Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA; thioctic acid; lipoic acid) is a coenzyme that is a very potent antioxidant. A body exposed to free radicals becomes more susceptible to diseases such as diabetes and liver damage. ALA, sometimes called the universal antioxidant, holds the capacity to neutralize the effects of free radicals in both fatty and water-based environments. The prevention and cure achieved by ALA, by virtue of neutralizing free radicals, is worth the credit it has gained in the therapeutic market. The human body holds the positive ability to produce small amounts of ALA. The benefits of additional supplementation can be gained from the natural sources of ALA, which include tomatoes, spinach, broccoli, beef, yeast, and kidney.

ALA has its benefits revealed in a number of diseases and disorders. Its usage slows the aging process, helps the liver to remove the toxins, and decreases the adverse effects associated with some analgesic drugs. It also holds the efficiency of effectively removing glucose from the blood. ALA shows its therapeutic benefit in complications associated with diabetes, such as macular degeneration, neuropathy, and cataracts. It has been found to be capable of reducing the symptoms associated with nerve damage (i.e. burning, pain, numbness) in diabetic patients. Because of its efficiency to cross the blood-brain barrier, the benefit of ALA in stroke and other brain disorders is probable.

ALA is also of benefit in the treatment of HIV-AIDS, cancer, cognitive decline, and cardiovascular disease. A daily dose of 20 mg to 50 mg of ALA is the requirement of healthy person. In diabetics, for antioxidant protection it is essential to administer a dose of 100mg twice a day to help prevent further complications. No adverse effects were observed on administration of 1,200 mg/day (600mg, 2 times/day) for 2 years and 1,800 mg/day (600 mg, 3 times / day) for 3 weeks in diabetic neuropathy patients under medical supervision. However, because of a lack of long-term safety studies, ALA should not be administered to pregnant and lactating women.