Main Reason for Use
To improve insulin sensitivity and reduce symptoms of diabetic neuropathy.

Scientific Background

Diabetes is a serious disease associated with many complications. One of the most serious is neuropathy, or problems with the nerves in various parts of the body. These problems can range from an irritating sensation of pin-pricking, to a complete loss of feeling. Research suggests that this is associated with two things: poor blood sugar control, and oxidation. Diabetes is a condition in which the body becomes desensitized to insulin, which is the substance that keeps blood sugar steady at optimal levels. This causes blood sugar levels to fluctuate, which can have devastating effects on the nerves. Oxidation is a natural process that helps our bodies dispose of microscopic waste particles. But oxidation creates free radicals, which are like tiny sparks that can cause damage inside our bodies. An excess of free radicals is at the root of many serious illnesses, and it is believed to play an important role in the genesis of diabetic neuropathy. Studies suggest that alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) can help.

How ALA Helps

ALA supports diabetics against diabetic neuropathy in two ways: as a potent antioxidant, and in its ability to improve insulin sensitivity. The most powerful antioxidant known, and unique in that it is both fat and water soluble and therefore able to do its work in all the body’s tissues, ALA also appears to “recycle” other antioxidants: that is, just when the other antioxidants in the body appear to be used up, ALA provides them with another burst of antioxidant power. This allows ALA to combat the damage done by free radicals to the nerves at the same time as it is supporting the body to recover some of its lost ability to process sugar effectively. Recently, German researchers conducted a meta-analysis to determine the effectiveness of ALA in alleviating symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. A meta-analysis is a compilation of many smaller studies done of the same thing, all meeting the same basic study criteria. This meta-analysis included 1258 diabetic patients, making it the largest study ever undertaken of the effects of a single constituent to reduce neuropathy. This study showed, among other things, that taking just 300 mg per day of ALA could alleviate symptoms of neuropathy within four to seven months, and that this was not simply a matter of covering up symptoms with a band-aid, but resulted from improvement in the underlying condition. However, other studies have demonstrated that at two to four times this dosage—that is, at 600 to 1200 mg daily—ALA can produce even better results. Studies ranging from two to four weeks in duration have demonstrated that ALA at 600 to 1200 mg daily significantly improved nerve function in Type 2 diabetics very quickly. Moreover, a two-year study demonstrated that ALA at these dosages significantly improved neuropathy in both Type 1 and 2 diabetics, with no adverse effects observed over the long term.


Suggested Use: 2 capsules twice daily.

Each vegetarian capsule contains:

Alpha lipoic acid...300 mg

Non-medicinal ingredients:

Rice powder, magnesium silicate, magnesium stearate (vegetable), hypromellose (vegetarian capsule).