What is the recommended dosage for Alpha-Lipoic Acid?

General: 300-600 mg/day; Skin Health: 300-600 mg/day (R-lipoic acid is more bioactive)

What are the side effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid?

Potential side effects include: Nausea, Skin rash (rare), Hypoglycemia (may lower blood sugar).

What is alpha-lipoic acid and how may it support skin health?

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a sulfur-containing antioxidant that functions in both water and fat-soluble environments, making it effective throughout skin tissue. It regenerates other antioxidants including vitamins C and E. ALA has been studied for anti-aging skin effects including reduction of fine lines and improved skin texture.

What dosage of alpha-lipoic acid has been studied for skin benefits?

Skin-related studies have used 300–600 mg of alpha-lipoic acid per day orally, typically for 8–12 weeks. The R-enantiomer is considered the more biologically active form. Topical ALA studies have used 1–5% concentrations. Oral bioavailability is approximately 30% and is reduced by food.

What are the potential side effects of alpha-lipoic acid?

Common side effects include nausea, skin rash, and digestive discomfort. ALA may lower blood sugar and should be used cautiously with diabetes medications. A rare but serious side effect is insulin autoimmune syndrome, particularly reported in Japanese populations. Very high doses may have pro-oxidant effects.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid

antioxidant

Also known as: ALA, Thioctic Acid, R-Lipoic Acid, R-ALA

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About

Alpha-lipoic acid is a universal antioxidant soluble in both water and fat, capable of regenerating vitamins C and E and glutathione. A clinical study found oral ALA (300 mg/day for 12 weeks) reduced facial wrinkles, roughness, and improved skin texture in women.

How It Works

Universal antioxidant soluble in both water and fat; chelates metal ions and regenerates vitamins C and E and glutathione; may inhibit NF-kB activation and MMP expression in UV-exposed skin; supports mitochondrial energy production in aging fibroblasts.

Evidence For Conditions

Condition	Grade	Studies	Participants
Aging Skin & Wrinkles	C	4	200	View →

Side Effects

Nausea
Skin rash (rare)
Hypoglycemia (may lower blood sugar)

Drug & Supplement Interactions

Antidiabetic medications (may enhance blood sugar lowering — monitor glucose)
Thyroid medications (may affect thyroid hormone levels)
Chemotherapy agents (consult oncologist)

Always inform your healthcare provider about all supplements you take.

Related Ingredients

Astaxanthin CoQ10 Glutathione Resveratrol

Quick Facts

Dosage: General: 300-600 mg/day; Skin_Health: 300-600 mg/day (R-lipoic acid is more bioactive)
Forms: capsule tablet liquid
Natural Sources: Red meat, Organ meats, Broccoli, Spinach, Tomatoes, Brussels sprouts, Yeast
Upper Limit: Generally well-tolerated up to 1,800 mg/day
Best Time: On an empty stomach (food reduces bioavailability by ~30%); 30 minutes before meals

Evidence Summary

Aging Skin & Wrinkles C

FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The evidence grades presented are based on our analysis of published peer-reviewed research and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.