This article reviews alpha-lipoic acid, its benefits, side effects, and recommended dosage. Of course, we will be using a combination of scientific studies and my personal experience using this to show how ALA can help you lose weight. Something to note is that nearly all (if not all) of the studies on ALA and neuropathy were on diabetic neuropathy. The symptom of "fatigue" is common and plagues many patients. Like the other response said, its worth trying. It turned out, however, that lipoic acid’s weight-loss effect was not solely the result of reduced food intake. Sit down and dig into these posts. Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a fatty acid which is often referred to as the ‘universal antioxidant'. Many of us dont understand that youve a distinction between unhealthy weight … Kucukgoncu S, Zhou E, Lucas KB, Tek C. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) as a supplementation for weight loss: results from a meta-analysis of randomized … Patients with non-specific inflammation generally have markers such as CRP, ESR and hs-CRP elevated on their blood tests. Alpha-Lipoic Acid Synergy Alpha-lipoic acid is another potent antioxidant that protects the nerves against diabetes and other conditions with increased oxidative stress. Alpha lipoic acid's weight loss effects may work better in combination with a reduced-calorie diet. Thank you! ALA attenuates (decreases) insulin resistance (10) and helps lower fasting blood sugar (11). His focus is on managing thyroid disorders, weight loss resistance, and other sex hormone imbalances. Just like other medications can be added to ALA to boost results, so too can supplements be added to ALA for even more benefit. Focusing on diet alone is often not enough to complete reverse insulin resistance and lead to weight loss. These patients are largely ​left untreated, despite the fact that they still have issues with weight and weight loss resistance. Alpha lipoic acid is required for proper mitochondrial enzyme function and therefore energy production (14). Taking ALA may help boost energy levels which will allow you to get up be more active, build more lean muscle mass and further improve your metabolism. In supplement form, it has long been taken to improve glucose sensitivity and treat diabetes, but more recently attention has moved to its potential for weight loss and muscle gains. Weight gain results from a complex change in hormones usually a direct result of lifestyle disturbances like poor diet (nutritionally deficient), high stress (from a job or other factors), lack of exercise (altering muscle mass) and decreased activity (lack of exercise). To get the most benefit from alpha lipoic acid your dosage should range from 600mg to 1,800mg. Inflammation reduces the conversion of T4 to T3 leading to high levels of reverse T3 - this process further blunts your metabolism and leads to weight gain. When it comes to weight loss there are very few supplements that actually work. ​. It has some other interesting properties (helps with energy, weight loss). Alpha‐lipoic acid treatment coincided with a statistically significant 1.27 kg (confidence interval = 0.25 to 2.29) greater mean weight loss compared with the placebo group. Thank you! You can find more information about me here. I took the capsules, no difference. Alpha lipoic acid is a very strong nutritional supplement that can help with multiple medical conditions. He provides well-researched actionable information about hormone-related disorders and formulates supplements to treat these disorders. ​After all, if it were as easy as taking a supplement to lose weight wouldn't it be on the cover of every national newspaper? L-Methionine: Almost nobody knows of this nutrient… but its been shown to prevent premature hair loss. Alpha lipoic acid is an amino acid which functions as a so-called “building block” for proteins- chemicals which provide the body with energy. Don't expect to take this supplement by itself and lose a ton of weight. I’m getting my first transfusion on Friday. All of these changes are mediated through insulin and insulin resistance. While most of the claims for weight loss with other supplements tend to be overhyped there are actually some supplements that can help you lose weight. Couple that with the fact that up to 50% of the US population has some form of insulin resistance and you see why this is important. In some instances, even conventional Doctors have started to use this to treat conditions like peripheral neuropathy! Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Also, how long did you take ALA? Recall that I generally do not recommend the use of ALA in isolation, so if you know what your medical condition is you can target it with the addition of these supplements. I've also found great benefit in women who have high levels of testosterone (likely due to insulin resistance). it not only improves skin tone but also reduces puffiness and redness on the skin.