Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an essential cofactor for mitochondrial respiratory enzymes and improves mitochondrial function. ALA has previously been reported to reduce body weight gain in rodents. This study examined whether alpha-lipoic acid reduces body weight in obese human subjects. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 20-week trial, 360 obese individuals (BMI ≥30 or BMI 27-30 plus hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or hypercholesterolemia) received either ALA 1200 or 1800 mg/d or placebo. The primary end point was body weight change from baseline. After 20 weeks, subjects in the 1800mg ALA group lost significantly more weight than the placebo group (2.1%, 95%CI 1.4-2.8; p<.05). Urticaria and itching sensation were the most common adverse events in the alpha-lipoic acid groups, but these were generally mild and transient. Alpha-lipoic acid leads to modest weight loss in obese subjects, and may be considered as adjunctive therapy for obesity. Am J Med. 2011 Jan;124(1):85.e1-8. PMID: 21187189.
