Alpha Lipoic Acid

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial by Ziegler D et al, 181 people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy were given either placebo or one of 3 doses of lipoic acid: 600, 1200 or 1800 mg daily. Over the five week study period, benefits were seen in all three lipoic acid groups as compared to the placebo group. Average total symptom score (TSS) (including stabbing pain, burning pain, paresthesia, and asleep numbness of the feet) improved by 51% in ALA600, 48% in ALA1200, and 52% in ALA1800 compared with just 32% in the placebo group. Rates for those experiencing a 50% or more reduction in TSS was 62% (ALA600), 50% (ALA1200), 56% (ALA1800), and 26% (placebo). Participants experienced increased symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and vertigo as the dose of ALA increased. (1)