Study Finds Alpha-Lipoic Acid May Help Reduce Body Weight

Alpha-lipoic acid is a naturally occurring fatty acid that can be found in many foods such as yeast, spinach, broccoli, potatoes, and organ meats such as liver or kidney. A new study has found that supplementation with alpha-lipoic acid may help overweight people reduce body weight.

Sixty-four overweight adults with elevated triglyceride levels participated in the study. They received 600 mg of alpha-lipoic acid or a placebo daily for 24 weeks. They were told not to change their diet or physical activity level. The researchers measured body weight, BMI, body fat, triglyceride levels, and inflammatory markers at baseline and at the end of the study period. 

The researchers found that participants in the alpha-lipoic acid group saw significant reductions in BMI, body weight, and body fat. The greatest weight loss was seen in women (5%) and obese participants (4.8%). Women and obese participants also saw the greatest reductions in body fat at 9.4% and 8.6% respectively. In addition, participants in the supplement group saw a reduction in inflammatory markers. No significant changes were seen in triglyceride levels.

The study was conducted by researchers from Oregon State University. It was published online ahead of print on July 21, 2020 in The Journal of Nutrition.