Lipoic acid--also called alpha-lipoic acid or thioctic acid--is a type of antioxidant produced by your body. It is present in every cell, where it helps produce energy from glucose, or sugar, and protects cells against damage. Lipoic acid is both water and fat soluble, which means it can work as an antioxidant in any region of your body. If you have questions about the benefits and risks associated with lipoic acid supplements, consult your physician.
Benefits
Because of its antioxidant properties, lipoic acid supplements are purported to prevent or treat certain forms of cancer, diabetes, diabetic nerve damage or neuropathy, liver disease and AIDS, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. However, further research validating the medicinal benefits of lipoic acid is necessary.
Side Effects
Treatment with lipoic acid supplements may induce unpleasant side effects in certain people. Mild side effects may include skin rash, muscle cramps, headache, dizziness, fatigue, stomach discomfort or unusual numbness or tingling, HealthKey reports. Lipoic acid may also reduce your blood sugar levels and may cause hypoglycemia. Symptoms associated with low blood sugar levels include dizziness, irritability, blurred vision, muscle tremors, constant hunger, sweating, irregular heart rate, nausea or drowsiness. If you experience any of these symptoms while taking lipoic acid supplements, seek additional care from your medical provider.
Contraindications
Discuss any health concerns you have with your doctor before beginning treatment with lipoic acid. If you have low blood levels of thiamine--also called vitamin B1--you should not receive treatment with this supplement, the University of Maryland Medical Center warns. In addition, if you are receiving treatment for diabetes, a condition resulting from unusually high blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, you should only use lipoic acid as advised by a medical professional. The safety and efficacy of lipoic acid supplements have not been evaluated in pregnant or breastfeeding mothers and should not be used by women in this population.
Medication Interactions
It is important to discuss all medications you are currently taking with your health care provider before beginning treatment with any supplement, including lipoic acid. Concomitant use of lipoic acid supplements and insulin or blood sugar-lowering drugs may increase your risk of developing hypoglycemia symptoms. In addition, lipoic acid may reduce the amount of thyroid hormone in your body. If you are taking a medication that regulates your thyroid, such as levothyroxine, your doctor needs to monitor your thyroid function and hormone levels regularly while you are taking lipoic acid.
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