Remedy · supplement
Alpha-lipoic acid
Also: ALA, thioctic acid, lipoic acid
An antioxidant supplement with trial support for easing diabetic nerve symptoms.
Evidence by condition
Each grade reflects the research for Alpha-lipoic acid and that condition specifically.
- BDiabetic peripheral neuropathy
Reduces neuropathic symptoms (pain, burning, numbness); the effect is strongest and most clinically relevant for short-term intravenous dosing, with oral evidence smaller.
1 citation
- Alpha-lipoic acid for symptomatic peripheral neuropathy in patients with diabetes: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials Meta-analysis 2012 · n=653 · International Journal of Endocrinology · PMID 22331979
- Alpha-lipoic acid for symptomatic peripheral neuropathy in patients with diabetes: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
- CCarpal tunnel syndrome
Small, mostly perioperative trials are mixed — ALA may reduce post-surgical pain but does not reliably improve nerve conduction.
2 citation s
- Alpha-lipoic Acid After Median Nerve Decompression at the Carpal Tunnel: A Randomized Controlled Trial Randomized trial 2017 · n=64 · The Journal of Hand Surgery · PMID 28249792 · DOI 10.1016/j.jhsa.2017.01.011
- Effect of Alpha-Lipoic Acid on Clinical and Neurophysiologic Recovery of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial Randomized trial 2018 · n=20 · Journal of Medicinal Food · PMID 29356576 · DOI 10.1089/jmf.2017.0056
- Alpha-lipoic Acid After Median Nerve Decompression at the Carpal Tunnel: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Alpha-lipoic acid is among the better-studied supplements for diabetic nerve pain, though good blood- sugar control remains the foundation of treatment. Because it can add to the glucose-lowering effect of diabetes medicines, it should be used with medical guidance.