Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is an antioxidant and a nutritional supplement which is used by many people since 1950s for different purposes. Although beneficial for the health, it may have some side effects. This article provides information regarding the same.
Alpha lipoic acid is found naturally in various food items like vegetables and meats. It is required by our body for proper functioning. This antioxidant is fat soluble and water soluble, and thus, neutralizes the damage caused by the free radicals. It dissolves the toxic substances in liver by increasing the production of glutathione. It enhances the body’s sensitivity to insulin. It reduces the fats, and thus, makes the body lean. It also helps in the detoxification of the liver. This antioxidant can also treat medical conditions like glaucoma and hyperglycemia. Most of the time, ALA does not cause any kind of side effects; however, in a few cases, when consumed in excess or if a person is allergic to it, then there can be severe side effects on the body. An adult can safely consume 300 mg to 600 mg of alpha lipoic acid per day.
Side Effects
Digestion-Related Problems
One of the very common side effect is problems related to digestion such as nausea, upset stomach, stomach ache, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Sugar Level Problems
It is also known to decrease the sugar level to a large extent. This can be beneficial for diabetics, but it might pose a problem to healthy individuals as extremely low sugar level is not recommended for them.
Skin Related Problems
Lipoic acid can also give rise to skin hives. Skin rash and itchy skin will be also observed in very rare cases. Also, excessive sweating is observed.
Respiratory Problems
Respiratory problems like difficulty in breathing, tightness in chest, and increase or decrease in the pulse rate are the most commonly observed side effects.
Cold Related Problems
There are chances of some people suffering from common cold, cough, and runny nose. In some cases, all these disorders might also be accompanied by fever. The person may experience headache as well.
Other Side Effects
Apart from the aforementioned problems, fatigue, insomnia, and over stimulation are also commonly observed. Some people might experience tingling sensation in the whole body, muscle cramps, and swelling of the face and extremities. Flatulence is also one of the side effect of this antioxidant supplement.
Always remember to take the right dosage to stay away from the side effects. Since ALA supplements on the market are herbal in nature, they don’t have FDA’s approval. Therefore, one should always consult a doctor before taking them, especially children, pregnant and nursing women, and people with certain medical conditions such as thyroid, cancer, etc.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
