PlainPill

ALA

Based on 14 first-hand reports and 100 meta-analyses & systematic reviews in the medical literature. Ranked #939 of 1,974 overall.

15
User score
Not enough data
7% positive0% mixed7% negative86% unclear

Of reports that state an outcome, 50% are positive.

Clinical research
AStrong research base
100
meta-analyses
243
RCTs
4,029
papers

What ALA does, according to users

Of the people who reported each effect, the share who said it got better.

No specific effects reported yet.
betterno changeworse

What the research says

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses from PubMed, with their published conclusions.

AStrong research base

3+ meta-analyses or systematic reviews and 10+ randomized controlled trials in humans. The grade measures how much human research exists — read the conclusions below for what it found.

Cephalalgia · 2022 · Meta-analysis / systematic review
A systematic review of treatment for patients with burning mouth syndrome

Conclusion: A more significant volume in terms of sample size, multi-centres, and multi-arm comparison of therapeutic agents with placebo and longitudinal follow-up studies is recommended to establish a standardised burning mouth syndrome treatment protocol. Further studies are required to assess the analgesic benefits of topical clonazepam and capsaicin, alternative medicines with neurodegenerative prevention capability and psychology support in treating burning mouth syndrome and reducing systemic adverse drug reactions.Registration International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO):Pro

PubMed 34404247 ↗
J Am Coll Cardiol · 2022 · Meta-analysis / systematic review
Micronutrient Supplementation to Reduce Cardiovascular Risk

Conclusion: Supplementation of some but not all micronutrients may benefit cardiometabolic health. This study highlights the importance of micronutrient diversity and the balance of benefits and risks to promote and maintain cardiovascular health in diverse populations. (Antioxidant Supplementation in the Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases; CRD42022315165).

PubMed 36480969 ↗
Cochrane Database Syst Rev · 2024 · Meta-analysis / systematic review
Alpha-lipoic acid for diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Conclusion: Our analysis suggests that ALA probably has little or no effect on neuropathy symptoms or adverse events at six months, and may have little or no effect on impairment at six months. All the studies were at high risk of attrition bias. Therefore, future RCTs should ensure complete follow-up and transparent reporting of any participants missing from the analyses.

PubMed 38205823 ↗

Dosage people report

As stated by users — not a recommendation. Follow the label or your doctor.

dailyas reported
200 mg6x daily
400 mgmorning
600 mgdaily morning

Reported side effects

How often each side effect came up across all reports.

No side effects reported so far.

What users say

Verbatim quotes, shortened only — each links to the original discussion.

More supplements

User data from public discussions; research from PubMed. Information only, not medical advice — talk to a doctor before starting, stopping or combining anything. Data updated October 2, 2026. How we rate