Meta Information
ID:alpha-lipoic-acid
Name:
Schema Version:AIM-2.0
Interactions
Target id:
/dietary/meal
Target name:
Any Caloric Meal
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
1
Hours after target:
2
Description:
Food significantly reduces the absorption and bioavailability of alpha-lipoic acid in the gastrointestinal tract, which can make the supplement less effective.
Actionable advice:
Take on a completely empty stomach, at least 1 hour before eating or 2 hours after your last meal.
Target id:
/class/antidiabetic-medications
Target name:
Diabetes Medications
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Alpha-lipoic acid can improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels, which can add to the effects of diabetes medications and increase the risk of hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar).
Actionable advice:
Consult your doctor before use; your medication dosage may need adjustment and frequent blood glucose monitoring is required.
Target id:
/class/chelating-minerals
Target name:
Chelating Minerals (Iron, Zinc, Calcium, Magnesium)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
3
Hours after target:
3
Description:
Alpha-lipoic acid can bind to (chelate) minerals in the gut, which prevents the absorption of both the ALA and the minerals, reducing the effectiveness of both supplements.
Actionable advice:
Separate alpha-lipoic acid from mineral supplements like iron, zinc, calcium, or magnesium by at least 3 hours.
Target id:
/class/chemotherapy-radiation
Target name:
Chemotherapy & Radiation Therapy
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
As a potent antioxidant, alpha-lipoic acid could theoretically interfere with the effectiveness of cancer therapies that rely on generating oxidative stress to destroy malignant cells.
Actionable advice:
Avoid taking alpha-lipoic acid during active chemotherapy or radiation unless specifically approved by your oncologist.
Target id:
/intervention/biotin
Target name:
Biotin (Vitamin B7)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
4
Hours after target:
4
Description:
Alpha-lipoic acid and biotin compete for the same cellular transporters (SMVT) for absorption and uptake. Taking high doses of both at the same time can reduce the absorption of each.
Actionable advice:
Separate high-dose alpha-lipoic acid and high-dose biotin supplements by at least 4 hours.
Target id:
/intervention/thiamine
Target name:
Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
requirement
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
High doses of alpha-lipoic acid can increase the body's metabolic demand for thiamine, as they are both cofactors in key mitochondrial enzymes. This can lead to thiamine depletion, especially in at-risk individuals.
Actionable advice:
Ensure adequate thiamine intake from diet or a B-complex supplement when taking alpha-lipoic acid long-term.
Target id:
/condition/thyroid-disorders
Target name:
Thyroid Disorders
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
There is some evidence that alpha-lipoic acid may alter thyroid function by impairing the conversion of inactive T4 hormone to the active T3 form.
Actionable advice:
If you have a thyroid condition or take thyroid medication, monitor thyroid function tests with your doctor after starting ALA.
Target id:
/class/anticoagulants-antiplatelets
Target name:
Anticoagulants and Antiplatelets
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Alpha-lipoic acid may have mild antiplatelet effects, which could theoretically increase the risk of bleeding when combined with blood-thinning medications like warfarin, clopidogrel, or aspirin.
Actionable advice:
Use with caution if taking blood-thinning medications and monitor for any signs of increased bruising or bleeding.
Target id:
/dietary/alcohol-acute
Target name:
Alcohol
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Chronic alcohol consumption can worsen nerve damage and deplete thiamine levels, counteracting the benefits of alpha-lipoic acid and increasing the risk of deficiency.
Actionable advice:
Limit or avoid alcohol, especially if taking alpha-lipoic acid for nerve health or if you are at risk for thiamine deficiency.
Target id:
/intervention/alcar
Target name:
Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR)
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Alpha-lipoic acid and Acetyl-L-Carnitine work via complementary pathways to support mitochondrial function, energy production, and reduce oxidative stress, particularly in nerve cells.
Actionable advice:
Consider taking with Acetyl-L-Carnitine for enhanced mitochondrial and neurological support.