Relationship: Neuralgia and Neuritis and alpha lipoic acid

Evidence supporting the use of: Alpha lipoic acid
For the health condition: Neuralgia and Neuritis

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis
Other ingredients for this health condition
Other health conditions supported by this ingredient
Products containing this ingredient

Synopsis

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

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is supported by moderate scientific evidence for its use in the treatment of certain types of neuralgia and neuritis, particularly diabetic neuropathy. Multiple randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have demonstrated that intravenous and, to a lesser extent, oral ALA can reduce neuropathic symptoms such as pain, burning, paresthesia, and numbness in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The proposed mechanisms include its antioxidant properties, improvement of microcirculation, reduction of oxidative stress, and potential regeneration of other endogenous antioxidants. The most robust data comes from studies using 600 mg intravenous ALA daily for 2-3 weeks, with some evidence supporting continued benefit with oral supplementation (typically 600 mg/day). In addition to diabetic neuropathy, there is limited but suggestive evidence that ALA may be beneficial in other forms of neuralgia or neuritis, such as chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, though more research is needed in non-diabetic populations. ALA is generally well tolerated, with gastrointestinal upset being the most common side effect. Professional guidelines in some countries (e.g., Germany) include ALA as a treatment option for diabetic neuropathy. However, regulatory agencies such as the FDA have not approved ALA specifically for neuropathic pain. Overall, while ALA is not universally standard of care, its use in neuralgia—especially diabetic neuropathy—is grounded in a significant body of clinical research rather than just tradition.

More about alpha lipoic acid
More about Neuralgia and Neuritis

Products containing alpha lipoic acid

Health Concerns

Brands

Evidence supporting the use of: Alpha lipoic acid
For the health condition: Neuralgia and Neuritis

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Other ingredients used for Neuralgia and Neuritis

Other health conditions supported by alpha lipoic acid

Products containing alpha lipoic acid

Health Concerns

Brands

Evidence supporting the use of: Alpha lipoic acidFor the health condition: Neuralgia and Neuritis

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Other ingredients used for Neuralgia and Neuritis

Other health conditions supported by alpha lipoic acid

Products containing alpha lipoic acid

Evidence supporting the use of: Alpha lipoic acid
For the health condition: Neuralgia and Neuritis