Alpha Lipoic Acid Side Effects: Are There Any?
The ideal daily dose of alpha lipoic acid is between 50mg to 100mg. Not many serious side effects are linked to alpha lipoic acid.
With excess amounts of alpha lipoic acid you may experience:
- Nausea
- Upset stomach
- Low blood sugar
Alpha lipoic acid is an antioxidant and fatty acid naturally produced within the body. Its main function is to produce glutothimone, a small molecule that helps dissolve toxins in the liver. Alpha lipoic acid works with the body to turn glucose to energy. Since alpha lipoic acid is an antioxidant, it helps fight free radicals which can cause disease and damage cells. Meats and vegetables are good sources of alpha lipoic acid. Alpha lipoic acid can help people with cardiovascular disease, cataracts, and diabetes.
Alpha lipoic acid also helps by:
- Improving benefits of vitamins C and E
- Fighting free radicals
- Detoxifying your body
- Combating effects of aging
Effects of aging are reduced with alpha lipoic acid because it is an antioxidant that prevents free radical damage. Besides forming naturally in the body, free radicals can result from pollution, smoking, and alcohol. Free radicals can cause unwanted skin problems like fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration.
Alpha lipoic acid supplements are a good idea since the antioxidant is only present in small amounts of foods like:
- Spinach
- Peas
- Broccoli
- Brewer’s yeast
- Organ meats
- Rice bran
The Perricone Alpha Lipoic Acid Dietary Supplement provides a safe amount of daily alpha lipoic acid without minor alpha lipoic acid side effects. Dr. Perricone recommends taking 2 supplements a day with meals.
I have been using ALA for quite some time. Then I decided to take a break from my supplement regimine for a few weeks. When I returned to using ALA, I decided to try a new time release ALA. I broke out in something similiar to hives that was very itchy and had red skin and blotches all over my legs and arms, but not on my face or chest. It took awhile to figure out which supplement was the cause. I figured it was because I used the time release product versus a non time release ALA. So I reverted to my old ALA I used before (300mg is what I have always used) and I broke out again but not as bad. It still takes about 2.5-3 days to get my skin back to normal. My question is has anyone experienced these symptoms before. I just find it so strange that I have developed this and wonder why.
I’m a great believer in taking supplements to help with diabetes. A lot of these contain ALA but as yet I’m not aware of any alpha lipoic acid side effects.
i’ve been taking dr. perricone’s list of super supplements for a few months. I ran out of coq 10 and alpha lipoic and didn’t get replacements for a few weeks. I feel these 2 really do work well for my skin! and am excited to be back on my regiment!
I have had a TON of wrinkles AND giant pores since using ALA. I had always been told I look young for my age. I read Dr. Perricone’s book and began buying ALA products. My skin kept getting worse and worse, so much so that my family members have noticed. I was hoping that the “skin remodeling” would ultimately lead to nice looking skin, as this same type of process happens with copper peptides. It is called going through the “uglies”. However, there seems to be no end in sight as to how bad my skin can look from this stuff. I would suggest anyone else proceed with extreme caution.
I have a medical condition called reflex sympathetic dystrophy my doctor told me to take this it would help with the swelling and nurve pain that i have. He told me i should take 300 for 500 mg a day.
I have often wondered if there were any negative impacts. Everyone talks about the ALAs like they are THE thing- and your honest exploration of them makes a great deal. I was also really impressed by how you gave examples of food based sources.
I recently lost 60 pounds and have stepped up an exercise plan walking the lakes and in the pool, however I have noticed many more wrinkles. Help. I’m 60
I heard that it’s good to take ala. I would like to try it!
I’m very interested in a natural anti-imflammator. Would be interested in trying and following a regimen of this kind.
I have often wondered if there were any negative impacts. Everyone talks about the ALAs like they are THE thing- and your honest exploration of them makes a great deal of sense. I was also really impressed by how you gave examples of food based sources.