. Your body makes the R form. Supplements may contain the R form alone or a 50/50 mix of both.

How It Helps Make Energy

Inside the mitochondria, the parts of our cells that produce energy, alpha lipoic acid is a helper (a cofactor) for enzyme groups that turn the food we eat into usable energy. This is its main everyday job, and it is the reason every cell in the body needs a little of it.

Its Role as an Antioxidant

Alpha lipoic acid and its active form, dihydrolipoic acid, can neutralize free radicals in lab studies. It also helps recycle other antioxidants, including vitamin C, glutathione, and coenzyme Q10, so they can keep working. That recycling role is a big part of why it gets called a "universal antioxidant."

Food Sources of Alpha Lipoic Acid

The amounts in food are small and not well measured, but some foods contain more than others. According to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University:

Organ meats: kidney, heart, and liver

Vegetables: spinach and broccoli

Smaller amounts: tomatoes, peas, and Brussels sprouts

Eating these foods is a healthy choice for many reasons, but food does not noticeably raise the level of free alpha lipoic acid in the blood. That is why people who want more of it often look to supplements or injections.

Safety Notes

Alpha lipoic acid is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects of oral supplements are skin reactions like rash or itching, and some people notice an upset stomach. Because it may affect how the body uses glucose, anyone taking insulin or other diabetes medications should talk with their provider first, since blood sugar may need to be watched more closely. It is also not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless a provider says otherwise.

Common Questions About Alpha Lipoic Acid

Is alpha lipoic acid the same as the ALA in omega 3s?

No, and this trips a lot of people up. The ALA in flaxseed and walnuts is alpha linolenic acid, an omega 3 fat. Alpha lipoic acid is a completely different compound with a different job. They just share the same initials.

When is the best time to take an alpha lipoic acid supplement?

Research summarized by the Linus Pauling Institute found that taking it with food lowered how much reached the bloodstream, so many people take oral supplements on an empty stomach. Your provider can help you decide what makes sense for you.

Is alpha lipoic acid safe to take every day?

Studies have used daily oral doses for months at a time with few serious side effects, but everyone is different. Check with your provider first, especially if you take diabetes medication or are pregnant.

Alpha Lipoic Acid at Purifi IV

You can find alpha lipoic acid in The Cool Down, our recovery and energy injection. Shots are quick, and a visit usually takes less than 10 minutes.

Our team brings ER experience to every visit, and we screen every client before any drip or shot. If you are curious whether The Cool Down is a good fit for you, ask us. Book online at https://www.purifiiv.com/book-appointment or stop by our Suwanee location. Come see us!

This post is for general informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with questions about your health.

References

Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University. Lipoic Acid. Micronutrient Information Center. https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/lipoic-acid

Healthline. Alpha-Lipoic Acid: Weight Loss, Other Benefits and Side Effects. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/alpha-lipoic-acid

Written and reviewed by Johnathon Nolen, and Dr. Jeremy Nelson.