Years ago, I used Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) and loved it. I finally found a natural solution to help me reduce my blood sugar levels. And losing weight was an unexpected but welcomed bonus. So, why did I stop using ALA? Read on for the benefits and precautions with ALA.

What is ALA?

Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant made in the body. It’s also in foods such as red meat, spinach, broccoli, yams, potatoes, carrots, and beets. However, the amount of ALA in these foods is low, so people take supplements. ALA breaks down carbs by turning glucose into energy. It can also help with diabetes.

How ALA Helps Diabetes

Studies show ALA improves glycemic control and cholesterol levels (The effects of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation on glucose control and lipid profiles among patients with metabolic diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials – Metabolism – Clinical and Experimental (metabolismjournal.com).

Besides lowering blood sugar and cholesterol levels, ALA may also relieve diabetic neuropathic pain (https://www.healthline.com/health/alpha-lipoic-acid-and-diabetes#takeaway).

Also, a study of 20 randomized controlled trials found that using ALA supplements reduced levels of hemoglobin A1C, insulin resistance, and fasting blood sugar (https://www.verywellhealth.com/alpha-lipoic-acid-88727).

Why I Stopped Taking ALA

So if ALA is beneficial, why did I stop taking it? I stopped because of something in my mouth. To explain, I have dental amalgam fillings which contain mercury. Upon doing further research, I discovered ALA may bind with toxic metals such as mercury. As a result, it may expose mercury to the brain. For this reason, I stopped taking ALA.

Conflicting Views

There are conflicting views on whether exposure to mercury from dental amalgam fillings is harmful.

The American Dental Association declares that dental amalgams are durable, safe, and effective.

The FDA agrees, stating “the existing evidence shows that dental amalgam is not harmful to the general population.” The FDA concludes that “the majority of evidence suggests exposure to mercury vapor from dental amalgam fillings doesn’t lead to harmful health effects for most people” (https://www.mlmic.com/dentists/blog/dental-amalgam-is-safe-says-the-american-dental-association).

In contrast, an article states there are two schools of thought regarding ALA binding with mercury in dental amalgam fillings. The first one is ALA promotes mercury’s mobilization and excretion.

The second belief is ALA is digested and removed. Then the mercury that was bound to ALA flows in the body, gets released in the brain, and leads to mercury toxicity symptoms.

The article concludes with “to answer the question, ‘is it safe to take ALA if you have dental amalgam fillings?’ one has to understand the ratio between ALA and the amount of toxic mercury stored in the tissues of the individual” (https://calgaryneuropathy.com/62-alpha-lipoic-acid/).

Indeed, there is a lot of contradictory information and not enough research on this topic. I played it safe and stopped AL A even though it lowered my blood sugars. If you think you’d to try it, please discuss it with your doctor and dentist.

Signs of Mercury Poisoning

Signs of mercury poisoning can include:

  • Chronic fatigue
  • Muscle weakness
  • Insomnia
  • Bleeding gums
  • Metallic taste in the mouth
  • Stomach cramps
  • Dizziness
  • Decreased coordination

Other Precautions

Because ALA can lower blood sugar levels, take caution using it if you are on diabetic medication. Taking alpha-lipoic acid with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low.

Also, ALA may interfere with medications for chemo, heart, blood pressure, and osteoarthritis. It can also interact with antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and tranquilizers, ALA may also lower levels of thyroid hormones (https://calgaryneuropathy.com/62-alpha-lipoic-acid/).

In addition, side effects may include nausea, vomiting, and heartburn.

Conclusion

I am proof that ALA can lower blood sugar levels and even cause weight loss. However, because of my dental amalgam fillings and the risk of mercury toxicity, I stopped taking it. Use caution when using ALA. If you are also taking diabetic medication, ALA may lower your blood sugar levels even more. Please consult your doctor before trying ALA. Remember, just because something is natural does not mean it’s safe to consume. You also need to consider that there are side effects and drug interactions.

Quote

“My diabetes is such a central part of my life… it did teach me discipline… it also taught me about moderation… I’ve trained myself to be super-vigilant… because I feel better when I am in control.” Sonia Sotomayor

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Disclaimer

Please remember this is not medical advice or intended to replace the advice of your doctor. This is my experience with the natural supplements that have helped me manage my diabetes. They are not intended to cure any disease. Please do not self-diagnose. Always check with your health care provider before trying new treatments.

Also, natural does not mean safe. Many natural remedies have side effects and can interact with medication and supplements. It should be noted that the FDA does not regulate dietary supplements but treats them like foods and not medication. Unlike drug manufacturers, supplement makers do not have to show their products are safe or effective.

I ask you to please keep an open mind; be a diabetic detective and do your own research; work with your healthcare team; see what works best for you and monitor your blood sugars.