Evidence supporting the use of: Alpha-lipoic acid
For the health condition: Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) has been investigated for its potential to reduce certain chemotherapy-induced side effects, primarily chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). The rationale stems from ALA's antioxidant properties, which may help counteract the oxidative stress and nerve damage caused by some chemotherapeutic agents, like platinum-based drugs (e.g., cisplatin) and taxanes.

Several small clinical trials and animal studies have evaluated ALA for CIPN. Some studies suggest modest benefits: for example, a few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) found that ALA, typically at doses of 600 mg/day, could reduce neuropathic symptoms in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. However, the results are inconsistent—other trials found no statistically significant difference versus placebo. A 2021 systematic review (PMID: 33638470) concluded that evidence is limited and inconclusive, in part due to small sample sizes and variability in study design.

ALA is not a standard treatment for chemotherapy side effects, and concerns about potential interactions with chemotherapy drugs exist. However, its use is based on scientific rationale and preliminary clinical findings, not tradition. More large-scale, high-quality RCTs are needed to confirm efficacy and safety.

In summary, while ALA is sometimes used to support patients undergoing chemotherapy (especially for neuropathy), current evidence supporting its effectiveness is weak to moderate, warranting a low-to-moderate evidence rating.

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Other ingredients used for Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)

3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoic acid
Acemannan
AHCC
Alkylglycerols
Aloe vera
Alpha Glucans
Alpha lactalbumin
alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrin
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
alpha-lipoic acid
amino acids
anthocyanins
Antrodia camphorata
astaxanthin
astragalus
Baikal Skullcap
BCAA
benzyl isothiocyanate
beta caryophyllene
Bifidobacteria
Bifidobacterium
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Bifidobacterium animalis
Bifidobacterium bifidum
Bifidobacterium breve
Bifidobacterium infantis
Bifidobacterium lactis
Bifidobacterium longum
black cumin
black currant
blueberry
Boswellic Acid
branched-chain amino acids
bromelain
C-phycocyanin
cannabidiol
cannabigerol
Cannabis sativa oil
caryophyllene
chamomile
chlorella
Clostridium butyricum
Codonopsis
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
coix
colostrum
curcumin
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cyclodextrin
d-alpha tocopherol
dithiolthiones
ergothioneine
fish oil
folinic acid
fucoidan
ginger
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grape
green tea
Haematococcus pluvialis
hemp
hemp oil
herbal blend (proprietary)
hericium mushroom
HMB hydroxymethylbutyrate
Honokiol
hydroxymethylbutyrate
Hyphomycetes
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L-carnosine
L-cysteine
L-glutamine
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Products containing alpha-lipoic acid

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.