Evidence supporting the use of: Lipoic Acid
For the health condition: Free Radical Damage
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4
Lipoic Acid, also known as alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), is widely studied for its antioxidant properties and its ability to support the body’s defense against free radical damage. Scientific justification for its use is grounded in both in vitro and in vivo studies, as well as clinical trials in humans. Lipoic acid acts as a potent antioxidant by directly scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and regenerating other antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E and glutathione. Its unique solubility in both water and fat allows it to function in various cellular environments, enhancing its protective effects.
Numerous studies have demonstrated that supplementation with lipoic acid can reduce markers of oxidative stress in both healthy individuals and those with conditions characterized by elevated free radical damage, such as diabetes mellitus, neurodegenerative diseases, and cardiovascular disorders. Clinical trials have shown improvements in oxidative biomarkers and have suggested benefits in reducing complications linked to oxidative stress, particularly in diabetic neuropathy.
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) and several research reviews recognize lipoic acid as a supportive agent for conditions involving oxidative damage, though they note that more large-scale, long-term trials are needed to confirm its efficacy for all uses. Overall, the scientific evidence is substantial, but not unequivocal, justifying a high rating for its use in supporting or treating free radical damage.
Other ingredients used for Free Radical Damage
7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)acai berry
acetyl l-carnitine
alpha-carotene
alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrin
amino acids
anthocyanins
apricot
ascorbyl palmitate
astaxanthin
astragalus
basil
berry flavor
beta-carotene
beta-tocopherol
bilberry
black currant
black garlic
black tea
blackberry
blueberry
broccoli
brussel sprouts
caffeine
camu camu
catalase
catechins
caterpillar mushroom
cauliflower
chokeberry
chrysin
coconut milk
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
coffee fruit
cryptoxanthin
turmeric
delta-tocopherol
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
fish protein
flavonols
fruit blend (proprietary)
ginseng
grape
green tea
greens blend (proprietary)
guarana
hesperetin
hesperidin
HMR lignan
l-carnosine
l-cysteine
l-glutathione
l-glycine
lentinula edodes mycelia
lutein
matcha
melatonin
mixed carotenoids
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
nicotinamide riboside
omega-3 fatty acids
oyster mushroom
phenolic acids
phospholipids
pine bark
pyrroloquinoline disodium salt
quercetin
raspberry
reishi mushroom
resveratrol
selenium
spirulina
strawberry
ubiquinol
vegetable blend (proprietary)
vitamin C
vitamin E
whey protein
zinc
papaya
bee pollen
lingzhi
ferulic acid
cistanche
ganoderma
royal jelly
polyphenols
fulvic acid
wheat germ
goji berry
algae
cocoa
1,2-di-galloyl-4,6hexahydroxydiphenoyl-D-glucose
3,3'-dihydroxy-B-carotene-4,4'-dione
3-Isomangostin
5,7-Dimethoxyflavone
7,4-Dimethoxyflavone
Amethoflavone
Ankaflavin
Apigenin
Aronia melanocarpa
Auricularia
Autumn Olive
Antirrhinin
Avocado
Amentoflavone
Acacetin
Allophycocyanin
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Ascorbigen
Astragaloside
anthocyanidins
Algal protein
Acer Truncatum bunge
anthocyanosides
Argan nut oil
Apocarotenal
Apocynin
Arctiin
Arjunolic acid
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
beta-zeacarotene
Brassica
Bok Choy
Baccosides
BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)
Benfotiamine
Basidiomycota
Betanin
berry
Brazil nut
boysenberry
BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole)
Bioflavonoids
bacoside
Baicalin
Caffeic Acid
Camellia sinensis
Carnosine
Chebulic acid
Cashew
Cichoric acid
Chocolate
Capsorubin
Carnosol
Cupric ascorbate
C-Phycocyanin
Carotene (unspecified)
Chebulinic acid
Crocetin
Canthaxanthin
Crypthecodinium
Capsanthin
Carnosic acid
Dunaliella salina
Dismutase
Delphinidin
Dunaliella
Dehydroascorbic acid
Dumontiaceae
Desoxyrhaponticin
Dragon Fruit
Dibenzo-alpha pyrones
Dihydrolipoic Acid
Diosmetin
epicatechin
Ellagic Acid
Ergothioneine
Emblicanin
Erythorbic acid
Ethylgallate
Eriodictyol
Ecklonia
Flavonones
walnut
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)