Alpha Lipoic Acid Side Effects, Dangers, Interactions and Contraindications

What are the side effects that can occur when using Alpha lipoic acid supplements?

Alpha lipoic acid is an antioxidant that the human body synthesizes on its own and/or derives from specific food sources, such as spinach and brewer’s yeast.

As a dietary supplement and medication, ALA may be used for a variety of different purposes, ranging from chronic fatigue syndrome to type 2 diabetes.

The Natural Medicines Database reports that alpha lipoic acid is considered possibly safe when it is used appropriately in its oral, intravenous and topical forms.

Some people may still experience side effects while using alpha lipoic acid. In addition, this supplement may be contraindicated in certain populations.

Below is some information about how alpha lipoic acid works, the side effects it may cause, its interactions and its contraindications.

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

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Is Alpha Lipoic Acid Safe?

According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, Alpha lipoic acid is rated Possibly Safe when it is used appropriately.

Drugs.com also says that there is  “No safety concerns despite wide use” of this supplement.

However, this does not mean that the supplement will be safe for everyone. Furthermore, if the supplement is not used properly, serious adverse reactions are possible.

To reduce the risk of alpha lipoic acid side effects, it is important to take this supplement only as directed by your doctor, naturopath or other healthcare provider.

Never take more than your recommended dosage, and do not continue the supplement for longer than you need to.

If you experience any serious side effects while using alpha lipoic acid, stop taking the supplement and talk to your physician before resuming it.

Negative Alpha Lipoic Acid Side Effects

Some of the most common alpha lipoic acid adverse effects include nausea and vomiting, as well as dizziness, mouth rash, low blood sugar and a decrease in blood pressure.

Some people who have taken alpha lipoic acid intravenously have also experienced some discomfort and redness at the site of the injection.

These side effects are typically mild. However, some people may experience a more severe reaction.

In addition, alpha lipoic acid may cause other side effects for some consumers.

Furthermore, side effects may be more serious if alpha lipoic acid is taken for an extended period of time and/or at a high dose.

Alpha Lipoic Acid and Hair Loss

Anecdotal reports have indicated that taking alpha lipoic acid for an extended period of time may lead to hair loss. However, research into this possible effect of alpha lipoic acid is lacking.

If you experience bothersome hair loss while using ALA supplements, stop taking the supplement and talk to your doctor.

Alpha Lipoic Acid Side Effects for Thyroid Function

Some preliminary evidence has shown that alpha lipoic acid supplements may lower levels of triiodothyronine (T3), an important thyroid that influences nearly every physiological process in the body.

However, other studies have shown that alpha lipoic acid has no significant effect on thyroid function.

If you have an existing thyroid condition, talk to your doctor before taking this supplement.

If you begin experiencing the symptoms of hypothyroidism while using alpha lipoic acid, such as depression, weight gain and fatigue, consult a licensed physician.

Alpha Lipoic Acid Side Effects for the Liver

Some sources, including Medical News Today, have indicated that alpha lipoic acid may have a protective effect on the liver and may aid in the treatment of certain liver problems, including hepatitis C.

The potential for alpha lipoic acid as a treatment for liver diseases involving oxidative stress has also been supported by some research studies.

However, studies have also shown that extremely high doses of alpha lipoic acid may damage mitochondria in the liver. It is important to take the proper dosage to reduce the risk of negative effects.

Drug Interactions and Contraindications

Alpha lipoic acid may interact with certain prescription medication, as well as other dietary supplements.

Consumers are encouraged to exercise caution when taking alpha lipoic acid with antidiabetes drugs, chemotherapy drugs and thyroid hormone.

Consumers should also be careful when combining alpha lipoic acid with other supplements known to cause hypoglycemia.

Alpha lipoic acid may not be safe for people with certain conditions. Talk to your doctor before taking this supplement if you have been diagnosed with thiamine deficiency, a thyroid disorder or diabetes.

If you are planning to have surgery, discontinue your use of alpha lipoic acid at least two weeks before the procedure.

How Alpha Lipoic Acid Works

Studies have shown that alpha lipoic acid may have several notable effects on the human body. Some of these effects include:

• Wound healing
• Decreased platelet reactivity
• Prevention of nerve dysfunction
• Improvement of plasma lipid levels
• Support of glucose metabolism
• Decreased fasting blood glucose levels
• Improved insulin sensitivity
• Antioxidant effects
• Antiviral effects
• Anti-inflammatory effects

According to the Natural Medicines Database, alpha lipoic acid has historically been used or studied for:

• Lactic acidosis
• Lyme disease
• Intermittent claudication
• Peripheral arterial disease
• Cardiovascular disease
• Wilson’s disease
• Liver disease
• Cancer
• HIV/AIDs
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Dementia
• Glaucoma
• Cataracts
• Retinopathy
• Cardiac autonomic neuropathy
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Diabetes

People have also used alpha lipoic acid intravenously for Amanita mushroom poisoning, diabetic neuropathy and type 2 diabetes.

Currently, the FDA has not approved the use of this supplement as a medication for the prevention, treatment or amelioration of any medical condition.

Topical uses of alpha lipoic acid skin creams include sun damage and facial wrinkles. The ALA skin creams generally pose a low risk of side effects, but may cause a rash or itching in some individuals.

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