What Is Alpha-Lipoic Acid Good For? 8 Possible Benefits

1. May help manage diabetes: Alpha-lipoic acid may help lower blood glucose levels in the body by promoting processes that promote insulin sensitivity. It may also help manage nerve pain in people with diabetes.
2. May lower the risk of heart disease: Alpha-lipoic acid has been widely believed to affect heart health by changing the fat composition in the blood, raising high-density lipoprotein (good) cholesterol while bringing down low-density lipoprotein (bad) cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Many studies have reported that alpha-lipoic acid may play a role in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis, help increase nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation, and promote anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic pathways.
3. May improve nerve function: Alpha-lipoic acid may act as a neuroprotective agent because of its antioxidant properties. This can protect the nerves from damage caused by oxidative stress and conditions such as diabetes, Lyme disease, shingles, thyroid disorders, kidney failure, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
4. May help with weight loss: Research has shown that alpha-lipoic acid may reduce the activity of the AMP-activated protein kinase enzyme, which is responsible for feelings of hunger. Alpha-lipoic acid may also boost your metabolism and help increase the number of calories your body burns at rest.
5. May slow memory loss: Damage from oxidative stress can increase the risk of memory loss. Because alpha-lipoic acid has powerful antioxidant properties, studies have reported that it can help slow the progression of disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.
6. May help improve sperm quality: According to some studies, eating a diet rich in alpha-lipoic acids may increase total sperm count, sperm concentration, and motility.
7. May reduce inflammation: Alpha-lipoic acid may help reduce inflammation markers in conditions such as multiple sclerosis, metabolic disorder, diabetes, and organ transplants.
8. May slow down skin aging: When alpha-lipoic acid is applied to the skin, it penetrates deep into the inner layers and offers antioxidant protection against the harmful UV rays. This can help protect against skin damage and signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles.

However, much of the research on alpha-lipoic acid is in the preliminary stages, and findings are inconclusive. Many health benefit claims lack sufficient scientific evidence. Therefore, talk to your doctor before taking alpha-lipoic acid supplements.