Alpha lipoic acid is an antioxidant made by the body and contained in every human cell. It helps turn glucose or sugars in the body to energy. Alpha lipoic acid is also both water and fat soluble, meaning it works effectively throughout the body, unlike most antioxidants. Some people, such as diabetics, take alpha lipoic acid supplements to control blood sugar levels. High doses can cause skin rashes and cold sores, but the presence of other conditions may also trigger the cold sores.
Dose
Alpha lipoic acid is usually safe when taken in doses of 10 to 50 milligrams. While 250 to 500 milligrams of this supplement is considered high, doses of up to 800 milligrams are often prescribed for diabetics, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It is these unusually high doses that are sometimes known to cause skin rashes or cold sores. Alpha lipoic acid may also interact with other medications or antioxidants, such as vitamin C and E, to cause cold sores.
Pre-Existing Conditions
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex or HSV-1 virus. Kids may pick this virus up at an early age. For example, a mother with a cold sore may kiss her child. Consequently, the herpes virus is usually active or dormant in the system. The cold sores form at the base of nerve cells called ganglions, according to the "Teens Health" website of Nemours pediatric health system. And those who have herpes may be prone to cold sore outbreaks when stressed. Diabetics with herpes may also be prone to cold sores for similar reasons, or when blood sugar levels rise and fall as they do and alpha lipoic acid may contribute to some of these variations in blood sugar levels.
Hormonal Changes
Alpha lipoic acid may also lower levels of the thyroid hormone in the body, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. These changes in hormone levels may trigger cold sores, especially for those with diabetes, infections or pregnant women; the latter commonly experience fluctuations in hormone levels. Blood sugar levels can also impact hormonal levels; a diabetic's blood sugar level fluctuates throughout the day, often soaring an hour or two after a meal. The amount of alpha lipoic acid in a person's system also fluctuates and increases in the body shortly after the supplement is taken, reaching a plateau and then waning until the next dose. This can affect blood sugar levels in even healthy individuals.
Considerations
Diabetics or individuals who suffer from cold sores when taking alpha lipoic acid could benefit from more exercise. Exercise helps move sugar from the bloodstream to cells, lowering blood sugar, acccording to Mayo Clinic. Experts at the Mayo Clinic also advise diabetics to minimize their alcohol use and control stress. Both can contribute to higher blood levels or changes in hormonal levels, which may cause cold sores. Moreover, it is always best to consult a physician before taking any supplements like alpha lipoic acid.
References
- Your Nutritional Supplement Guide: Dangers of Taking Alpha Lipoic Acid
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Alpha-Lipoic Acid
- Teens Health: Cold Sores (HSV-1)
- Mayo Clinic: Type 2 Diabetes
- Mayo Clinic: Diabetes and Menopause: A Twin Challenge
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
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