Alpha-lipoic acid

What Is Alpha-lipoic acid?

Alpha-lipoic acid is a naturally occurring fatty acid that can be found in many foods such as yeast, spinach, broccoli, potatoes, and organ meats such as liver or kidney.
Alpha-lipoic acid has been used as a nutritional supplement and antioxidant.
Not all uses for alpha-lipoic acid have been approved by the FDA. Alpha-lipoic acid should not be substituted for medications prescribed for you by your doctor.
Alpha-lipoic acid is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
Alpha-lipoic acid may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.
Not all uses for alpha-lipoic acid have been approved by the FDA. Alpha-lipoic acid should not be substituted for medications prescribed for you by your doctor.
Alpha-lipoic acid is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
Talk with a doctor, pharmacist, herbalist, or other healthcare provider before using alpha-lipoic acid if you have kidney or liver disease, diabetes, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), or a thyroid disorder.
Use alpha-lipoic acid as directed on the label, or as your healthcare provider has prescribed. Do not use this product in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.
Taking alpha-lipoic acid may lower your blood sugar. Tell your doctor, pharmacist, herbalist, or other healthcare provider if you have symptoms such as hunger, weakness, nausea, irritability, dizziness, headache, blurred vision, confusion, sweating, fast heart rate, or fainting.
Less serious side effects are more likely to occur, and you may have none at all.
Ask a doctor, pharmacist, herbalist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have:

• liver disease;
• kidney disease;
• diabetes;
• low blood sugar (hypoglycemia); or
• a thyroid disorder.

It is not known whether alpha-lipoic acid will harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this product.
Alpha-lipoic acid can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this product without telling your healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without the advice of a doctor.

Alpha-lipoic acid Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these signs of low blood sugar while taking alpha-lipoic acid:

• hunger, weakness, nausea, irritability, tremors;
• drowsiness, dizziness, headache, blurred vision;
• confusion, trouble concentrating;
• sweating, fast heart rate; or
• feeling like you might pass out.

Less serious side effects may include:

• upset stomach;
• numbness or tingly feeling;
• dizziness, tired feeling;
• headache, muscle cramps; or
• mild skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Alpha-lipoic acid Interactions

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Do not take alpha-lipoic acid without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications:

• levothyroxine (Synthroid) and other thyroid medications; or
• insulin or oral diabetes medications such as metformin (Glucophage), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase), and others.

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with alpha-lipoic acid. Tell your healthcare provider about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your healthcare provider.

Alpha-lipoic acid Dosage

When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements.
If you choose to take alpha-lipoic acid, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of alpha-lipoic acid than is recommended on the label.
Some brands of alpha-lipoic acid may work best if you take it with food. Check the product label or ask your healthcare provider if you should take alpha-lipoic acid with food.
Your healthcare provider may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. The recommended dietary allowance of alpha-lipoic acid increases with age. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions. You may also consult the National Academy of Sciences "Dietary Reference Intake" or the U.S. Department of Agriculture's "Dietary Reference Intake" (formerly "Recommended Daily Allowances" or RDA) listings for more information.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Consult your healthcare provider for instructions if you miss a dose.