Relationship: Numbness and alpha lipoic acid

Evidence supporting the use of: Alpha lipoic acid
For the health condition: Numbness

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Synopsis

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

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is primarily used to support or treat numbness—most notably in diabetic neuropathy—based on scientific evidence. ALA is a naturally occurring antioxidant that may help mitigate oxidative stress, which is implicated in nerve damage associated with diabetes and other neuropathic conditions. Several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have explored ALA’s efficacy in reducing symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and pain in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy.

A pivotal trial, the ALADIN study, demonstrated that intravenous ALA (600 mg/day for three weeks) significantly improved neuropathic symptoms compared to placebo. Subsequent research has supported these findings, with some studies suggesting oral ALA (in doses ranging from 600 to 1200 mg/day) can also provide symptomatic relief, although results are somewhat less robust than those for the intravenous route. The proposed mechanisms include improved nerve blood flow, enhanced glucose uptake, and reduction of free radical–induced nerve injury.

Despite this, the magnitude of the effect is moderate, and not all studies are uniformly positive. Most guidelines recognize ALA as a potential adjunctive therapy for diabetic neuropathy but do not recommend it as a first-line treatment. There is less evidence supporting its use for numbness from causes other than diabetes. The overall evidence is rated as moderate (3/5), reflecting consistent but not overwhelming support for its use, particularly in diabetic populations.

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magnesium
omega-3 fatty acids
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
vitamin D

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Evidence supporting the use of: Alpha lipoic acid
For the health condition: Numbness

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Synopsis

Other ingredients used for Numbness

Other health conditions supported by alpha lipoic acid

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Health Concerns

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Evidence supporting the use of: Alpha lipoic acidFor the health condition: Numbness

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Other ingredients used for Numbness

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: Numbness