Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Lipoic acid, also known as alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), has been studied for its role in mitochondrial function. It acts as a cofactor for mitochondrial enzyme complexes involved in energy production, specifically the pyruvate dehydrogenase and alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complexes, both of which are critical for the Krebs cycle. ALA also has antioxidant properties, helping to neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated during mitochondrial respiration. Some clinical and preclinical studies suggest that lipoic acid supplementation can improve mitochondrial function, reduce oxidative stress, and even enhance mitochondrial biogenesis in certain contexts, such as neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, and aging.

However, while these mechanisms are well-documented in vitro and in animal models, robust evidence from large-scale human clinical trials is limited. Most human studies have focused on lipoic acid’s effect on conditions like diabetic neuropathy, rather than directly measuring mitochondrial function. Some small human studies indicate potential benefits to mitochondrial health, particularly in older adults and those with metabolic disorders, but the evidence is not yet conclusive. Therefore, while there is a credible scientific rationale and some supporting data for the use of lipoic acid to support mitochondrial function, more research is needed to fully validate its efficacy in humans.

More about Lipoic Acid
More about Mitochondria

Other ingredients that support Mitochondria

7-Keto-DHEA
acetyl l-carnitine
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
amylopectin
ashwagandha
bovine liver
caffeine
catechins
citicoline
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
coffee fruit
copper
creatine monohydrate
d-alpha tocopherol
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
fisetin
fish oil
flavonols
fructose
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
glycerophosphocholine (GPC)
gooseberry
grape
greens blend (proprietary)
hesperetin
knotweed
krill oil
l-carnitine
l-carnosine
l-citrulline
l-glutathione
l-glycine
l-taurine
lentinula edodes mycelia
linoleic acid (LA)
liquid liver fractions
luteolin
mackerel
magnesium
maitake mushroom
malic acid
maltodextrin
maltose
manganese
maqui berry
marine lipid
matcha
medium chain triglycerides (MCT)
melatonin
moringa
niacin (vitamin B3)
niacinamide (vitamin B3)
nicotinamide riboside
oleanolic acid
pantethine
pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
phenolic acids
phosphatidylcholine
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
pyrroloquinoline disodium salt
quercetin
quinoa
resveratrol
rhodiola
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
rosemary
sardines
selenium
black ginger
spinach
starch
stearic acid
strawberry
succinic acid
sulforaphane glucosinolate
thiamin (vitamin B1)
tocotrienols
trans-geranylgeraniol
trans-pterostilbene
tributyrin
turkey tail mushroom
ubiquinol
Urolithin A
vegetable and fruit blend (proprietary)
vitamin B
vitamin B
vitamin D3
water
watermelon
β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)
lingzhi
cistanche
ganoderma
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
polyphenols
trace minerals
fulvic acid
goji berry
herbal blend (proprietary)
algae
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
thyroid substance
ashitaba
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
5-Aminoimidazole-4-Carboxamide Ribonucleotide
Alpha polylactate
Apigenin
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Ampelopsin
adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Animal protein
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
Beef liver
berry
Caffeic Acid
Centrophenoxine
Camellia sinensis
Cardarine
Cocarboxylase
Capsinoids
Coenzyme A
Cardiolipin
Cyanidin
Capsiate
Chocolate
Creatine
C-Phycocyanin
Dihydrolipoic Acid
D-Ribose
Eriocitrin
Ergothioneine
glucose
Ketone Salts

Other body systems supported by Lipoic Acid

Arteries
Blood
Brain
Circulatory System
Heart
Hepatic System
Immune System
Kidneys
Liver
Mitochondria
Nerves
Skin

Products containing Lipoic Acid

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