General Safety Issues of Alpha Lipoic Acid

Studies on rats have shown that alpha lipoic acid has not caused cancer or toxicity in the organs targeted for treatment such as the liver. However, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take alpha lipoic acid because there is insufficient data on whether alpha lipoic acid is safe for the fetus or nursing child.

References:

  1. A.D.A.M., Inc., "Alpha-lipoic acid," University of Maryland Medical Center
  2. McMackin, C.J., et al., "Effect of combined treatment with alpha-Lipoic acid and acetyl-L-carnitine on vascular function and blood pressure in patients with coronary artery disease," J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2007 Apr;9(4):249-55
  3. Kirchheimer, Sid, "Antioxidant Soothes Diabetic Neuropathy," WebMD, April 11, 2003
  4. Berkson, Burton M., MD, MS, PhD, "Alpha Lipoic Acid and Liver Disease," Townsend Letter, December, 2007
  5. Sahelian, Ray, M.D., Alpha Lipoic Acid supplement benefit, side effects, use for blood sugar, diabetes Information
  6. Oregon State University, "Lipoic Acid Explored As Anti-aging Compound" ScienceDaily, May 18, 2007