Rankings / Mitochondria & Cellular Energy
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA)
Mitochondria & Cellular Energy · Antioxidant / mitochondrial
Tier B+
What this is
IV form (600 mg) standard in Germany for diabetic neuropathy (ALADIN trials). Oral R-ALA more bioavailable than racemic. Chelation properties mean it can deplete thiamine chronically — supplement or cycle.
Mechanism
Both fat- and water-soluble antioxidant; regenerates glutathione, vitamin C/E; essential cofactor for pyruvate/alpha-KG dehydrogenase; heavy metal chelator
Dose & route
300-1800 mg/day PO (R-enantiomer more bioavailable); empty stomach
Citations
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16702764/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22887617/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4037019/
- https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18101538
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