General Dosage
300-600mg alpha lipoic acid daily (150-300mg if using R-ALA)
Maximum dose: 1800mg/day racemic ALA (used in clinical trials for diabetic neuropathy)
Alpha Lipoic Acid (Liver Support) Dosage Guide
Evidence:Moderate
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Dosage Recommendations
General recommendation: 300-600mg alpha lipoic acid daily (150-300mg if using R-ALA)
Timing: Take on an empty stomach 30 minutes before meals for best absorption
Dosage by Condition
General liver antioxidant support
300mg ALA or 150mg R-ALA dailyModerate
NAFLD/fatty liver
600-1200mg ALA dailyModerate
Heavy metal chelation support
300-600mg ALA dailyEmerging
Insulin resistance (liver-related)
600mg ALA dailyStrong
| Condition | Recommended Dose | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| General liver antioxidant support | 300mg ALA or 150mg R-ALA daily | Moderate |
| NAFLD/fatty liver | 600-1200mg ALA daily | Moderate |
| Heavy metal chelation support | 300-600mg ALA daily | Emerging |
| Insulin resistance (liver-related) | 600mg ALA daily | Strong |
Upper limit: 1800mg/day racemic ALA (used in clinical trials for diabetic neuropathy)
Timing & Absorption
Take on an empty stomach 30 minutes before meals for best absorption
Can be taken with or without food.
References
- ReviewPacker L, Witt EH, Tritschler HJ (1995). Alpha-lipoic acid as a biological antioxidant. Free Radical Biology and Medicine. DOI PubMed
- RCTKoh EH, Lee WJ, Lee SA, Kim EH, Cho EH, Jeong E, Kim DW, Kim MS, Park JY, Park KG, Lee HJ, Lee IK, Lim S, Jang HC, Lee KH, Lee KU (2011). Effects of alpha-lipoic acid on body weight in obese subjects. American Journal of Medicine. DOI PubMed
- RCTJacob S, Ruus P, Hermann R, Tritschler HJ, Maerker E, Renn W, Augustin HJ, Dietze GJ, Rett K (1999). Oral administration of RAC-alpha-lipoic acid modulates insulin sensitivity in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus: a placebo-controlled pilot trial. Free Radical Biology and Medicine. DOI PubMed
- ReviewPatrick L (2002). Mercury toxicity and antioxidants: Part 1: role of glutathione and alpha-lipoic acid in the treatment of mercury toxicity. Alternative Medicine Review. PubMed