{"product_id":"alpha-lipoic-acid-600mg-universal-antioxidant","title":"Alpha-Lipoic Acid 600mg | Universal Antioxidant + Mitochondrial Cofactor for Glucose \u0026 Longevity","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e600 mg of Alpha-Lipoic Acid per capsule\u003c\/strong\u003e — the universal antioxidant that works in both water and fat compartments, recycles other antioxidants the body has already used, chelates heavy metals, and sits as a direct cofactor inside two of the mitochondrial enzyme complexes that convert food into ATP. Approved as a prescription drug for diabetic peripheral neuropathy in Germany since 1966 (Thioctacid®); sold as a dietary supplement in the US. The 600 mg dose is the dose used across all four landmark German RCTs — ALADIN, ALADIN III, SYDNEY 2, and NATHAN 1. Standardized purity, vegan capsule, no titanium dioxide, no magnesium stearate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eThe 30-second answer\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUniversal antioxidant\u003c\/strong\u003e — uniquely both water-soluble \u003cem\u003eand\u003c\/em\u003e fat-soluble (the dihydrolipoate ↔ lipoate redox couple is amphipathic), so it works inside the cell membrane \u003cem\u003eand\u003c\/em\u003e in the cytoplasm, mitochondria, and bloodstream. Almost every other antioxidant is restricted to one compartment (Packer 1995, \u003cem\u003eFree Radic Biol Med\u003c\/em\u003e).\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRecycles other antioxidants\u003c\/strong\u003e — regenerates the spent (oxidized) forms of Vitamin C, Vitamin E (α-tocopherol), reduced glutathione, and CoQ10 back to their active forms. The whole antioxidant network runs longer per dose with ALA in the picture (Bast \u0026amp; Haenen 1988; Kagan 1992).\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMitochondrial cofactor\u003c\/strong\u003e — ALA is the prosthetic group on lipoyllysine residues of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (KGDH), and the branched-chain α-keto-acid complex. The cell literally cannot burn glucose, glutamine, or BCAAs for ATP without it (Bustamante 1998).\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGlucose \u0026amp; nerve support\u003c\/strong\u003e — the most-studied compound for diabetic peripheral neuropathy in Europe. Four large RCTs (ALADIN, ALADIN III, SYDNEY 2, NATHAN 1) pooled in Ziegler 2004 and Mijnhout 2012 meta-analyses showed a clinically meaningful reduction in Total Symptom Score (TSS) at the 600 mg\/day oral dose this product matches.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAMPK activator + insulin sensitizer\u003c\/strong\u003e — Konrad 2001 and Jacob 1999 showed measurable increase in glucose uptake and GLUT4 translocation in skeletal muscle in lean and Type-2 diabetic adults at 600 mg.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNrf2 pathway\u003c\/strong\u003e — ALA is one of the most reliable Nrf2\/ARE pathway inducers in the supplement world (Suh 2004), upregulating endogenous glutathione synthesis, NQO1, and Phase II detoxification enzymes — the same axis hit by sulforaphane and curcumin.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBest paired with:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/products\/berberine-hcl-500mg-maximum-strength\"\u003eBerberine\u003c\/a\u003e for metabolic-health stacks (different mechanism — same target organ); \u003ca href=\"\/products\/coq10-400mg-maximum-strength\"\u003eCoQ10\u003c\/a\u003e + \u003ca href=\"\/products\/pqq-20mg-mitochondrial-biogenesis-activator\"\u003ePQQ\u003c\/a\u003e for mitochondrial stacks; \u003ca href=\"\/products\/glutathione-500mg-maximum-strength\"\u003eGlutathione\u003c\/a\u003e + \u003ca href=\"\/products\/n-acetyl-cysteine-600mg-nac-glutathione-precursor-for-antioxidant-longevity-support\"\u003eNAC\u003c\/a\u003e + \u003ca href=\"\/products\/liposomal-vitamin-c-1000mg-maximum-absorption-antioxidant-formula\"\u003eVitamin C\u003c\/a\u003e for the antioxidant network; \u003ca href=\"\/products\/nmn-1000mg-double-strength-60-capsules-30-day-supply\"\u003eNMN 1000mg\u003c\/a\u003e for the NAD+ axis (PDH\/KGDH need both NAD+ \u003cem\u003eand\u003c\/em\u003e lipoate to function).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy a metabolic supplement ended up in serious longevity research\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlpha-lipoic acid was discovered in 1937 in \u003cem\u003eLactobacillus casei\u003c\/em\u003e and isolated in pure form by Lester Reed at the University of Texas in 1951. For its first half-century it was studied almost exclusively as a metabolic cofactor — the small disulfide molecule covalently bound to the E2 subunits of the α-keto-acid dehydrogenase complexes. Without it, the cell cannot oxidatively decarboxylate pyruvate to acetyl-CoA (PDH), cannot run the Krebs cycle past α-ketoglutarate (KGDH), and cannot break down leucine, isoleucine, or valine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe shift into longevity research started in the late 1980s when Lester Packer's lab at UC Berkeley discovered that \u003cem\u003efree\u003c\/em\u003e ALA (not the protein-bound form) and its reduced form dihydrolipoate (DHLA) are extraordinary redox-active compounds with three properties almost no other antioxidant has: (1) they cross the blood-brain barrier, (2) they're equally active in aqueous and lipid compartments, and (3) they reduce the oxidized forms of every other major antioxidant in the cell — vitamin C, vitamin E, glutathione, CoQ10. Packer christened ALA the “universal antioxidant” in his 1995 \u003cem\u003eFree Radical Biology \u0026amp; Medicine\u003c\/em\u003e review, and the field has used that term ever since.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe metabolic-medicine track and the longevity track converged in the 1990s when Hager and Maczurek and others started looking at age-related declines in mitochondrial PDH\/KGDH activity in brain tissue. Aged neurons have less lipoate on their dehydrogenase complexes; supplementing free ALA partially rescues activity in mouse models (Hagen 1999). The same lab showed ALA-fed older rats walk on a rotarod like young rats, reverse age-related declines in carnitine acetyl-transferase, and have lower 8-OHdG (oxidative DNA damage marker) in liver mitochondria.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn humans the longevity case is less direct than the metabolic case — there is no NATHAN 1 for healthspan — but the supporting biomarker work is substantial. ALA has consistently lowered fasting glucose, insulin, HbA1c, triglycerides, total cholesterol, hs-CRP, IL-6, MDA, F2-isoprostanes, and 8-OHdG across dozens of human RCTs in metabolic syndrome, NAFLD, PCOS, MS, and Alzheimer's pilot populations. Every one of those is a mid-life longevity biomarker. ALA's main function in modern protocols is as a foundational layer that hits glucose, lipids, mitochondrial substrate flux, antioxidant recycling, and heavy-metal chelation simultaneously — four mechanisms most other compounds don't combine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eThe four mechanisms in plain language\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1. The mitochondrial cofactor job (the original reason it exists).\u003c\/strong\u003e ALA is the prosthetic group covalently attached to lysine residues on the E2 subunit of three enzyme complexes: pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (KGDH), and the branched-chain α-keto-acid dehydrogenase (BCKDH). The lipoyllysine arm physically swings between three active sites, transferring acetyl\/acyl groups and transferring electrons to FAD. PDH gates pyruvate → acetyl-CoA, the bottleneck step where carbohydrates enter the Krebs cycle. KGDH gates α-ketoglutarate → succinyl-CoA, the rate-limiting step of the Krebs cycle itself. BCKDH gates leucine\/isoleucine\/valine catabolism. Without lipoate, none of these complexes function. With age, lipoate content of these complexes drops; supplementing the free precursor partly compensates (Bustamante 1998; Hagen 1999).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2. The antioxidant-recycling job (Packer's discovery).\u003c\/strong\u003e ALA gets reduced to DHLA inside cells, then DHLA reduces oxidized vitamin C (dehydroascorbate → ascorbate), oxidized vitamin E radicals (via vitamin C), oxidized glutathione (GSSG → GSH), and CoQ10 (ubiquinone → ubiquinol). One ALA molecule can keep the network running through many oxidant exposures because it sits at the top of the recycling cascade. This is the structural reason ALA pairs particularly well with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/glutathione-500mg-maximum-strength\"\u003eglutathione\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/n-acetyl-cysteine-600mg-nac-glutathione-precursor-for-antioxidant-longevity-support\"\u003eNAC\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/liposomal-vitamin-c-1000mg-maximum-absorption-antioxidant-formula\"\u003evitamin C\u003c\/a\u003e, and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/coq10-400mg-maximum-strength\"\u003eCoQ10\u003c\/a\u003e rather than competing with them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3. The Nrf2 pathway job (added in the 2000s).\u003c\/strong\u003e ALA modifies cysteine residues on Keap1, releases Nrf2 to translocate to the nucleus, and turns on the Antioxidant Response Element (ARE) — driving expression of glutathione synthesis enzymes (GCLC\/GCLM), NQO1, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and the Phase II detoxification battery. Suh 2004 showed ALA restores GSH synthesis in old rats by ~50%. This is the same pathway sulforaphane, curcumin, and the SIRT1 activators converge on. Hitting it from multiple angles is why senolytic and longevity stacks layer ALA with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/curcumin-1000mg-bioperine-anti-inflammatory-longevity\"\u003ecurcumin\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/quercetin-500mg-senolytic-flavonoid-natural-antihistamine\"\u003equercetin\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4. The insulin-sensitization \/ AMPK job (the metabolic case).\u003c\/strong\u003e Lee 2005 and Konrad 2001 showed ALA activates AMPK in muscle, increases GLUT4 translocation to the membrane, and increases insulin-mediated glucose uptake. The acute effect of a single 600 mg oral dose is measurable on a euglycemic clamp (Jacob 1999). Repeated dosing for 4 weeks in T2D patients lowered fasting glucose ~20% and triglycerides ~25% in Akbari 2018 meta. ALA and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/berberine-hcl-500mg-maximum-strength\"\u003eberberine\u003c\/a\u003e hit AMPK by different mechanisms (ALA via mitochondrial AMP\/ATP shift, berberine via direct AMPK kinase activation), which is why they stack rather than compete.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBonus mechanism: heavy-metal chelation.\u003c\/strong\u003e ALA's two thiol groups in the reduced (DHLA) form bind mercury, copper, iron, lead, cadmium, and arsenic. Lin 1989 and Patrick 2002 reviewed the chelation work. ALA is the only antioxidant that chelates and recycles Vitamin C\/E\/glutathione simultaneously — a useful property for adults with chronic background metal exposure (older fillings, well water, occupational).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eThe trial bench — what 600 mg\/day actually does in humans\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eALA has one of the longest, deepest, and best-replicated trial records in supplemental medicine, anchored by four large multi-center German RCTs in diabetic peripheral neuropathy at the 600 mg dose this product matches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eALADIN (Ziegler 1995, \u003cem\u003eDiabetologia\u003c\/em\u003e):\u003c\/strong\u003e 328 T2D patients with symptomatic distal symmetric polyneuropathy. 1200, 600, or 100 mg\/day IV vs placebo, 3 weeks. 600 mg dose — significant reduction in Total Symptom Score (TSS) and Hamburg Pain Adjective List score; no benefit at 100 mg. The first proof of dose-response.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eALADIN II (Reljanovic 1999):\u003c\/strong\u003e 65 T1D + T2D, 600 or 1200 mg\/day IV for 5 days, then 600\/1200 mg\/day oral for 2 years. Significant improvement in nerve conduction velocity in sural and tibial nerves at both doses. 1200 not better than 600.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eALADIN III (Ziegler 1999):\u003c\/strong\u003e 509 T2D, 600 mg\/day IV for 3 weeks then 1800 mg\/day oral for 6 months. The IV phase reduced TSS; the oral 1800 mg phase failed to maintain that on TSS but improved the Neuropathy Impairment Score for the lower limbs (NIS-LL).\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDEKAN (Ziegler 1997):\u003c\/strong\u003e 73 T2D with cardiac autonomic neuropathy. 800 mg\/day oral 4 months. Significant improvement in heart-rate variability vs placebo. The first cardiac-autonomic ALA trial.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eORPIL (Ruhnau 1999):\u003c\/strong\u003e 24 T2D, 1800 mg\/day oral 3 weeks. Significant TSS reduction at 19 days. Established that oral could replicate the IV symptom benefit, opening the door to chronic oral dosing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSYDNEY (Ametov 2003):\u003c\/strong\u003e 120 diabetics, 600 mg\/day IV 14 infusions over 3 weeks. TSS dropped 5.7 points vs 1.8 placebo — one of the largest absolute symptom reductions on record.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSYDNEY 2 (Ziegler 2006):\u003c\/strong\u003e The dose-finding oral RCT — 181 patients, 600 vs 1200 vs 1800 mg\/day for 5 weeks. \u003cem\u003eAll three doses\u003c\/em\u003e beat placebo on TSS; 1200 and 1800 had more nausea. \u003cstrong\u003e600 mg\/day oral was the optimal risk\/benefit dose\u003c\/strong\u003e — this is the dose this product matches.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNATHAN 1 (Ziegler 2011, \u003cem\u003eDiabetes Care\u003c\/em\u003e):\u003c\/strong\u003e The landmark 4-year trial — 460 T1D + T2D with mild-to-moderate DPN, 600 mg\/day oral. Primary composite endpoint trended favorable (NIS-LL + 7 neurophysiologic tests, p=0.105) and reached significance on NIS, NIS-LL, muscle weakness, and clinical neurologic examination. The longest ALA RCT ever performed; it confirmed durability of effect and a safety profile equivalent to placebo over 4 years of daily use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMijnhout 2012 meta-analysis (\u003cem\u003eInt J Endocrinol\u003c\/em\u003e):\u003c\/strong\u003e Pooled 5 RCTs at 600 mg\/day. Significant 2.26-point TSS reduction (95%CI -2.83 to -1.69) and significant improvement on NIS-LL.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOutside neuropathy, the human evidence base is broad:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInsulin sensitivity \/ Type-2 diabetes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Akbari 2018 meta-analysis pooled 24 RCTs — significant reductions in fasting glucose, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, and HbA1c. Effect sizes are modest (~10-15%) but statistically robust and additive on top of standard care.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLipid profile:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mohammadi 2017 and Akbari 2018 meta-analyses showed significant reductions in total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides; modest HDL increase.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeight \/ waist circumference:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kucukgoncu 2017 meta-analysis — ALA reduced body weight by 1.27 kg vs placebo across 12 RCTs. Modest but consistent effect.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNAFLD:\u003c\/strong\u003e de Sousa 2019 review of 6 RCTs — ALA reduced ALT, AST, GGT and hepatic steatosis on ultrasound; mechanism likely a combination of insulin sensitization + Nrf2 + lipid lowering.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePCOS:\u003c\/strong\u003e Genazzani 2010 and Masharani 2010 — ALA improved menstrual regularity, lowered insulin\/HOMA-IR, and improved ovulatory function in lean PCOS women, as a metformin alternative or adjunct.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMultiple sclerosis:\u003c\/strong\u003e Khalili 2014 — 1200 mg\/day for 12 weeks significantly increased serum total antioxidant capacity in 52 relapsing-remitting MS patients. A pilot Spain-Mayer 2017 of 1200 mg\/day for 2 years showed a 68% reduction in brain volume loss vs placebo.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAlzheimer's pilot:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hager 2007 — 9-month open-label of 600 mg\/day in mild AD slowed cognitive decline (ADAS-cog stable vs natural-history rate of progression). Maczurek 2008 review summarizes the AD case.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCognitive aging:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gosselin 2019 systematic review of ALA in cognitive function trials — positive signal in MCI\/mild AD, less clear in healthy older adults.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMigraine:\u003c\/strong\u003e Magis 2007 — 600 mg\/day for 3 months reduced migraine frequency and severity vs placebo.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHypertension:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mohammadi 2017 meta — modest 2-3 mmHg systolic reduction across pooled trials.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy 600 mg, why once daily, and why R\/S vs R\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 600 mg\/day oral dose used in this product is the single most-replicated dose in the human ALA literature. SYDNEY 2 demonstrated that 1200 and 1800 mg\/day weren't more effective than 600 for symptom score, and they had more GI side effects (mostly nausea). NATHAN 1 confirmed 600 mg\/day is safe and effective for 4 years of daily use. Ziegler 2014 (\u003cem\u003eAntioxidants \u0026amp; Redox Signaling\u003c\/em\u003e) summarized: \u003cem\u003e“The therapeutic dose of oral ALA in diabetic neuropathy is 600 mg\/day. Higher doses do not produce additional benefit and are associated with more adverse events.”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eALA exists in two enantiomers — the natural \u003cstrong\u003eR-isomer\u003c\/strong\u003e (R-ALA) and the synthetic \u003cstrong\u003eS-isomer\u003c\/strong\u003e. Most consumer products (and all of the German DPN trials including NATHAN 1) used \u003cstrong\u003eracemic R\/S-ALA\u003c\/strong\u003e — a 50\/50 mix. R-ALA is the form your mitochondria make and use; S-ALA is metabolically inert as a cofactor but is still redox-active and contributes to the antioxidant pool. Some \"stabilized R-ALA\" products claim better absorption per mg, but the trial database that established efficacy was built on racemic ALA. We use racemic R\/S-ALA at 600 mg precisely because that's the molecule and dose the trials validated. (If you specifically want R-ALA, it's available; you'd typically take 200-300 mg of R-ALA to roughly equate to 600 mg of racemic.)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe half-life of oral ALA is short — ~30 minutes plasma, with the antioxidant effect on the GSH\/Nrf2 axis lasting 6-12 hours. Once-daily dosing is what the trials used; some clinicians split into 300 mg twice daily on an empty stomach for steadier exposure. Both schedules are evidence-supported.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere ALA fits vs. the other compounds in this catalog\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTrue Health Protocol stacks tend to layer ALA at the foundational antioxidant layer, alongside the GlyNAC pair, vitamin C, and CoQ10. Here's how ALA differs from the closest neighbors:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003evs. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/glutathione-500mg-maximum-strength\"\u003eGlutathione\u003c\/a\u003e + \u003ca href=\"\/products\/n-acetyl-cysteine-600mg-nac-glutathione-precursor-for-antioxidant-longevity-support\"\u003eNAC\u003c\/a\u003e:\u003c\/strong\u003e Glutathione\/NAC give the cell the substrate and precursor for the body's master antioxidant. ALA \u003cem\u003erecycles\u003c\/em\u003e oxidized glutathione back to active form and turns on the Nrf2 axis that drives glutathione \u003cem\u003esynthesis\u003c\/em\u003e. The three are designed to layer — substrate (NAC), product (GSH), and recycler\/upregulator (ALA).\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003evs. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/coq10-400mg-maximum-strength\"\u003eCoQ10\u003c\/a\u003e + \u003ca href=\"\/products\/pqq-20mg-mitochondrial-biogenesis-activator\"\u003ePQQ\u003c\/a\u003e:\u003c\/strong\u003e CoQ10 and PQQ live inside the mitochondrial inner membrane — CoQ10 as the mobile electron carrier of complex I→III, PQQ as a redox cofactor and biogenesis activator. ALA sits in the matrix on PDH\/KGDH and recycles ubiquinone ↔ ubiquinol. The three together cover the substrate-flux + electron-transport + redox-recycling axes of mitochondrial energy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003evs. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/berberine-hcl-500mg-maximum-strength\"\u003eBerberine\u003c\/a\u003e:\u003c\/strong\u003e Both lower fasting glucose and improve insulin sensitivity by AMPK activation, but by different upstream mechanisms (ALA via mitochondrial AMP\/ATP ratio; berberine by direct AMPK kinase activation and gut-microbiome shifts). Stacking is additive (Bertuglia 2008 in animals, several human pilot studies). Berberine has the broader metabolic profile (lipids+glucose+gut); ALA has the broader antioxidant + neuropathy profile.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003evs. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/curcumin-1000mg-bioperine-anti-inflammatory-longevity\"\u003eCurcumin\u003c\/a\u003e:\u003c\/strong\u003e Both activate Nrf2 and inhibit NF-κB. Curcumin is more potent on inflammation; ALA is more potent on glucose. Stacking covers both axes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003evs. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/astaxanthin-12mg-120-softgels-antioxidant-skin-support\"\u003eAstaxanthin\u003c\/a\u003e:\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are membrane-active antioxidants but astaxanthin lives in the lipid bilayer fixed at right-angles to the membrane; ALA spans aqueous + lipid. They're complementary, not redundant.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003evs. NAD+ axis (\u003ca href=\"\/products\/nmn-1000mg-double-strength-60-capsules-30-day-supply\"\u003eNMN 1000mg\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/liposomal-nad-ultimate-1000mg\"\u003eLiposomal NAD+\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/new-nad-hard-capsules-daily-nad-boost-for-energy-longevity\"\u003eNAD+ Daily Boost\u003c\/a\u003e):\u003c\/strong\u003e PDH and KGDH need \u003cem\u003eboth\u003c\/em\u003e lipoate and NAD+ to function. NAD+ precursors raise the pool of the electron acceptor; ALA provides the cofactor that loads that pool. They're substrate-and-cofactor partners, not competitors.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003evs. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/urolithin-a-500mg-mitophagy-activator\"\u003eUrolithin A\u003c\/a\u003e:\u003c\/strong\u003e Urolithin A activates mitophagy — clears damaged mitochondria. ALA helps the surviving mitochondria run cleaner. Sequential, not redundant.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003evs. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/calcium-alpha-ketoglutarate-1000mg-caakg-epigenetic-longevity\"\u003eCaAKG\u003c\/a\u003e:\u003c\/strong\u003e CaAKG provides α-ketoglutarate as a Krebs-cycle intermediate. KGDH then uses lipoate (from ALA) to convert it to succinyl-CoA. They literally work on the same enzyme.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat's in this product\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach capsule delivers \u003cstrong\u003e600 mg of pharmaceutical-grade racemic R\/S Alpha-Lipoic Acid\u003c\/strong\u003e — the exact molecule and dose used in the SYDNEY 2 and NATHAN 1 trials. We chose racemic over R-only stabilized forms because the entire human evidence base was built on the racemic mixture; switching to R-only changes the dose-response curve and we have no equivalent four-year trial on R-only at this dose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e60 vegetarian capsules\u003c\/strong\u003e per bottle — 60-day supply at the standard 600 mg\/day or 30-day supply at split 300 mg twice-daily.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHPMC vegan capsule shell\u003c\/strong\u003e — no gelatin, no animal sourcing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo titanium dioxide\u003c\/strong\u003e (banned in EU food in 2022, still common in US supplements). No magnesium stearate, no silicon dioxide, no PEG, no dyes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExcipient-minimal formulation\u003c\/strong\u003e — only the active and rice flour as a flow agent. We don't include any “stabilizers” that mask oxidized ALA in old-batch product.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUV-protective amber HDPE bottle\u003c\/strong\u003e with a foil induction seal — ALA is photosensitive and oxidatively self-degrading; clear bottles and over-large headspace are common ways product loses potency on the shelf.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ecGMP-manufactured in a US FDA-registered facility.\u003c\/strong\u003e Per-batch Certificate of Analysis covers ALA assay (HPLC), residual solvents (EU Pharmacopoeia method), heavy metals (USP \u0026lt;232\u0026gt; \/ ICP-MS), microbial limits (USP \u0026lt;2021\u0026gt;), and absence of pesticides.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIdentity confirmed by HPLC.\u003c\/strong\u003e Many ALA products are sold by total-disulfide assay rather than chromatographic identity; we run HPLC against a reference standard so the labeled mg matches the actual mg.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAllergen-free formulation\u003c\/strong\u003e — no gluten, soy, dairy, peanut, tree-nut, egg, fish, or shellfish.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to take it\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStandard protocol:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1 capsule (600 mg) once daily on an empty stomach — either 30 min before breakfast or 2-3 hr after dinner. Empty stomach matters: food (especially dairy and high-mineral meals) reduces ALA absorption ~30-40% (Gleiter 1996). The German DPN trials specified empty-stomach dosing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTwice-daily option:\u003c\/strong\u003e Some clinicians split into 300 mg morning + 300 mg afternoon, both empty-stomach. Same total exposure with steadier plasma levels. Either schedule is supported.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTake with the rest of the antioxidant-network stack at the same time:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/products\/glutathione-500mg-maximum-strength\"\u003eglutathione\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/n-acetyl-cysteine-600mg-nac-glutathione-precursor-for-antioxidant-longevity-support\"\u003eNAC\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/liposomal-vitamin-c-1000mg-maximum-absorption-antioxidant-formula\"\u003evitamin C\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/coq10-400mg-maximum-strength\"\u003eCoQ10\u003c\/a\u003e. Network compounds work better dosed together.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDon't take it within 2 hours of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/multi-collagen-complex-types-i-ii-iii-v-x-240-capsules\"\u003emulti-collagen\u003c\/a\u003e, iron, or thyroid medication (levothyroxine).\u003c\/strong\u003e ALA chelates metals; that's a mechanism feature, but it can blunt absorption of those products. Separate by ~2-3 hours.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInsulin \/ sulfonylurea users:\u003c\/strong\u003e ALA can additively lower glucose. Talk to your prescriber and start with closer glucose self-monitoring during the first 2-4 weeks of use. The 600 mg dose is typically not problematic alone but stacks with insulin\/sulfonylureas on a same-target.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMissed dose:\u003c\/strong\u003e Take when you remember if it's still on an empty stomach; otherwise skip and resume the next day. Don't double-dose — ALA's symptom benefits build over weeks; missing a single day is not consequential.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCycling:\u003c\/strong\u003e Not required. NATHAN 1 ran 4 years of continuous daily use without dose-related toxicity. Long-term use is the use case the trials validated.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat it pairs with — the longevity\/metabolic stack\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellpadding=\"6\" cellspacing=\"0\" style=\"border-collapse:collapse;width:100%\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePair with\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhy\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/berberine-hcl-500mg-maximum-strength\"\u003eBerberine HCL 500mg\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifferent upstream activator of the same AMPK target. Lipid + glucose + gut additive. Take berberine with meals; ALA empty-stomach — the schedules don't conflict.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/glutathione-500mg-maximum-strength\"\u003eGlutathione 500mg\u003c\/a\u003e + \u003ca href=\"\/products\/n-acetyl-cysteine-600mg-nac-glutathione-precursor-for-antioxidant-longevity-support\"\u003eNAC 600mg\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThe GlyNAC + ALA network: substrate + product + recycler. Sechi 2009 GlyNAC + ALA showed measurable GSH:GSSG ratio improvement in older adults.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/glycine-1500mg-glynac-partner-glutathione-sleep-longevity\"\u003eGlycine 1500mg\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCloses the GlyNAC loop — glycine is the third amino acid in glutathione. Kumar 2023 GlyNAC trial showed body-composition + glucose benefit in older adults at 24 weeks.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/liposomal-vitamin-c-1000mg-maximum-absorption-antioxidant-formula\"\u003eLiposomal Vitamin C 1000mg\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eALA recycles oxidized vitamin C back to ascorbate. Liposomal form delivers steady plasma vs ascorbic acid; the recycling loop runs longer.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/coq10-400mg-maximum-strength\"\u003eCoQ10 400mg\u003c\/a\u003e + \u003ca href=\"\/products\/pqq-20mg-mitochondrial-biogenesis-activator\"\u003ePQQ 20mg\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMitochondrial energy triad — ALA loads PDH\/KGDH, CoQ10 carries the electrons, PQQ activates biogenesis. Energy + cognition stack.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/curcumin-1000mg-bioperine-anti-inflammatory-longevity\"\u003eCurcumin 1000mg\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBoth activate Nrf2 by different mechanisms; both inhibit NF-κB. Inflammation + metabolic stack.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/astaxanthin-12mg-120-softgels-antioxidant-skin-support\"\u003eAstaxanthin 12mg\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMembrane-fixed antioxidant + amphipathic ALA = full-membrane oxidant defense across both compartments.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/quercetin-500mg-senolytic-flavonoid-natural-antihistamine\"\u003eQuercetin 500mg\u003c\/a\u003e + \u003ca href=\"\/products\/fisetin-500mg-senolytic-flavonoid-for-cellular-cleanup\"\u003eFisetin 500mg\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSenolytic flavonoids drop senescent-cell burden; ALA improves the metabolic environment surrounding the surviving cells.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/nmn-1000mg-double-strength-60-capsules-30-day-supply\"\u003eNMN 1000mg\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/pure-nmn-500mg-60-capsules-30-day-supply\"\u003eNMN 500mg\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNAD+ axis substrate. PDH\/KGDH need both NAD+ \u003cem\u003eand\u003c\/em\u003e lipoate. ALA + NMN literally co-fuel the same enzyme step.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/calcium-alpha-ketoglutarate-1000mg-caakg-epigenetic-longevity\"\u003eCaAKG 1000mg\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCaAKG supplies α-ketoglutarate; KGDH uses ALA's lipoyllysine to process it. Substrate + cofactor pair on a single enzyme.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/urolithin-a-500mg-mitophagy-activator\"\u003eUrolithin A 500mg\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMitophagy + cleaner-mitochondria pair — UA clears damaged units, ALA helps the surviving units run cleaner.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/magnesium-glycinate-400mg-sleep-and-nad-methylation\"\u003eMagnesium Glycinate 400mg\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFoundational. Mg is a Krebs-cycle cofactor (isocitrate dehydrogenase, α-KG dehydrogenase, ATP synthesis). ALA + Mg covers cofactor + substrate at the same Krebs step.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/omega-3-fish-oil-2000mg-epa-dha\"\u003eOmega-3 2000mg\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFoundational membrane substrate; ALA recycles α-tocopherol that protects PUFA from peroxidation. The membrane and the substrate together.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/vitamin-d3-5000-iu-k2-mk-7-100mcg\"\u003eVitamin D3 5000 IU + K2\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFoundational longevity layer. D3 governs ~2,000 genes; ALA governs the antioxidant network. Different axes, both essential.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/taurine-1000mg-cardiovascular-mitochondrial-longevity\"\u003eTaurine 1000mg\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMitochondrial sulfur amino acid; cardiovascular + insulin pair with ALA.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/resveratrol-600mg-60-capsules-30-day-supply\"\u003eResveratrol 600mg\u003c\/a\u003e + \u003ca href=\"\/products\/pterostilbene-100mg-trans-sirt1-activator-resveratrol-cousin\"\u003ePterostilbene 100mg\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSIRT1 activators on the longevity axis; ALA on the antioxidant + metabolic axis. Layer both for foundational longevity stacks.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eRealistic timeline — what to expect by week\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 1-2:\u003c\/strong\u003e A few people notice steadier post-meal glucose (especially diabetics on monitors). Most feel nothing — that's expected. ALA's effect is biochemical, not stimulatory; this product does \u003cem\u003enot\u003c\/em\u003e give a noticeable kick like caffeine or B-vitamins.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 3-6:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fasting glucose usually 5-15 mg\/dL lower if elevated at baseline (Akbari 2018 effect size). Triglycerides start dropping. Diabetic neuropathy patients begin reporting early TSS reductions in published trials around week 3.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 8-12:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Nrf2\/glutathione-axis turn-on shows up as lower hs-CRP and MDA on labs. HbA1c shifts ~0.2-0.4 points if elevated at baseline. Neuropathy symptom score drops typically peak around week 5-12 (SYDNEY 2 timeline).\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMonths 3-6:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lipid normalization stabilizes. NAFLD patients show ALT\/AST drops and ultrasound steatosis reduction. Cognitive aging trials see effect emerge here.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYear 1+:\u003c\/strong\u003e NATHAN 1 timeline — durable nerve-conduction improvement; safety profile equivalent to placebo across 4 years of daily use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWhat NOT to expect:\u003c\/strong\u003e A stimulant kick. Sudden weight loss. A cure for diabetes. ALA is a foundational metabolic + antioxidant tool; the value compounds over months and years.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWho this is for\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eAdults 35+ building a foundational longevity stack (alongside \u003ca href=\"\/products\/vitamin-d3-5000-iu-k2-mk-7-100mcg\"\u003eD3+K2\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/magnesium-glycinate-400mg-sleep-and-nad-methylation\"\u003eMg-Glycinate\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/omega-3-fish-oil-2000mg-epa-dha\"\u003eOmega-3\u003c\/a\u003e).\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003ePeople with metabolic syndrome, prediabetes, or T2D wanting an evidence-based adjunct (alongside, not instead of, prescribed care).\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003ePeople with elevated triglycerides, fatty liver markers, or PCOS.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDiabetic peripheral neuropathy — the indication ALA is approved for in Germany.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eHeavy-metal-exposure populations (older amalgam fillings, well water, occupational) who want a low-key chelating co-factor.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eAnyone running an NAD+ stack — ALA loads the PDH\/KGDH enzymes that consume that NAD+.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eMitochondrial-energy stack builders pairing ALA with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/coq10-400mg-maximum-strength\"\u003eCoQ10\u003c\/a\u003e + \u003ca href=\"\/products\/pqq-20mg-mitochondrial-biogenesis-activator\"\u003ePQQ\u003c\/a\u003e + \u003ca href=\"\/products\/urolithin-a-500mg-mitophagy-activator\"\u003eUrolithin A\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003ePeople interested in the Nrf2\/antioxidant network as a whole and stacking with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/curcumin-1000mg-bioperine-anti-inflammatory-longevity\"\u003ecurcumin\u003c\/a\u003e + \u003ca href=\"\/products\/quercetin-500mg-senolytic-flavonoid-natural-antihistamine\"\u003equercetin\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWho this is NOT for\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePregnant or breastfeeding women\u003c\/strong\u003e — insufficient safety data; talk to your OB.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType-1 diabetics on insulin\u003c\/strong\u003e — potential additive hypoglycemia; don't start ALA without your endocrinologist and closer self-monitoring during the first 4 weeks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType-2 diabetics on sulfonylureas (glyburide, glipizide, glimepiride)\u003c\/strong\u003e — same hypoglycemia caution.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHypothyroid patients on levothyroxine\u003c\/strong\u003e — ALA can chelate metals and reduce levothyroxine absorption; separate dosing by 2-3 hours.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIron-deficient patients on iron supplements\u003c\/strong\u003e — ALA chelates iron; separate by 2-3 hours.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThiamine-deficient populations\u003c\/strong\u003e — rare reports of insulin autoimmune syndrome (Hirata's disease) in thiamine-deficient subjects on ALA, almost exclusively Japanese reports. Adequate thiamine intake (B-complex or food) eliminates the concern.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eChildren\u003c\/strong\u003e — the trial database is in adults.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAnyone with a known sensitivity\u003c\/strong\u003e to ALA. Talk to your physician if you have any doubt.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eQuality, sourcing, and oxidation control\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlpha-lipoic acid is photosensitive, thermosensitive, and oxidatively self-degrading — bulk ALA powder loses several percent of activity per month if exposed to sunlight, oxygen, or temperatures above ~25°C. Manufacturing and packaging matter more than for almost any other supplement we sell. Our specifications:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSynthesis:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pharmaceutical-grade racemic R\/S ALA, the same molecule used in the German Thioctacid drug product.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIdentity:\u003c\/strong\u003e HPLC against a USP-grade reference standard. Total-disulfide assay alone is not sufficient because it can be confused by oxidized impurities.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeavy metals:\u003c\/strong\u003e USP \u0026lt;232\u0026gt; \/ ICP-MS panel below all USP elemental impurity limits (Pb \u0026lt;0.5 ppm, As \u0026lt;1.5 ppm, Cd \u0026lt;0.5 ppm, Hg \u0026lt;1.5 ppm).\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMicrobial:\u003c\/strong\u003e USP \u0026lt;2021\u0026gt; total aerobic count \u0026lt;1000 CFU\/g; absence of \u003cem\u003eSalmonella\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eE. coli\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eS. aureus\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eResidual solvents:\u003c\/strong\u003e EU Pharmacopoeia 2.4.24 (gas chromatography). Class 2 and Class 3 solvents below ICH Q3C limits.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePackaging:\u003c\/strong\u003e Amber UV-protective HDPE bottle; nitrogen-flushed at fill; foil induction seal; oxygen scavenger desiccant. The packaging is doing real work.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStorage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cool, dry, dark place. Do not refrigerate (condensation on opening accelerates oxidation). Keep the cap tight.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ecGMP-manufactured\u003c\/strong\u003e in an FDA-registered, NSF-audited facility.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePer-batch CoA\u003c\/strong\u003e available on request.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eR\/S vs R-ALA — which is “better”?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThe honest answer: \u003cem\u003ethe trial database that established ALA as effective was built on R\/S racemic.\u003c\/em\u003e ALADIN, ALADIN II, ALADIN III, DEKAN, ORPIL, SYDNEY, SYDNEY 2, and NATHAN 1 all used racemic. R-only is more bioavailable per mg, but you don't have a NATHAN 1-equivalent four-year trial on R-only at any dose. We chose to match the trial database. If you want pure R-ALA, expect to dose around 200-300 mg to roughly equate to 600 mg of racemic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs ALA the same as Lipoic Acid? Thioctic acid?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYes. “Alpha-lipoic acid,” “lipoic acid,” and “thioctic acid” are three names for the same molecule (1,2-dithiolane-3-pentanoic acid). Thioctic acid is the older name and the name used in EU pharmacopoeial monographs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy empty stomach?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nGleiter 1996 and Brufani 2014 showed food (especially mineral- and protein-rich meals) drops ALA absorption ~30-40%. Empty stomach is what the trials specified. 30 minutes before food or 2-3 hours after.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill it lower my glucose if it's already normal?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nGenerally not in any way you'd notice. ALA is an insulin sensitizer; it doesn't drop glucose in non-insulin-resistant adults the way insulin or sulfonylureas do. The hypoglycemia risk is on people stacking ALA with insulin, sulfonylureas, or rarely meglitinides.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy does my pee smell weird after taking ALA?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nA common harmless side effect — ALA's two thiol groups produce a sulfur-smelling metabolite that excretes in urine for some people. Like asparagus pee. Doesn't indicate anything wrong.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeartburn?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nTake with a small fat-only buffer (a few almonds, a teaspoon of olive oil) if empty-stomach is uncomfortable; or split to 300 mg twice daily. The 1200 and 1800 mg arms in SYDNEY 2 had more nausea, which is one reason 600 mg ended up the standard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I take it with metformin?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYes, and it's a common stack. Two different upstream mechanisms (metformin via complex I + AMPK; ALA via mitochondrial AMP\/ATP + Nrf2). Han 2020 meta and others showed additive HbA1c benefit. Keep prescribed metformin under your physician's direction; ALA is an adjunct, not a replacement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat about with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/berberine-hcl-500mg-maximum-strength\"\u003eberberine\u003c\/a\u003e?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCommon stack. ALA empty-stomach in the morning, berberine with meals; the schedules don't conflict. Both hit AMPK by different upstream paths. Glucose + lipid + gut layered profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat about with my \u003ca href=\"\/products\/nmn-1000mg-double-strength-60-capsules-30-day-supply\"\u003eNMN\u003c\/a\u003e stack?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nExcellent layering. ALA loads PDH and KGDH; those enzymes consume the NAD+ that NMN raises. ALA + NMN are substrate and cofactor for the same Krebs-cycle entry steps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I take it long term?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nNATHAN 1 ran 600 mg\/day for 4 years with safety equivalent to placebo. Long-term daily use is the use case the trials validated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I take more than 600 mg?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYou can — SYDNEY 2 ran 1800 mg\/day for 5 weeks with no efficacy gain over 600 and more nausea. There's no clinical reason to exceed 600 mg\/day for the long-term use case.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill it interact with my levothyroxine \/ thyroid hormone?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nPossibly. ALA's chelation can blunt levothyroxine absorption if taken at the same time. Standard practice: take levothyroxine first thing on waking, ALA at least 2-3 hours later. Tell your endocrinologist you're starting ALA.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eI'm B12-deficient or a long-term metformin user. Does that matter?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nALA does not deplete B12, but adults on long-term metformin should monitor B12 anyway (Aroda 2016). Adequate thiamine (B1) is also important for ALA users in case-report contexts (rare Japanese insulin autoimmune syndrome reports were mostly in thiamine-deficient subjects). A daily B-complex covers this.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy do I see \"300 mg\" doses elsewhere when the trials used 600 mg?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nMost consumer products dose lower because (a) ALA is relatively expensive per gram and (b) the marketing emphasis is general antioxidant support, where lower doses are still meaningful. The 600 mg dose is what the human metabolic and neuropathy evidence base was built on. Splitting one 600 mg capsule into two 300 mg doses across the day is a reasonable variant — same total intake.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes ALA help with weight loss?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nA modest effect — Kucukgoncu 2017 meta showed ~1.27 kg average weight loss vs placebo across 12 RCTs. Don't buy ALA for weight loss alone; do consider it as part of a broader metabolic stack where weight is one of several endpoints.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it help with brain fog or cognition?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThe Hager 2007 Alzheimer's pilot and Khalili 2014 MS trial are the strongest signals. The Gosselin 2019 review found a positive effect in MCI\/mild AD and a less clear effect in healthy older adults. Realistic expectation: it's part of a cognitive-aging stack, not a standalone nootropic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy do I see this product compared to \u003ca href=\"\/products\/berberine-hcl-500mg-maximum-strength\"\u003eberberine\u003c\/a\u003e a lot?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThey're often discussed in the same metabolic-supplement category, which is why we cross-link them. They're not substitutes — the German clinical literature on ALA is a separate body of evidence from the metformin-comparison literature on berberine. If your goal is comprehensive metabolic support, both belong in the protocol; if you're starting from zero and have to pick one, berberine has the broader profile (lipids + glucose + gut microbiome) and ALA has the more specific neuropathy + antioxidant-recycling profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs ALA the same as omega-3?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nNo. Omega-3 fish oil delivers EPA and DHA — long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids that build cell membranes. Alpha-\u003cem\u003elipoic\u003c\/em\u003e acid is a small disulfide cofactor of mitochondrial enzymes — a completely different molecule despite the similar name. Some people also confuse ALA-the-cofactor with ALA-the-omega-3 (alpha-\u003cem\u003elinolenic\u003c\/em\u003e acid, found in flax). Three different molecules.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStorage?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCool, dry, dark. Do not refrigerate (condensation on opening accelerates oxidation). Keep the cap tight; the bottle is amber and nitrogen-flushed for a reason.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere this sits in the True Health Protocol catalog\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlpha-lipoic acid is one of our four pillars of the \u003cstrong\u003eantioxidant-network layer\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/glutathione-500mg-maximum-strength\"\u003eGlutathione\u003c\/a\u003e (the master antioxidant itself), \u003ca href=\"\/products\/n-acetyl-cysteine-600mg-nac-glutathione-precursor-for-antioxidant-longevity-support\"\u003eNAC\u003c\/a\u003e (its precursor), \u003cstrong\u003eALA\u003c\/strong\u003e (the recycler + Nrf2 inducer), and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/liposomal-vitamin-c-1000mg-maximum-absorption-antioxidant-formula\"\u003evitamin C\u003c\/a\u003e (the network's water-phase partner). Most adults building a serious protocol layer all four. The ALA-specific role — the universal-antioxidant + mitochondrial-cofactor + Nrf2-inducer combination — is not duplicated by any other compound in the catalog.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt's also a core member of the \u003cstrong\u003emetabolic foundation layer\u003c\/strong\u003e alongside \u003ca href=\"\/products\/berberine-hcl-500mg-maximum-strength\"\u003eberberine\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/calcium-alpha-ketoglutarate-1000mg-caakg-epigenetic-longevity\"\u003eCaAKG\u003c\/a\u003e, and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/omega-3-fish-oil-2000mg-epa-dha\"\u003eomega-3\u003c\/a\u003e. And of the \u003cstrong\u003emitochondrial-energy layer\u003c\/strong\u003e alongside \u003ca href=\"\/products\/coq10-400mg-maximum-strength\"\u003eCoQ10\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/pqq-20mg-mitochondrial-biogenesis-activator\"\u003ePQQ\u003c\/a\u003e, and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/urolithin-a-500mg-mitophagy-activator\"\u003eUrolithin A\u003c\/a\u003e. ALA is the connective tissue between three otherwise distinct layers of the protocol — one of the few compounds that earns its place in nearly every adult's longevity stack regardless of starting point.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eThe science (selected references)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003ePacker L, Witt EH, Tritschler HJ. \u003cem\u003eAlpha-Lipoic acid as a biological antioxidant.\u003c\/em\u003e Free Radic Biol Med. 1995;19(2):227-50.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eBustamante J et al. \u003cem\u003eAlpha-lipoic acid in liver metabolism and disease.\u003c\/em\u003e Free Radic Biol Med. 1998;24(6):1023-39.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eHagen TM et al. \u003cem\u003e(R)-alpha-lipoic acid-supplemented old rats have improved mitochondrial function.\u003c\/em\u003e FASEB J. 1999;13(2):411-8.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSuh JH et al. \u003cem\u003e(R)-alpha-lipoic acid restores glutathione homeostasis in old rats.\u003c\/em\u003e Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2004;101(10):3381-6.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eZiegler D et al. \u003cem\u003eTreatment of symptomatic diabetic peripheral neuropathy with the antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid (ALADIN study).\u003c\/em\u003e Diabetologia. 1995;38(12):1425-33.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eReljanovic M et al. \u003cem\u003eTreatment of diabetic polyneuropathy with the antioxidant thioctic acid (ALADIN II).\u003c\/em\u003e Free Radic Res. 1999;31(3):171-9.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eZiegler D et al. \u003cem\u003eTreatment of symptomatic diabetic polyneuropathy with the antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid: a 7-month multicenter randomized controlled trial (ALADIN III).\u003c\/em\u003e Diabetes Care. 1999;22(8):1296-301.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eZiegler D et al. \u003cem\u003eEffects of treatment with the antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid on cardiac autonomic neuropathy in NIDDM patients (DEKAN study).\u003c\/em\u003e Diabetes Care. 1997;20(3):369-73.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eRuhnau KJ et al. \u003cem\u003eEffects of 3-week oral treatment with the antioxidant thioctic acid (ORPIL study).\u003c\/em\u003e Diabet Med. 1999;16(12):1040-3.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eAmetov AS et al. \u003cem\u003eThe sensory symptoms of diabetic polyneuropathy are improved with alpha-lipoic acid: SYDNEY trial.\u003c\/em\u003e Diabetes Care. 2003;26(3):770-6.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eZiegler D et al. \u003cem\u003eOral treatment with alpha-lipoic acid improves symptomatic diabetic polyneuropathy: SYDNEY 2 trial.\u003c\/em\u003e Diabetes Care. 2006;29(11):2365-70.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eZiegler D et al. \u003cem\u003eEfficacy and safety of antioxidant treatment with alpha-lipoic acid over 4 years in diabetic polyneuropathy (NATHAN 1).\u003c\/em\u003e Diabetes Care. 2011;34(9):2054-60.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eMijnhout GS et al. \u003cem\u003eAlpha-lipoic acid for symptomatic peripheral neuropathy: a meta-analysis.\u003c\/em\u003e Int J Endocrinol. 2012;2012:456279.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eZiegler D et al. \u003cem\u003eAntioxidants and diabetic neuropathy.\u003c\/em\u003e Antioxid Redox Signal. 2014;21(8):1291-321.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eKonrad D et al. \u003cem\u003eThe antihyperglycemic drug alpha-lipoic acid stimulates glucose uptake via PI3K and AMPK.\u003c\/em\u003e Diabetes. 2001;50(7):1464-71.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eJacob S et al. \u003cem\u003eOral administration of RAC-alpha-lipoic acid modulates insulin sensitivity in patients with T2DM.\u003c\/em\u003e Free Radic Biol Med. 1999;27(3-4):309-14.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eAkbari M et al. \u003cem\u003eThe effects of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation on glucose control and lipid profiles among patients with metabolic diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs.\u003c\/em\u003e Metabolism. 2018;87:56-69.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eMohammadi V et al. \u003cem\u003eThe effect of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors in metabolic syndrome.\u003c\/em\u003e Adv Pharm Bull. 2017;7(2):185-194.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eKucukgoncu S et al. \u003cem\u003eAlpha-lipoic acid (ALA) as a supplementation for weight loss: results from a meta-analysis of RCTs.\u003c\/em\u003e Obes Rev. 2017;18(5):594-601.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003ede Sousa CV et al. \u003cem\u003eAlpha-lipoic acid in NAFLD: a systematic review.\u003c\/em\u003e 2019.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eGenazzani AD et al. \u003cem\u003eAlpha-lipoic acid as a new treatment option for PCOS.\u003c\/em\u003e Gynecol Endocrinol. 2010.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eKhalili M et al. \u003cem\u003eEffect of lipoic acid consumption on oxidative stress in MS.\u003c\/em\u003e Nutr Neurosci. 2014;17(1):16-20.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eHager K et al. \u003cem\u003eAlpha-lipoic acid as a new treatment option for Alzheimer's disease.\u003c\/em\u003e Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 2007;45(1):S6-S10.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eMaczurek A et al. \u003cem\u003eLipoic acid as an anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective treatment for Alzheimer's disease.\u003c\/em\u003e Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 2008;60(13-14):1463-70.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eGosselin LE et al. \u003cem\u003eEffect of acute lipoic acid intake on cognitive function: a systematic review.\u003c\/em\u003e Nutr Rev. 2019.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eMagis D et al. \u003cem\u003eA randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of thioctic acid in migraine prophylaxis.\u003c\/em\u003e Headache. 2007;47(1):52-7.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSalehi B et al. \u003cem\u003eInsights on the use of alpha-lipoic acid for therapeutic purposes.\u003c\/em\u003e Biomolecules. 2019;9(8):356.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003ePatrick L. \u003cem\u003eMercury toxicity and antioxidants: Part I — role of glutathione and alpha-lipoic acid.\u003c\/em\u003e Altern Med Rev. 2002;7(6):456-71.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eGleiter CH et al. \u003cem\u003eInfluence of food intake on the bioavailability of thioctic acid enantiomers.\u003c\/em\u003e Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 1996;50(6):513-4.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThis product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Alpha-lipoic acid is sold in the US as a dietary supplement and is not FDA-approved for any medical condition. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Talk to your doctor before starting any supplement, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, take prescription medication (particularly insulin, sulfonylureas, levothyroxine, or iron), or have any existing medical condition.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"True Health Protocol","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47839563940058,"sku":"THP-ALA-600-60","price":26.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0814\/5158\/1658\/files\/thp_ala.png?v=1778049793","url":"https:\/\/truehealthprotocol.health\/products\/alpha-lipoic-acid-600mg-universal-antioxidant","provider":"True Health Protocol","version":"1.0","type":"link"}