The dangers of taking alpha lipoic acid...

Let's face it, almost any substance, even ones vital for our health, can be dangerous if consumed in too large of a quantity. Even water can kill you.

However, it's always prudent to investigate the side effects of any supplement before you take it, and alpha lipoic acid is no different.

One of the potential dangers of taking alpha lipoic acid is that it may lower blood sugar levels. Therefore, if you are already on medications that may lower blood sugar levels, you need to speak with a physician before taking it so he can monitor your levels.

For example diabetics in particular may have to have their insulin levels altered if using alpha lipoic acid since it can influence this hormone.

There is also some speculation that one of the potential dangers of taking alpha lipoic acid is that it may alter thyroid levels. As such, if you have a thyroid disease of any kind don't use it without professional approval.

However, the alpha lipoic acid and thyroid altering connection is just speculation, and has not been shown to in fact exist yet.

Keep in mind that, as with any other nutrient/supplement, alpha lipoic acid may interact unfavorably with prescription or over the counter medications.

Alpha lipoic acid has been studied quite a bit for its role in the body and its benefits, but long term large clinical studies are still rare.

As such, we at Nutritional Supplement Info believe one should generally stick to a lower dosage of between 10 mg to 50 mg.

Some alpha lipoic acid manufacturers sell their products in doses of up 500 mg, which we think is excessive until further research comes out.