Effects of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation on cardiometabolic risk factors: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis

Authors

• Shooka Mohammadi, Universiti Malaya
• Damoon Ashtary-Larky, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences
• Navid Alaghemand, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences
• Ilnaz Alavi, University of Louisville School of Medicine
• Mahsa Erfanian-Salim, Children's Medical Center (TUMS)
• Pouyan Sanjari Pirayvatlou, Alborz University of Medical Sciences
• Yeganeh Ettehad, Alborz University of Medical Sciences
• Aida Borzabadi, Alborz University of Medical Sciences
• Milad Mehrbod, Mercy San Juan Medical Center
• Omid Asbaghi, SBUMS Cancer Research Center

Document Type

Review

Publication Date

2-1-2026

Abstract

Aims: There is no definitive consensus regarding the impacts of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) supplementation on the risk factors of cardiometabolic syndrome (CMS). This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of ALA supplementation on CMS risk factors. Data synthesis: A comprehensive search of several databases identified 63 eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published until May 2025. The meta-analysis revealed that supplementation with ALA substantially decreased homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (weighted mean difference (WMD): −0.74, 95 % confidence interval (CI): −1.17, −0.31; P = 0.001), waist circumference (WMD: −1.10 cm, 95 % CI: −1.66, −0.54; P < 0.001), body mass index (WMD: −0.27 kg/m², 95 % CI: −0.44, −0.10; P = 0.002), fat mass (WMD: −1.42 kg, 95 % CI: −2.53, −0.31; P = 0.012), body weight (WMD: −0.64 kg, 95 % CI: −1.04, −0.24; P = 0.002), serum levels of fasting blood glucose (WMD: −5.28 mg/dL, 95 % CI: −7.21, −3.35; P < 0.001), total cholesterol (WMD: −3.91 mg/dL, 95 % CI: −7.35, −0.46; P = 0.026), hemoglobin A1C (WMD: −0.40 %, 95 % CI: −0.66, −0.14; P = 0.003), triglycerides (WMD: −2.90 mg/dL, 95 % CI: −5.21, −0.59; P = 0.014), and fasting insulin (WMD: −1.70 mU/mL, 95 % CI: −2.88, −0.53; P = 0.004) in the ALA group compared with the control group. However, no substantial effect of ALA was identified on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, blood pressure, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Conclusions: ALA supplementation may improve certain cardiometabolic risk factors by ameliorating anthropometric and glycemic parameters, as well as through its potential lipid-lowering effects. Prospero registration: CRD420251038360.

Publication Title

Nutrition Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases

ISSN

09394753

DOI

10.1016/j.numecd.2025.104370

Recommended Citation

Mohammadi, Shooka; Ashtary-Larky, Damoon; Alaghemand, Navid; Alavi, Ilnaz; Erfanian-Salim, Mahsa; Pirayvatlou, Pouyan Sanjari; Ettehad, Yeganeh; Borzabadi, Aida; Mehrbod, Milad; and Asbaghi, Omid, "Effects of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation on cardiometabolic risk factors: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis" (2026). Research Publications (2026 to 2030). 229.
https://knova.um.edu.my/research_publications_2026_2030/229

Volume

36

Issue

2