Evidence supporting the use of: Lipoic Acid
For the health condition: Fatty Liver Disease
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant compound that has been investigated for its potential to support or treat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Several preclinical studies in animal models have shown that ALA supplementation can reduce liver fat accumulation, improve insulin sensitivity, and decrease oxidative stress—factors implicated in the progression of fatty liver disease. Mechanistically, ALA is thought to protect hepatocytes by scavenging free radicals, enhancing mitochondrial function, and modulating inflammatory pathways.
In humans, a limited number of small clinical trials and pilot studies have explored ALA’s efficacy in NAFLD. For example, a 2016 randomized controlled trial found that supplementation with ALA (in combination with lifestyle intervention) led to greater reductions in liver enzymes and hepatic steatosis compared to lifestyle intervention alone. However, most clinical studies to date have small sample sizes, short durations, and sometimes use ALA in combination with other agents, making it difficult to isolate its effects. There is currently insufficient large-scale, long-term data to support routine clinical use of ALA for fatty liver disease, but the existing evidence is promising and continues to grow.
In summary, while there is scientific rationale and some preliminary clinical evidence for using lipoic acid to support fatty liver disease, the strength of evidence is moderate and further research is needed for definitive conclusions and recommendations.
Other ingredients used for Fatty Liver Disease
akkermansia muciniphilaalgal oil
alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrin
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
anthocyanins
arjun tree
artichoke
astaxanthin
banaba
barberry
barley
beet
berberine
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium longum
black garlic
sesame
branched-chain amino acids
butyrate triglyceride
canola oil
catechins
caterpillar mushroom
cauliflower
chia seed
chicory
chlorella
chokeberry
choline
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
turmeric
curcumin
cyclodextrin
dandelion
diallyl disulfide (DADS)
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
fenugreek
fiber blend (proprietary)
fish oil
fish protein
flavonols
flaxseed
ginger
grape
hesperetin
kelp
l-carnitine
l-glutathione
l-methionine
l-taurine
lecithin
licorice root
liquid liver fractions
marine lipid
medium chain triglycerides (MCT)
milk thistle
naringin
niacin (vitamin B3)
nicotinamide riboside
oleanolic acid
oleic acid
olive
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-9 fatty acids
palmitoleic acid
perilla
phenolic acids
phosphatidylcholine
phospholipids
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
butyric acid
psyllium
reishi mushroom
resveratrol
silymarin
spirulina
tocotrienols
trans-pterostilbene
tributyrin
trimethylglycine (TMG)
triphala
Urolithin A
vitamin C
vitamin E
seaweed
mulberry
zinc
β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)
jiaogulan
enicostemma littorale
punarnava
picrorhiza kurroa
lingzhi
morus
ferulic acid
ganoderma
polyphenols
anemarrhena asphodeloides
coix
nopal
algae
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
ashitaba
4-hydroxyisoleucine
7,14-Hydroxy-Docosapentaenoic Acid
Arjuna
Apigenin
Aronia melanocarpa
Antrodia camphorata
Avocado
Ascophyllum nodosum
Acacetin
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Astragaloside
Adzuki bean
Ampelopsin
Algal protein
Alisma
Arabinoxylan
Argan nut oil
Anemarrhena
alpha Methyl Tetradecylthioacetic Acid
Apocynin
Arjunolic acid
Borotutu
Brutieridin
Brown Algae
Brassica
Berberis (unspecified)
Baicalein
Blakeslea trispora
Betanin
Bifidobacteria
bile acid
Baicalin
Carqueja
Chebulic acid
Camelina Oil
Coriander
chlorogenic acid
Cynarin
Cruciferous
Chitin-Glucan Complex
Caulerpa okamurae
Copalchi
Curcuma
Corilagin
Crocetin
Cynaropicrin
corosolic acid
Carnosic acid
Diallyl sulfide
Danshen
Dihydromyricetin
DL-Methionine
Decursin
D-Pinitol
Diosgenin
Dithiolthiones
epicatechin
Eriocitrin
Ergothioneine
Erythrodiol
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Eucommia ulmoides
Fiber
Rhubarb
walnut
Zucchini
Other health conditions supported by Lipoic Acid
Alzheimer's DiseaseArthritis
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Depression
Diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy
Fatty Liver Disease
Free Radical Damage
Glaucoma
Heavy Metal Poisoning
Hypertension
Inflammation
Memory and Brain Function
Migraine
Multiple Sclerosis
Nerve Damage
Neuralgia and Neuritis
Parkinson's Disease
Peripheral Neuropathy
Radiation Sickness
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Triglycerides (high)