Nucleo Longevity
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Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA)

alpha-lipoic acid · ALA · thioctic acid · R-ALA

A mitochondrial antioxidant promoted for nerves, blood sugar and aging.

TipoSupplement / dietary

Il voto risponde a: What does the human evidence support for: Metabolic & nerve support?

Grado

C

Limitata

Il voto misura la qualità dell'evidenza, non è un consiglio ad assumere o acquistare.

Classe
Antioxidant / cofactor
Uso principale
Metabolic & nerve support
Forza evidenza
medium
Ultima revisione
2026-07-01

In sintesi

Best evidence is for diabetic nerve symptoms and modest glucose effects — not aging. A legitimate metabolic supplement with a specific niche, oversold as an anti-aging antioxidant.

Cosa dice l'evidenza

Alpha-lipoic acid is both fat- and water-soluble, is a cofactor for mitochondrial enzymes, and can regenerate other antioxidants. Its strongest human evidence is for symptomatic relief of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (especially intravenous, with oral data weaker) and small improvements in insulin sensitivity and weight. There is no human longevity outcome evidence; the 'anti-aging antioxidant' framing is extrapolated from mechanism and animal work. Grade C: a real metabolic/neuropathy niche, unproven for aging.

Studi chiave

  1. [1]

    Alpha-lipoic acid for diabetic neuropathy · meta-analysis

    Symptom benefit, strongest with intravenous dosing.

    Apri su PubMed ↗
  2. [2]
  3. [3]

    Alpha-lipoic acid antioxidant mechanisms (review) · review

    Basis for the (extrapolated) anti-aging claims.

    Apri su PubMed ↗
Vedi tutti gli studi su PubMed ↗

Meccanismo

Acts as a cofactor for mitochondrial dehydrogenase complexes and as a redox-active antioxidant that can recycle vitamins C and E and support glutathione.

Sicurezza

Generally well tolerated; can cause GI upset and, by lowering blood glucose, may add to the effect of diabetes medication (hypoglycaemia risk). Rare autoimmune reactions have been reported.

Contesto dosaggio

Trials commonly use ~300–600 mg/day (higher, IV, in neuropathy studies). The R-enantiomer is marketed as more active; evidence for superiority in practice is limited.

Esempi di applicazione

  • Taken ~300–600 mg/day, mainly relevant to diabetic nerve symptoms.
  • Can add to the glucose-lowering effect of diabetes medication.
  • Aging claims are extrapolated from mechanism, not outcomes.

Nota dal campo

ALA earns its place through diabetic-neuropathy data, then gets sold for aging on the strength of a mechanism. We grade it C and keep the niche and the hype separate.

Molecole correlate

Coenzyme Q10C
Come assegniamo i gradi → Metodo