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Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA)

Evidence: ★★★☆☆ · Status: OTC Supplement

💡 Did you know? Alpha-lipoic acid is a rare antioxidant that works in both the water and fat parts of a cell — and it recharges vitamins C and E after they're spent.

In plain English

A rare antioxidant that works in both watery and fatty parts of the cell, and recharges your other antioxidants. Genuinely helps nerve pain in diabetics.

How it works

Both fat- and water-soluble antioxidant; mitochondrial cofactor (pyruvate dehydrogenase), regenerates vitamins C/E and glutathione, activates AMPK, improves diabetic neuropathy.

Molecular target & official sources

Alpha-lipoic acid (PubChem CID 864) · Examine: ALA

Bottom line

Versatile antioxidant + metabolic support.

Helps with: Live Longer

Stacks with

Shares a pathway — often paired with: Metformin, Statins (Atorvastatin/Rosuvastatin), Magnesium, Berberine.

Availability & where to buy

Available over the counter. Widely available OTC — e.g. iHerb (ships worldwide); in Singapore also Guardian, Watsons, GNC, Shopee / Lazada. Look for a third-party-tested / GMP mark and check the dose per serving.

How it works: the AMPK pathway →

Used in these protocols

Chronic Fatigue / Low Energy

Common questions

Does Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) actually work?

Human-evidence rating: 3 of 5. Versatile antioxidant + metabolic support.

Is Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) legal or approved?

Regulatory status: OTC Supplement.