Research Findings on Alpha-Lipoic Acid
The evidence on ALA as an effective
diabetes supplement for
type 2 diabetes and obesity is limited. There are a number of small studies that have shown hints of beneficial effects. In a few of these studies, some possible benefit from ALA was seen in:
More research is needed to document whether there is any benefit of ALA in diabetes and to better understand how ALA works.
Side Effects and Possible Risks of Alpha-Lipoic Acid
While ALA appears to be safe for the general adult population, people with diabetes need to know that ALA as a diabetes supplement might lower blood sugar too much, and thus they would need to monitor their blood sugar level especially carefully.
ALA may also:
- Lower blood levels of minerals, such as iron
- Decrease the effectiveness of some anti-cancer drugs
- Interact with some medicines, such as antacids.
Other possible side effects of ALA include
headache, skin rash, and stomach upset.
Diabetes Supplements: Ginseng
Several types of plants are referred to as
ginseng, but most studies of ginseng and diabetes have used American ginseng. Those studies have shown some glucose-lowering effects in fasting and post-prandial (after meal) blood glucose levels, as well as in A1c levels (average blood glucose levels over a three-month period).
Larger and more long-term
diabetes research studies are needed before doctors recommend using this diabetes supplement. Researchers also have determined that the amount of glucose-lowering compound in ginseng plants varies widely.
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