Alpha Lipoic Acid 600 MG Tablets Review, Uses & Benefits

Alpha Lipoic Acid 600 mg tablets are used to enhance glucose metabolism, support liver health and neutralize oxidative damage cause by cell-damaging free radicals.

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) occurs naturally in plants and animals, and is used in all cells in humans. It is particularly important because of its dual capacity as an antioxidant.

In addition to being a strong antioxidant itself, it also has the ability to restore the function of other antioxidants that have become inactive.

Alpha lipoic acid is also involved in the production of mitochondrial energy, helping to turn glucose from food we eat into fuel. The 600 mg ALA tablets are generally recommended for patients with diabetes or neuropathy. [1]

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Anti-Oxidant Supplement

Anti- Oxidant

Blood Sugar

Anti- Aging

How It Works:

• Neutralizes free radicals & oxidative damage
• Regulate blood glucoses levels
• Supports mitochondrial energy metabolism

Dosage:

Between 300 - 1,200 mg per day

Safety:

Generally Well Tolerated

Top Alpha Lipoic Acid* ❯

View User Ratings* ❯

Alpha Lipoic Acid 600 MG Tablets

ALA supplements are available in tablets, capsule and, softgels, extended release pills and as a bulk powder.

As an oral dietary supplement, 600 mg Alpha Lipoic Acid tablets are the most commonly purchased form on Amazon. Other serving sizes available include 100 mg, 200 mg, 250 mg and 300 mg per capsule.

Standard gelatin capsules are the most widely available, but there are also vegan and vegetarian-friendly capsules, as well as gluten-free and hypoallergenic formulations.

Softgel formulations, like those sold by NatureMade abd BRI Nutrition, are purported to be easier to swallow and may be better absorbed by the body. However, they may not be appropriate for individuals with allergies to soy or other products.

In addition to the active ingredient, softgels are listed as containing soybean oil, gelatin, glycerin, yellow beeswax, purified water, lecithin and caramel coloring.

Some supplements are labelled as containing R-ALA (R-Alpha Lipoic Acid), which is considered to be a higher quality naturally derived form of this supplement. Generally, these supplements will sell for a higher price compared to those that only contain S-Alpha Lipoic Acid.

The ALA ingredient is also commonly used in skincare products – including serums, gels, creams and a 5% liquid solution – to improve the health and appearance of the skin.

Injectable forms are also available for administration only by medical doctors. Intravenous ALA is used most commonly for treating symptoms of diabetes mellitus and related conditions like peripheral neuropathy. [2]

Alpha Lipoic Acid 600 MG Uses

Alpha lipoic acid is a cofactor that is required for the activities of various enzymes. Enzymes are catalysts that initiate numerous processes (chemical reactions) inside the body.

Researchers say that ALA seems to act by “multiple mechanisms both physiologically and pharmacologically, many of which are only now being explored.”. [3]

Regular use of alpha lipoic acid 600 mg tablets or capsules might be helpful for improving various conditions. However, research is lacking for many of the common uses of ALA dietary supplements.

According to PubMed, Alpha Lipoic Acid is currently being researched for its effects on cancer, neuropathy, diabetes, weight loss, liver function, brain health, multiple sclerosis, and various other conditions. [4]

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMM), alpha lipoic acid is helpful for lowering blood glucose levels. ALA neutralizes free radicals that contribute to diabetic nerve damage (neuropathy) which can cause stinging, burning, numbness and pain. [5]

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCD) lists various other uses for alpha lipoic acid tablets.

Some of these include cardiovascular disease, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), HIV/AIDS, liver disease, lactic acidosis and various vision disorders. [2]

Note that many of the uses for ALA are not supported by clinical research in humans. NMCD states that ALA is Possibly Effective for the following conditions:

• Peripheral diabetic neuropathy (nerve dysfunction);
• CABG (coronary artery bypass graft) surgery;
• Impaired glucose tolerance (prediabetes);
• Vitiligo (white skin patches);
• Diabetes mellitus;
• Wound healing;
• Weight loss;

Alpha lipoic acid is rated as Possibly Ineffective for alcohol-related liver disease, altitude sickness, Alzheimer’s disease, HIV-related dementia, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), diabetic retinopathy and cardiac autonomic neuropathy. [2] [5]

There are a number of other conditions and diseases which lack sufficient research to evaluate the effectiveness of this antioxidant.

Researchers from Oregon State University say, “ALA may be an effective agent to ameliorate certain pathophysiologies of many chronic diseases.”. [2]

Alpha Lipoic Acid 600 MG Benefits

The health benefits of alpha lipoic acid 600 mg capsules and tablets are largely attributed to its antioxidant effects throughout the body.

Other antioxidants are limited by being either soluble (dissolvable) in water or fats. ALA is both fat and water-soluble. UMM says this makes it useful in all cells throughout the body.

The NMCD lists the following benefits associated with endogenous alpha lipoic acid’s function in the body:

• Assists in carbohydrate metabolism, helping to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate);
• Helps to modulate inflammatory responses, possibly suppressing vascular swelling;
• May prevent poisoning from heavy metals like lead, mercury and arsenic;
• Regenerates antioxidants including glutathione, vitamin C and vitamin E;
• Increases neuronal blood flow in experimental diabetic models;
• May inhibit replication of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus);
• Scavenges free radicals intracellularly and extracellularly;
• Improves neuronal conduction velocity;
• Improves neuronal uptake of glucose;

ALA is able to cross the blood brain barrier (BBB). Because of this, researchers think that it might be helpful for treating stroke, dementia and other neurological conditions that impair brain activity.

Currently, no reliable evidence is available to validate this claim. The FDA has not approved the use of Alpha Lipoic Acid for the treatment of any forms of cognitive disfunction. [2]

How to Take Alpha Lipoic Acid Tablets

Benefits from oral ALA supplementation have been observed at dosages as low as 20 – 100 mg per day. This dosage range is typically used as an antioxidant to promote general health and well-being.

Daily doses between 600 mg and 1200 mg are commonly used in patients with diabetes or diabetic neuropathy. One study used 800 mg doses each day to treat cardiac autonomic neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes. [2]

Some studies have examined dosages as high as 1,800mg per day in patients with diabetic neuropathy and other forms of neuropathy. This dosage should only be used under the care of a qualified physician.

If you are considering using alpha lipoic acid tablets, then you should discuss the best dosage for you with your doctor first.

5% ALA creams have been used twice daily, applied topically to treat wrinkled skin and photoaging. One small study reported improvements to skin thickness and skin elasticity with this treatment protocol. [2]

Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplement Side Effects

According to Drugs.com, alpha lipoic acid capsules are believed to be safe when used appropriately. The best way to limit possible adverse effects with this or any supplement is to follow dosage guidelines closely.

You should seek immediate help from a medical professional if you experience allergic reactions to ALA including difficulty breathing, hives and/or swelling of the lips, tongue, face and/or throat. [6]

You should stop using ALA and call your doctor right away if you experience headache, weakness, confusion, irritability, low blood sugar and/or jitteriness after taking a alpha lipoic acid supplement.

Less serious, more common side effects to watch for include nausea and/or skin rash. Not all of the possible adverse effects associated with alpha lipoic acid 600 mg tablets are known yet.

Rate This Article

(3 votes, average: 3.33 out of 5, rated)