Micronutrients & recovery
Lipoic acid supplementation (300-1800 mg/day) may improve glycemic control, insulin sensitivity, and weight loss in obese or diabetic patients, but effects are marginal and may be negated without concurrent exercise.
If you choose to use lipoic acid for diabetes or obesity, expect only marginal benefits. Studies used doses between 300mg and 1800mg daily. Crucially, do not take it without exercise, as one study suggested it might worsen LDL atherogenicity in sedentary obese individuals. Combine it with physical activity for potential improvements in insulin sensitivity and modest weight loss.
lipoic acid supplementation may be beneficial to some degree in obesity and diabetes... when combined with exercise, this atherogenic effect was abolished and the supplementation was beneficial.
Why this rating
Mixed results across studies; some show benefit, others show no effect or potential harm without exercise.
Source
How Effective Are Antioxidant Supplements in Obesity and Diabetes?
Daniyal Abdali et al. · Medical Principles and Practice · 2015
DOI 10.1159/000375305
More from this paper
- Antioxidant supplements (zinc, lipoic acid, carnitine, cinnamon, green tea, and possibly vitamin C plus E) provide only marginal benefits for managing obesity and type 2 diabetes, whereas antioxidant-rich foods are recommended as part of a healthy lifestyle.Moderate
- Zinc supplementation improves fasting blood glucose, postprandial plasma glucose, and lipid profiles in diabetic patients, with potentially greater benefits for those who are poorly controlled or overweight.Moderate
- Carnitine supplementation (L-Carnitine) provides marginal benefits for body weight, glycemic control, and lipid profiles in diabetic patients, particularly when combined with other medications like orlistat or sibutramine.Moderate
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