It is advisable to consult a physician prior to ALA supplementation if you're:

• Taking any type of prescription medicine

• Allergic to any prescription or over-the-counter medicine or dietary supplement

• Pregnant or plan to become pregnant

• Nursing

• Suffering from any type of cardiovascular, heart, blood or arterial disorder

Though alpha-lipoic acid appears to be safe, the effects of long-term use have yet to be fully explored. Contraindications may exist, as might adverse reactions with certain medications or supplement regimens.

Research shows that the potency of alpha-lipoic acid may be diminished if mixed with certain compounds such as thiamine.

*Statement not evaluated by FDA

Clinical studies and alpha-lipoic acid research

The majority of current research available focuses on the impact of alpha-lipoic acid on rodents in the laboratory. ALA research has found that alpha-lipoic acid supplementation may aid inflammation in rats and reduce oxidative stress. It may also help to metabolize glucose and regulate blood sugar in mice.

Because oxidative damage is shown to be a major factor in the decline of physiological function in older persons, ALA's potential in fighting immune disorders may be far reaching, as ALA has been found to protect cells from oxidative damage in older rats. It's also been shown to suppress collagen-induced arthritis in mice and to slow retinal degeneration. Rodent studies suggest that ALA may improve epidermal blood flow and aid nerve damage caused by high blood glucose.

As a result of aggressive testing in the lab, alpha-lipoic acid is being studied for its potential in fighting human disorders as the cellular level. Alpha-lipoic acid research, however, is in the nascent stage, and the long-term potential of ALA supplementation in human health is relatively unknown.

Alpha-lipoic acid efficacy and the FDA

ALA is considered a dietary supplement in the U.S. and is neither regulated nor inspected by the FDA. As a result, there's no guarantee to the purity, safety or strength of alpha-lipoic acid supplements. Research has revealed ALA benefits in rodents, but effective human clinical studies remain in the distance.

Laboratory tests in 2007 found that certain ALA supplements contained less alpha-lipoic acid than indicated on the label.

For more information on Alpha Lipoic Acid, visit www.VitaCost.com/Supplements/Alpha-Lipoic-Acid-ALA

References

1. All About alpha-lipoic acid. Frequently asked questions. The Complementary and Alternative Medicine Information Source Book. Edition 1, 2001 p159.

2. [alpha ]-Lipoic acid modulates gut inflammation induced by trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid in rats.(Author abstract)(Report) Meltem Kolgazi, Nermina Jahovic, Meral Yuksel, Feriha Ercan, Lnci Alican. Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Nov 2007 v22 i11 p1859 (7).

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