This post was originally published in May 2022. Updated in October 2023.
I’m sure you have already heard about the great benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid. It’s an organic compound that has strong antioxidant properties that can benefit your health and make your skin glow efficiently.
The best Alpha Lipoic Acid supplement is the one that can deliver to your body its needs without causing side effects.
All you need to do is pick the best formula on the market that suits you for a healthier lifestyle.
I included in this article a list of the best Alpha Lipoic Acid brands, what is this compound, what’s its benefits and side effects, the right dosage, and more FAQs.
Table of Contents
What Is Alpha Lipoic Acid?
Alpha Lipoic Acid ( ALA ) is an antioxidant that plays a role in breaking down food and converting it into energy.
The human body produces ALA naturally in small amounts. You can increase its levels easily in your body if you consume food that is rich in it like spinach, carrot, red meat, potatoes, and tomatoes. Or you can just take ALA supplements if you need to.
Best 9 Alpha Lipoic Acid:
1- NOW Supplements Alpha Lipoic Acid 600 mg
The NOW Alpha Lipoic Acid 600 mg Supplements are a great option for you if you’re looking for extra healthy ingredients.
Each serving of this supplement is formulated with 600 mg of Alpha Lipoic Acid, 30 mg of grape seed extract, and 5 mg of black pepper fruit extract.
Adding grape seed extract and black pepper fruit extract to ALA helps provide extra benefits and boosts the antioxidant power.
The grape seed extract is a powerful antioxidant that helps accelerate wound healing, relieve inflammation, and protect the lining of blood vessels and other tissues from damage.
Black pepper extract (Bioperine) can make ALA absorption easier as it enhances metabolism induced by boosted thermogenesis.
It’s the best Alpha Lipoic Acid supplement brand as it’s non-GMO, gluten-free, soy-free, and kosher-free. Plus, it contains 120 vegetarian capsules.
Furthermore, The NOW ALA supplement is NPA A-rated GMP certified which means that the NOW manufacturing process has been tested and examined for potency, formulation, and stability.
Another bonus, NOW is a family-owned company, and its products packaged in the USA since 1968.
Pros:
- Alpha Lipoic Acid 600 mg.
- Contains black pepper extract and grape seed extract.
- NPA A-rated GMP-certified
- Soy-free.
- Dairy-free.
- Kosher-free.
- Egg-free.
- Gluten-free.
- Wheat-free.
- Nut-free.
- Sugar-free.
- Preservative-free.
- Salt-free.
- fish-free.
- Yeast-free.
- Shellfish-free.
- Tree nut-free.
- Vegan/vegetarian.
- Made in the USA.
- Family-owned business.
- 120 capsules.
- Serving size: one capsule a day.
Cons:
- None.
2- Sundown Super Alpha Lipoic Acid 600 mg
Alpha Lipoic Acid is also called the universal antioxidant as it can boost metabolism, support nervous system health, enhance overall health, and improve skin health efficiently.
The Sundown Super Alpha Lipoic Acid 600 mg is a clean product. At Sundown, they have been making high-quality pure vitamins and supplements for over 40 years to help their customers live better.
They also mentioned that some of their cartons are made from 100% sugar cane fiber which makes them environmentally friendly and 100% renewable.
This product doesn’t contain gluten, wheat, dairy, lactose, and artificial flavors. And it’s 100% non-GMO.
Each bottle contains 60 capsules and every capsule has 600 mg of Alpha Lipoic Acid.
It’s the best Alpha Lipoic Acid 600 mg that you could give a try if you wanna boost your immune system with beneficial antioxidants.
Pros:
- Alpha Lipoic Acid 600 mg.
- Clean product.
- Non-GMO.
- Sesame-free.
- Gluten-free.
- Wheat-free.
- Dairy-free.
- Lactose-free.
- No artificial sweetener.
- No artificial flavors.
- Peanuts-free.
- Sugar-free.
- Tree nuts-free.
- Fish & sodium-free.
- 60 capsules.
- Serving size: one capsule a day.
Cons:
- Some reviewers mentioned that capsules do not have so great smell.
3- Best Naturals Alpha Lipoic Acid 600 mg
The Best Naturals Alpha Lipoic Acid 600 mg can help recycle vitamins C & E, support nerve function, enhance the synthesis of glutathione, maintain healthy blood glucose levels, and improve your overall health.
It’s a GMP-certified product and this means this product is manufactured with the highest standards and good manufacturing practices.
Plus, it’s made in the USA and it’s tested for potency and purity. At Best Naturals, they are committed to helping their customers live healthy and happily by providing high-quality third-party tested supplements.
Moreover, the Best Naturals Alpha Lipoic Acid 600 mg is formulated without artificial color, flavor, sweetener, egg, gluten, milk, sugar, lactose, etc…
Pros:
- Alpha Lipoic Acid 600 mg.
- GMP certified.
- Maintain your health.
- Reproduce vitamin C & E.
- Egg-free.
- Lactose-free.
- Milk-free.
- Sugar-free.
- Gluten-free.
- No artificial colors.
- No sweetener.
- No flavors.
- Preservative-free.
- Wheat-free.
- Corn & soy-free.
- Yeast-free.
- Made in the USA.
- 120 capsules.
- Serving size: one to two capsules a day.
Cons:
- Not vegan.
4- Nerve Regen Formula – Nerve Renew Advanced Nerve Support
The Nerve Regen Formula is the best Alpha Lipoic Acid for neuropathy as it can relieve nerve pain, ease discomfort, and regenerate healthy nerves.
Many factors can be responsible for causing nerve damage like oxidative stress or nutrient deficiencies.
The Nerve Regen Formula is formulated with ingredients that can reduce damage and ease pain and discomfort. It contains R-Alpha Lipoic Acid, vitamins B6, B12, B2, and D3, and feverfew herb extract.
ALA can combat free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, decrease numbness and tingling in hands, and support overall health due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidation properties.
Vitamins help reduce pain and feelings of distress, relieve itching, swelling, and irritation, protect blood vessels, and soothe overactive nerve signals.
Feverfew herb extract has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe nerve pain, relieve inflammation, and reduce damage.
The Nerve Regen Formula works on boosting blood flow to accelerate oxygen and nutrient delivery into cells and enhance small nerve function.
It also increases nerve communication speed for smooth signals, repair and rebuild healthy nerves, and improve sleep by calming physical and emotional nerves.
Plus, it’s a doctor-approved formula and it’s GMP certified. This product is free of gluten, dairy, and soy.
And you can easily ask for a refund if you don’t like the product as they guarantee a 365-day money back.
Pros:
- Doctor-approved formula.
- GMP certified.
- Filled with antioxidants.
- Enriched with R-Alpha Lipoic Acid, feverfew herb extract, and vitamins B12, B6, B2, and D3.
- The best product that eases the symptoms of neuropathy.
- Enhance sleep.
- Reducer nerve damage.
- Repair and rebuild myelin insulation.
- Gluten-free.
- Dairy-free.
- Soy-free.
- Non-GMO.
- 60 capsules.
- Serving size: one capsule, two times a day.
- Made in the USA.
- 365-day money back.
Cons:
- Not vegan.
5- Puritan’s Pride Alpha Lipoic Acid 300mg
Puritan’s Pride products are scientifically formulated with high-quality ingredients from around the world.
Their vitamins, minerals, and supplements are tested and examined up to 15 times to check purity, potency, and consistency.
The Puritan’s Pride Alpha Lipoic Acid 300mg helps with revitalizing the underlying structure of the skin, boosting metabolism, neutralizing free radicals, and improving liver health.
Plus, those supplements can make your skin look more radiant and glowing and boost your energy levels.
Lastly, This product doesn’t contain milk, lactose, wheat, gluten, sugar, sodium, and preservatives. And it’s made in the United States.
Pros:
- Alpha Lipoic Acid 300 mg.
- High-quality ingredients.
- No artificial flavors.
- No sweetener.
- Preservative-free.
- Milk-free.
- Starch-free.
- Sugar-free.
- Yeast-free.
- Wheat-free.
- Lactose-free.
- Fish-free.
- Sodium-free.
- Gluten-free.
- 120 softgels.
- Serving size: one softgel, twice a day.
- Made in the USA.
Cons:
- Some reviewers mentioned that the size of the softgels is large which could be not easy to swallow for some people.
- Not vegan.
6- Natrol Alpha Lipoic Acid Tr 600mg Tablets
Those Tablets are formulated with 600mg of Alpha Lipoic Acid and dibasic calcium phosphate.
As you already know ALA is a strong antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, support blood sugar health, and keep skin looking healthy and young.
Dibasic calcium phosphate could help boost blood calcium levels, keep bones strong, and prevent bone loss.
It’s a beneficial ingredient for people with osteoporosis and osteomalacia, pregnant women, and postmenopausal women as it increases blood calcium levels in the body and prevents the body from taking calcium from bones.
So the Natrol Alpha Lipoic Acid Tr 600mg Tablets will work on keeping your body healthy, enhancing your skin health, and reducing aging signs.
They are free of allergen ingredients like milk, nuts, preservatives, artificial flavors, peanuts, etc… Plus, it’s a vegetarian-friendly product.
Pros:
- Alpha Lipoic Acid 600mg tablets.
- Contains ALA and dibasic calcium phosphate.
- Support overall health and improve skin health.
- Enhance blood calcium levels in the body.
- Milk-free.
- Egg-free.
- Fish-free.
- Tree nut-free.
- Peanut-free.
- Soybean-free.
- Yeast-free.
- Wheat-free.
- Crustacean shellfish-free.
- Sugar-free.
- No artificial flavors.
- No preservative.
- 100% vegetarian.
- 45 tablets.
- Serving size: one tablet a day.
Cons:
- According to some reviewers, the tablets’ size is kinda large for them to swallow so you may need to split the tablet before taking it.
7- Doctor’s Best Stabilized R-Lipoic Acid with BioEnhanced Na-RALA
Doctor’s Best is the best Alpha Lipoic Acid brand as it provides high-quality ingredients from around the world that are tested and examined carefully and made in the USA.
They develop scientifically validated nutritional supplements and their ingredients are clinically proven which makes this brand a great option for the whole family.
Plus, those supplements are formulated with the R form of Lipoic Acid which is the more active form that guarantees better absorption and bioavailability.
They also contain D-Biotin (vitamin B7) which can help boost vitamin B7 levels in the body and break down and convert fatty acids and carbs into energy.
So the Doctor’s Best Alpha Lipoic Acid supplement can protect against oxidative stress, support glucose metabolism, boost cardiovascular health, and improve nerve health.
Each bottle contains 60 veggie capsules and each capsule is formulated with 100mg of ALA. If you prefer a high dosage of ALA, they also offer Alpha Lipoic Acid 600mg supplements, find them on Amazon.
Pros:
- Alpha Lipoic Acid 100mg.
- Include the R form of lipoic acid.
- Contain D-Biotin.
- Science-based nutritional supplement.
- Quality-tested ingredients.
- Energize the body and make you more active throughout the day.
- Maintain a healthy body.
- Easier to absorb.
- Soy-free.
- Gluten-free.
- Non-GMO.
- Vegan.
- 60 capsules.
- Serving size: one capsule a day.
- Made in the United States.
Cons:
- A little pricey.
8- Nature’s Bounty Alpha Lipoic Acid 200 mg
Nature’s Bounty is dedicated to making trusted products that are backed by science and made with pure ingredients for over 40 years.
Furthermore, their products are tested in labs and the formula is made with quality and revitalizing ingredients to get the most out of every capsule.
At Nature’s Bounty, they have a scientific advisory council that consists of medical and nutrition experts. They are responsible for creating effective and healthy products to guarantee optimal benefits.
The Nature’s Bounty Alpha Lipoic Acid 200 mg can fight free radical damage, reduce oxidative stress, and keep cells healthy and protected.
This product is formulated without allergen ingredients including milk, lactose, gluten, soy, wheat, etc. And it’s made in the United States.
Pros:
- Alpha Lipoic Acid 200mg.
- Laboratory tested.
- High-quality ingredients.
- Pure ingredients.
- Non-GMO.
- Sugar-free.
- Milk-free.
- Lactose-free.
- Soy-free.
- Gluten-free.
- Wheat-free.
- Yeast-free.
- Sodium-free.
- Fish-free.
- No artificial flavor.
- No artificial sweetener.
- No preservatives.
- 30 capsules.
- Serving size: one capsule, two times a day.
- Made in the USA.
Cons:
- Not vegan.
9- Solgar Alpha Lipoic Acid 600 mg
This brand was founded in 1947 and since then they have been committed to providing the best nutritional supplements.
They use the finest high-quality raw materials and the formulas are based on scientific evidence.
Plus, this brand never uses artificial ingredients or fillers and they use USP water filtration and HEPA air filtration.
Furthermore, they create those supplements in small batches in-house. All those advantages make this brand an excellent choice that can help live a healthy life.
The Solgar Alpha Lipoic Acid 600 mg can recycle vitamins C & E, combat free radicals, improve nerve function, ease neuropathy symptoms, and control blood sugar levels.
And those tablets are made without yeast, wheat, soy, gluten, preservatives, and other allergen ingredients.
Lastly, the bottles are made from recycled amber glass and protect against moisture, heat, and light.
Pros:
- Alpha Lipoic Acid 600 mg.
- Science-backed formula.
- In-house manufacturing.
- High-quality ingredients.
- USP water filtration.
- HEPA air filtration.
- Gluten-free.
- Wheat-free.
- Dairy-free.
- Soy-free.
- Yeast-free.
- Sodium-free.
- Sugar-free.
- No preservatives.
- No artificial colors.
- No artificial flavors.
- No sweetener.
- Non-GMO.
- Kosher certified.
- Ideal for vegetarians.
- Recycled bottles.
- 50 tablets.
- Serving size: one tablet a day.
- Made in the USA.
Cons:
- A bit pricey.
What Is Alpha Lipoic Acid Used For?
ALA is widely known for its various benefits for health and skin. Researchers have held many clinical trials to test the benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid since the 1950s.
Health Benefits
Scientists found that ALA can lower blood sugar levels and reduce insulin resistance.
It’s also an effective compound for people with diabetes as it lowers the risk of eye damage associated with diabetes complications.
And it may ease the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, it’s a nerve pain that affects people with diabetes.
Furthermore, Alpha Lipoic Acid appears to be helpful in treating Alzheimer’s disease and suppresses inflammation due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. ALA may help you feel full, burn more calories, and lose some weight.
Plus, ALA can neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress which lowers the risk of heart disease.
Moreover, using Alpha Lipoic Acid before and after surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome can help speed up recovery.
Skin Benefits
Alpha Lipoic Acid is a strong antioxidant that helps reduce aging signs and protect the skin against damage caused by environmental factors.
Using Alpha Lipoic Acid for the skin may also reduce pigmentation and accelerate wound healing after surgical incision.
Plus, ALA can shield the skin against harmful sun rays if applied to the skin topically.
ALA can remarkably reduce visible fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes and upper lip and boost skin texture and color.
It may help heal skin damage caused by smoking due to its high anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties.
Furthermore, Alpha Lipoic Acid may aid in moisturizing and soothing the skin and clearing pores.
We still need more human studies to substantiate the benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid.
Related: Top 7 Benefits Of Alpha Lipoic Acid For Skin & Side Effects
What Are The Side Effects Of Alpha Lipoic Acid?
Generally, Alpha Lipoic Acid is safe to use with no serious side effects when taken at the recommended dose. However, taking high doses can lead to some mild side effects.
Some people may experience mild skin irritation and rashes, mild nausea, and gastrointestinal symptoms.
An animal study showed that high doses of ALA may increase oxidation and put pressure on liver tissue. It may also alter liver enzymes.
In another study held on a group of patients with neuropathy, one participant experienced mild nausea as a side effect of taking 600mg of Alpha Lipoic Acid for 8 weeks.
Plus, some of the patients with schizophrenia who took 600-1800mg of ALA for 12 weeks experienced mild gastrointestinal symptoms.
There’s a limited amount of research on testing the safety of taking ALA in children and pregnant women, So it’s advised not to take it unless your healthcare provider recommends it.
Also, it’s highly recommended to consult your doctor before taking the supplements to avoid drug interactions.
FAQs:
Is Alpha Lipoic Acid Found Naturally In Food?
Yes. Alpha Lipoic Acid is found in many vegetables including broccoli, potatoes, spinach, carrots, beets, sprouts, and yams.
It’s also rich in red meat, organic meat, and tomatoes. Of course, supplements contain more concentration of ALA but adding those foods to your diet can help keep you healthy and boost ALA levels.Which Form Of Alpha Lipoic Acid Is Best?
ALA supplements are made of synthetic versions of a natural form of Alpha Lipoic Acid, a mixture of the S- and R-isomer forms.
Generally, The R-isomer form is the more active and more efficient form of them. However, the supplements that contain mixed forms are the ones that are clinically tested for efficiency. They are also tested for possible side effects.
Plus, those supplements are more affordable than the ones that are made with only an R-isomer form.How Much Alpha Lipoic Acid Should I Take?
According to one study, you can take up to 1,800 mg of ALA supplements per day with no side effects.
Usually, the recommended dose for a certain health issue is mentioned on the bottle. Or your health provider can recommend the right dose your body needs. For example, people with diabetes or neuropathy could take 200-400mg 3 times a day.
So make sure to check the bottle before taking the supplement and ask your doctor for assistance.How Does Alpha Lipoic Acid Work?
ALA is an antioxidant so it can combat free radicals that cause fatal damage to the cells and keep them from functioning well.
It can also help restore vitamins C & E levels and break down carbohydrates to fuel your body cells with energy.
ALA has another special benefit, it’s water and oil-soluble, meaning, the human body can absorb it effectively if taken with water or food.
Plus, It’s 400 times more powerful than vitamins C & E. This makes it the best antioxidant that has strong benefits that can improve skin health and cells while being flexible enough to be taken with meals or water.Can Alpha Lipoic Acid Cause Weight Loss?
In animal studies, researchers found that ALA can reduce the activity of the enzyme that is responsible for feelings of hunger.
This helps animals also burn more calories, lose some weight, and reduce insulin resistance.
On the other hand, human studies showed that taking Alpha Lipoic Acid supplements helped people lose an average of 1.52 pounds in 14 weeks which means it impacts weight loss slightly.
The study found also ALA supplements are effective more than other placebos in helping with the weight loss journey.
So you may give it a try to promote weight loss and improve your overall health.What Should You Not Take With Alpha Lipoic Acid?
Taking Alpha Lipoic Acid with herbal or health supplements can drop blood sugar levels.
Those supplements include devil’s claw, fenugreek, horse chestnut, garlic, guar gum, Siberian ginseng, Panax ginseng, and psyllium.Is Alpha Lipoic Acid An Inflammatory?
ALA has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties that can reduce inflammation and decrease the formation of oxidative stress.
An animal study found that ALA can heal smoked-induced skin damage due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties.Does Alpha Lipoic Acid Help You Sleep?
Until this moment, there is no scientific evidence that proves ALA aids in sleep. Actually, lack of sleep can be a side effect of taking ALA supplements.
But If you’re taking ALA to relieve pain caused by neuropathy, reduce inflammation, or heal your body after surgery, it may help you sleep well.Is It OK To Take Alpha Lipoic Acid Before Bed?
The best time to take Alpha Lipoic Acid is on an empty stomach, earlier in the day as this could help boost absorption and give your body the chance to deliver antioxidants into your cells for optimal benefits.
What Is The Best Way To Take Alpha Lipoic Acid?
The great thing about ALA is that it’s an oil and water-soluble antioxidant so you can take it with your meals or with just water and your body will absorb it easily and efficiently.
The Bottom Line
To choose the best Alpha Lipoic Acid supplement for you, you should first determine whether you need a supplement with only ALA or one that contains a mixture of ingredients.
You should also consider the dosage you wanna start with. It’s best to talk to your healthcare provider before taking ALA supplements.
You can easily find the best Alpha Lipoic Acid if you check the list I included for you above, and Don’t forget to let me know which one will you purchase!
These supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and they are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
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