Brief summary:
In this meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, alpha-lipoic acid supplementation reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
What was studied?
The effect of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) supplementation on systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Who was studied?
A total of 674 men and women (mean ages 35–64), including adults with overweight/obesity, diabetes/prediabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and cardiomyopathy.
How was the study conducted?
A meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials was performed. Four trials took place in Iran, three in the United States and one each in Mexico, Italy, Korea and Germany. Daily ALA doses ranged from 600 to 1800 mg. Ten trials compared ALA with placebo, and one compared ALA plus probiotics with probiotics alone. Interventions lasted 8–48 weeks.
What were the results?
ALA supplementation reduced systolic blood pressure by 5.5 mmHg (moderate-certainty evidence) and diastolic blood pressure by 3.4 mmHg (high-certainty evidence).
This study summary was published on January 8, 2024.
Our summary:
Alpha-lipoic acid is known as a potent and effective antioxidant. It is frequently mentioned as supporting the removal of heavy metals from the body and as an antioxidant contributing to balancing blood sugar and reducing neuropathy symptoms.
In light of the study, the substance was also found to support lowering elevated blood pressure.