Why Can't Alpha-Lipoic Acid Be Taken Arbitrarily?

Under normal circumstances, alpha-lipoic acid should not be taken casually, mainly due to factors such as appropriate patient population, drug side effects, drug interactions, imbalances in vitamin B complex, and drug-induced liver injury. If discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Appropriate Patient Population

Alpha-lipoic acid is primarily indicated for patients with diabetes, especially those with accompanying neuropathy. If an individual does not suffer from related conditions, excessive supplementation of alpha-lipoic acid may increase the body's metabolic burden and cause adverse effects.

2. Drug Side Effects

Alpha-lipoic acid may cause certain adverse reactions during use, such as sweating, pallor, chills, dizziness, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Therefore, patients should closely monitor their condition during treatment with alpha-lipoic acid and seek medical attention promptly if adverse reactions occur.

3. Drug Interactions

As a potent antioxidant, alpha-lipoic acid may affect the redox state of other medications, thereby altering drug metabolic pathways and potentially reducing therapeutic efficacy or increasing side effects. During alpha-lipoic acid treatment, patients should inform their physician about all concomitantly used medications to avoid drug interactions.

4. Imbalance of Vitamin B Complex

Excessive intake of alpha-lipoic acid, as an antioxidant, may interfere with the absorption and utilization of the vitamin B complex, potentially leading to vitamin B deficiency. Symptoms may include fatigue, dermatitis, and indigestion. Alpha-lipoic acid dosage should be adjusted under medical guidance, and consumption of foods rich in vitamin B, such as whole grains, nuts, leafy vegetables, and animal liver, should be increased.

5. Drug-Induced Liver Injury

Alpha-lipoic acid must be metabolized by the liver, and high-dose intake may increase the liver's detoxification and metabolic burden, potentially causing drug-induced liver injury. This is usually accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue, poor appetite, jaundice, and abdominal distension. Treatment under medical guidance may include medications such as polyene phosphatidylcholine injection, reduced glutathione injection, and bicyclol tablets.

In daily life, individuals can consume more foods rich in alpha-lipoic acid, such as spinach, broccoli, tomatoes, red meat, and animal liver. If alpha-lipoic acid supplementation is necessary, it should be taken strictly according to the dosage recommended by a physician.