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Alpha Lipoic Acid Plus Review – Is it Effective?

By Sasha de Beausset Aparicio, MSc

Reviewed by Rebecca Williams, MD, MA, MB, BChir

Last Updated:

Evidence Based | Summary | Ingredients | Pros & Cons | Warnings | Cost | Directions | Bottom Line

Alpha Lipoic Acid Plus is formulated to support blood sugar levels and help prevent muscle tissue damage. Also, the formula manufactured by Only Natural is advertised to promote detoxification and repair and to possess antioxidant properties.

Only Natural was founded in 1986. The company is located in New York, U.S.A and manufactures and markets a variety of vitamins and natural supplements. Only ingredients that are kosher, organic, gluten-free and vegetarian are used to create the formulas. Also, all company supplements are manufactured under NPA’s Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) guidelines and are accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis which guarantees that each product is of the highest quality and supports the supplemental facts listed on the label.

Alpha Lipoic Acid Plus is especially recommended to adults who practice weight lifts and bodybuilding and who will benefit from Alpha Lipoic Acid’s muscle repairing properties. The formula is also suited for vegetarians.

Summary

1) What is Alpha Lipoic Acid Plus?

Alpha Lipoic Acid Plus is a blend of anti-oxidants and botanical ingredients designed to support healthy blood sugar levels and provide muscle protection. Alpha Lipoic Acid or ALA is an anti-oxidant produced by the body. It plays an important role in energy production process, where it is able to turns glucose into energy. Also, it can increase glucose uptake by the muscle, preventing accumulation of fat and contributing to muscle mass growth. This is why ALA is often used by bodybuilders and who wish to build muscle mass. Alphalipoic Acid is both water and fat soluble; therefore it can work throughout the entire body.

Being an antioxidant, it has powerful effects against free radicals. That is why ALA is a topic of research for conditions related to free radical damage (stroke, memory loss, etc). Side effects are rare, and usually manifest as rashes.

Research on Cinnamon Bark has shown it may work similar to insulin, to reduce blood sugar levels. It may also stimulate appetite and aid in peripheral circulation and enhance the metabolism of fats. Similarly, Bitter Melon is believed to contain a chemical that acts like insulin to help reduce blood sugar levels. Research however is still in its early stages for both these extracts.

Ingredients

2) Alpha Lipoic Acid Plus Ingredients

Alpha Lipoic Acid Plus includes the following ingredients: Cinnamon Bark, Gymnema Sylvestre, Nopal, Bitter Melon, Fenugreek, Chromium, Picolinate, and Vanadyl Sulfate.

If you want ALA in a more complex blend for brain function, read our Neora EHT Brain Formula review.

3) What Does Alpha Lipoic Acid Plus Do?

This product is a mixture of herbal ingredients with an amino acid and metal.

Alpha Lipoic Acid (or ALA) is a vitamin-like substance with potent anti-oxidant effects that can be found in food sources like liver, kidney, yeast, spinach, and broccoli. This material is often used as medicine, and some of its benefits are supported by published research resulted in evidence. ALA has been used to help with conditions like diabetes and nerve-related symptoms of diabetes. It is also known to act as an aid for memory loss and chronic fatigue syndrome. If used orally, it may cause a rash.

One other ingredient that plays an active role in this blend is a plant called Cinnamon, which provides bark and flowers that are used to make medicine. This plant has been studied and found to be effective in lowering blood sugar levels in patients suffering from type one and two diabetes. This ingredient can also be used to help with some general health issues like nausea, erectile dysfunction, hernia, high blood pressure, cramps, and kidney disorders. This ingredient is safe when used in foods or taken in medicinal doses.

Another ingredient is Chromium, which is an essential trace element and is mandatory for human health. This metal is known to be effective in improving blood sugar levels in people with pre-diabetes and diabetes, while also helping regulate high blood sugar as a result of steroids.

This product does not come with any warnings and has the suggested use of two vegetable capsules per day, preferably taken with a meal.

Pros & Cons

4) Alpha Lipoic Acid Plus: Pros and Cons

  • ALA has been extensively researched and proven effective
  • Moderate price (approx. $20 for a month’s supply)
  • The formula is suited for vegetarians
Warnings

5) Alpha Lipoic Acid Plus Product Warnings

  • Many of the herbal ingredients and the other nutrients have not been extensively researched (safety and side effects are not completely understood)
  • Lack of consumer reviews
Cost

6) How Much Does Alpha Lipoic Acid Plus Cost?

The manufacturer offers direct purchase from their website, this product being available at an average price. Every bottle of formula comes with some 60 vegetable capsules and provides a one-month supply if the suggested use of two capsules is not exceeded. The shipping costs are quite affordable and free delivery is available for orders that are over 49.99 dollars; also, some coupon-based discounts are available. This formula can also be purchased from different online retailers that might ensure additional price offers. There are no free trials or money-back guarantees associated with this product at the time of this review.

Directions

7) Alpha Lipoic Acid Plus Directions

The manufacturer recommends taking 2 tablets daily. There are no consumer reviews available online for Alpha Lipoic Acid Plus.

Bottom Line

8) Our Bottom Line

As with many dietary supplements, Alpha Lipoic Acid Plus manufacturer claims certain benefits which are not supported by any scientific evidence or clinical trial evidence or by consumer reviews or testimonials. This is a major safety issue, since the manufacturer also mentions no side effect, precaution, or potential drug interactions. Particularly, for Alpha Lipoic Acid Plus, the main ingredients are insufficiently researched, except for the main ingredient, ALA.

Hence the full spectrum of side effects, safety concerns and health implications is unknown at this point. This is precisely why we recommend a specialist is consulted before starting treatment so that the decision is made together.

4/5 - (2 votes)
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Orville M

A friend told me that this formula is effective in supporting muscle mass development and he was right, I done some research and purchased this formula. The results are quite good and clear.

Aaron B

My blood sugar levels are quite a big problem because of my diabetes. Since I started using this formula things got a lot easier, I still have to be careful what I eat and drink, but I can now enjoy more things.