Brad Stanfield on Alpha Lipoic Acid
3 episodes · 30 references · 2021–2024
- Stanfield views alpha lipoic acid as beneficial primarily for diabetics with nerve pain, recommending 600 mg of the R isomer, but cautions against use by healthy individuals - Cites evidence for diabetic neuropathy, weight loss (1.27 kg), sperm health, and cardiovascular markers, while highlighting risks including shortened lifespan in mice and accelerated cognitive decline - No evidence of personal consumption; Stanfield discusses ALA purely from a clinical evidence perspective
Benefits
- Oral ALA at 600 mg significantly reduces diabetic neuropathy symptoms including stabbing pain, burning, and numbness versus placebo - A potent mitochondrial antioxidant that chelates heavy metals and regenerates glutathione, vitamin C, and vitamin E - Meta-analysis shows improved sperm parameters via reduced testicular oxidative stress; also linked to 1.27 kg greater weight loss versus placebo
Best Practices
- Clinical guidelines suggest 600 mg as the optimal dose with the best risk-to-benefit ratio for diabetic nerve pain - Always choose the R isomer of ALA, which is far more effectively absorbed than the S form - Take on an empty stomach for up to 40% increased absorption
Cautions
- In healthy people, supplemental ALA may upset the body's oxidative balance and cause more harm than good; may blunt exercise adaptations by blocking beneficial stress signals - A 2-year RCT showed no cognitive benefit, and an antioxidant cocktail including ALA actually accelerated cognitive decline versus placebo - Shortened lifespan in extremely old mice; side effects include skin rash, nausea, acid reflux, and strong urine odor
“ALA supplementation improved endothelial function and reduced inflammatory markers in patients with metabolic syndrome... this may suggest that ALA could help potentially reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.”
Don't Take This Potent (But DAMAGING) Antioxidant
“Since ALA supports mitochondrial function, it may help to manage the symptoms [of mitochondrial disorders]... but the clinical data is sparse.”
Don't Take This Potent (But DAMAGING) Antioxidant
“It also helps to remove heavy metals from the bloodstream and it helps to regenerate other antioxidants such as glutathione and vitamin C and E.”
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) – Use With Caution!
“Alpha lipoic acid can possibly improve the eyesight for diabetics and may offer a very small decrease in blood sugar levels.”
Alpha Lipoic Acid – Potent (but DAMAGING) Antioxidant
“A 2020 meta-analysis... found significant improvements in sperm parameters for men treated with ALA... by reducing oxidative stress in the testes, ALA might protect sperm cells from damage.”
Don't Take This Potent (But DAMAGING) Antioxidant
“The clinical guidelines often suggest that diabetics who are struggling with nerve pain might consider a trial of 600 mg of alpha-lipoic acid.”
Don't Take This Potent (But DAMAGING) Antioxidant
“If you're considering taking alpha-lipoic acid, it's crucial to choose a supplement that contains the R isomer.”
Don't Take This Potent (But DAMAGING) Antioxidant
“If my patients wanted to try alpha lipoic acid, I'd recommend to them to take the R version of alpha lipoic acid.”
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) – Use With Caution!
“Make sure to buy the R version because it's far more effectively absorbed, particularly if you take it on an empty stomach.”
Alpha Lipoic Acid – Potent (but DAMAGING) Antioxidant
“Studies have reported a 40% increase in the absorption when alpha lipoic acid is taken in on an empty stomach.”
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) – Use With Caution!
“For otherwise healthy people who have already got that balance, alpha lipoic acid probably won't give any benefits and actually it may cause harm.”
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) – Use With Caution!
