Evidence supporting the use of: Alpha lipoic acid
For the body system: Nerves

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Table of Contents

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is primarily used to support the nervous system based on scientific evidence, particularly for its role in diabetic neuropathy. Several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have demonstrated that ALA supplementation—especially intravenous administration—can significantly reduce symptoms of peripheral neuropathy in individuals with diabetes. The proposed mechanisms involve its potent antioxidant properties, which help reduce oxidative stress, and its ability to improve nerve blood flow and regenerate other antioxidants such as vitamins C and E. ALA may also enhance glucose uptake, which can indirectly benefit nerve health by improving glycemic control. The evidence is strongest for diabetic neuropathy, with multiple clinical guidelines in Europe acknowledging ALA as a treatment option for this condition. For example, the German Association of the Scientific Medical Societies (AWMF) recommends ALA for symptomatic diabetic polyneuropathy, particularly for pain relief. However, evidence for its effectiveness in other types of neuropathy or generalized nerve health is less robust, and more research is needed in these areas. Oral ALA is commonly used in supplements, though some studies suggest that intravenous administration may be more effective due to better bioavailability. Overall, the use of alpha lipoic acid for nerve support is scientifically validated, especially in the context of diabetic neuropathy, earning it a rating of 4 on the evidence scale.

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Other ingredients that support Nerves

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
Acetyl L-carnitine
Alfalfa
algal oil
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
amino acids
anchovies
ashwagandha
waterhyssop
basil
beta caryophyllene
betel
black cohosh
sesame
bovine liver
broccoli
bасора
caffeine
calamari oil
calcium
California poppy
cannabis sativa oil
chamomile
chloride
choline
citicoline
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
copper
cordyceps
cowage seed
turmeric
d-alpha tocopherol
damiana
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
eleuthero
feverfew
fish oil
fish protein
flavonols
folate
GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
ginger
ginkgo biloba
ginseng
glycerophosphocholine (GPC)
gotu kola
guarana
guayusa
hemp oil
hops
huperzine A
inositol
iron
jujube
kava
kudzu
l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt (5-MTHF)
l-carnitine
L-glycine
L-serine
L-phenylalanine
L-taurine
L-theanine
L-tryptophan
l-tyrosine
lactium casein decapeptide
lavender
lecithin
lion's mane
mackerel
magnesium
magnolia
manganese
marine lipid
matcha
melatonin
milk
mint
motherwort
muira puama
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
niacin (vitamin B3)
niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
nicotinamide riboside
oat
olive
omega-3 fatty acids
pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
passionflower
Peppermint
phosphatidylcholine
phosphatidylserine
phospholipids
phosphorus
phytocannabinoids
polygala root
potassium
protein
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
pyrroloquinoline disodium salt
reishi mushroom
relora® (proprietary)
rhodiola
rose oil
rosemary
saffron
sage
SAMe (s-adenosyl-l-methionine disulfate p-toluensulfate)
sardines
sceletium
black ginger
skullcap
spearmint leaf
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
sphaeranthus indicus
spinach
thiamin (vitamin B1)
Almond fruit
valerian root
vegetable blend (proprietary)
velvet bean
vinpocetine
vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
vitamin D
vitamin E
water
wild yam
yeast
zinc
β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)
suma
catnip
gastrodia
lobelia
mugwort
hedychium spicatum
peony
lingzhi
yarrow
prickly ash
sodium salt
kanna
silk tree
eucommia
sweet flag
morinda
oriental arborvitae
zanthoxylum
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
royal jelly
guelder rose
terpene lactones
polyphenols
trace minerals
purslane
camphor oil
menthol oil
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yerba mate
wheat germ
noni
wood betony
hypothalamus
herbal blend (proprietary)
Sichuan pepper
yohimbe
cocoa
ashitaba
DMPX
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
7,8-Dihydroxyflavone
Aralia
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Acetylcholine
Agarwood
Anemone
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Animal protein
Betony
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Biopterin
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banana
bacoside
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cola nut
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Dicentra formosa
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Heal-All
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hyperforin
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Marking Nut Tree
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NADH
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N-acetyl leucine
Nigella Seed
Nervonic acid
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Osthole
Puerain
Pyrroloquinoline Quinone
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portulaca
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walnut
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yohimbine
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