Synopsis

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

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant compound that has garnered interest for its potential role in supporting or treating Fatty Liver Disease (including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, NAFLD). The rationale for its use is primarily scientific, with a modest but growing body of preclinical and clinical evidence. ALA’s proposed mechanisms of benefit in NAFLD include reducing oxidative stress, improving insulin sensitivity, and modulating lipid metabolism in liver cells. Preclinical studies in animal models have shown that ALA supplementation can decrease liver fat accumulation, reduce inflammation, and improve markers of liver function.

Human clinical evidence, however, is still limited. Several small clinical trials have demonstrated improvements in liver enzymes (such as ALT and AST) and markers of oxidative stress in patients with NAFLD taking ALA, either alone or combined with other supplements (e.g., silymarin, omega-3s). One randomized controlled trial found that 600 mg/day of ALA over 8 weeks improved liver enzyme levels and some metabolic parameters in NAFLD patients, but did not significantly reduce liver fat assessed by imaging. Overall, while some results are promising, studies are generally small, short-term, and sometimes use ALA as part of combination therapies, making it difficult to isolate its effects.

In summary, ALA’s use for fatty liver disease is based on plausible biological mechanisms and early clinical evidence, but more robust, large-scale clinical trials are needed before it can be routinely recommended. Current evidence rates as modest (2/5).

More about alpha lipoic acid
More about Fatty Liver Disease

Other ingredients used for Fatty Liver Disease

Other health conditions supported by alpha lipoic acid

Products containing alpha lipoic acid

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