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Dietary supplement

Alpha Lipoic + Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Wonder Laboratories

Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Major
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Alpha Lipoic + is a dietary supplement by Wonder Laboratories with 4 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for diabetic nerve pain (neuropathy), blood sugar support in diabetes, antioxidant support.Based on those ingredients, 449 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Alpha Lipoic Acid, Chromium, Calcium. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Alpha Lipoic + by Wonder Laboratories

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 4 of its 4 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Alpha Lipoic + contains four active ingredients. Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant compound that your body naturally produces in small amounts; the supplement version is used to support metabolic health, particularly in diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage from diabetes) and lipid control.

Calcium is a mineral essential for bone health and other body functions. Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble B vitamin needed for nerve function, red blood cell formation, and DNA synthesis.

Chromium is a trace mineral that plays a role in how your body uses glucose and insulin. The capsules also contain inactive ingredients — gelatin (the capsule shell), vegetable magnesium stearate (a flow agent), and silica (an anti-caking agent) — which help deliver the active ingredients but don't directly contribute to the supplement's effects.

Does it work?

Strong evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Strong

Clinical evidence supports at least one of this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Blood sugar support and antioxidant health.
  • We looked for evidence on: Chromium deficiency, Diabetes, Diabetic neuropathy, Dyslipidemia, Insulin sensitivity, Metabolic support — and 1 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Chromium is rated "Likely Effective" for Chromium deficiency (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Alpha-lipoic Acid is rated "Possibly Effective" for Diabetic neuropathy.
  • Also on file: Chromium is rated "Possibly Effective" for Diabetes.

The evidence for Alpha Lipoic + is mixed depending on the condition. Alpha-lipoic acid is possibly effective for diabetic neuropathy and for helping with cholesterol and triglyceride levels (hyperlipidemia) and weight management (obesity).

Calcium in this product is effective for preventing bone loss (osteoporosis) and for treating low blood calcium (hypocalcemia), and likely effective for kidney disease support. Vitamin B12 is effective for B12 deficiency and for treating a rare absorption disorder (Imerslund-Grasbeck disease).

Chromium is likely effective for chromium deficiency but only possibly effective for diabetes; it appears to be ineffective for prediabetes or high blood pressure. If you're taking this primarily for blood sugar support, the evidence is strongest for alpha-lipoic acid and chromium in diabetics, though the effect tends to be modest.

For bone or mineral health, the calcium component has solid support. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor about whether this combination matches your specific health goals.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Alpha-lipoic Acid Calcium Vitamin B12 Chromium

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 4 of the 4 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 4 of 4.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 4 of 4.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Alpha-lipoic acid is generally well tolerated but can lower blood sugar and is best used under medical guidance. The most common side effects from oral alpha-lipoic acid are headache, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting; a small number of users have reported dizziness, skin rash, or itching.

Serious side effects are rare but include a theoretical risk of insulin autoimmune syndrome. Calcium, when taken at recommended doses, is generally safe and well tolerated, though it may cause belching, constipation, diarrhea, or stomach upset.

High doses raise theoretical concerns about kidney stones and, in some epidemiologic research, a possible link to prostate cancer or cardiovascular risk — though these concerns remain debated. Vitamin B12 is very safe and is considered safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding at recommended amounts; excess is excreted in the urine.

Chromium is usually well tolerated at typical supplement doses but at high or long-term doses may carry risks. Common side effects include gastrointestinal irritation, headaches, insomnia, and mood changes; rare serious effects include kidney or liver damage.

The product's safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding depends on the individual ingredient: alpha-lipoic acid is not advised during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data, while calcium and vitamin B12 are considered safe or likely safe at recommended amounts. Chromium in small amounts from a balanced diet is acceptable in pregnancy, but extra supplement doses should be avoided unless your doctor advises otherwise.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Alpha-lipoic Acid Calcium Vitamin B12 Chromium

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 4 of the 4 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Alpha-lipoic Acid, Calcium, Vitamin B12, Chromium.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; cancer treatments; diabetes medications; heart-rhythm medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 449 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Check your medications against this product if you take dolutegravir or elvitegravir (HIV drugs — major interaction with calcium), ceftriaxone (antibiotic — major interaction with calcium), levothyroxine or other thyroid hormones (moderate interactions with both calcium and chromium), blood thinners or aspirin (moderate interaction with alpha-lipoic acid), diabetes medications or insulin (moderate interactions with alpha-lipoic acid and chromium, minor with vitamin B12), chemotherapy drugs including alkylating agents or antitumor antibiotics (moderate interaction with alpha-lipoic acid), sotalol or diltiazem (heart drugs — moderate interactions with calcium), raltegravir (HIV drug — moderate interaction with calcium), NSAIDs (minor interaction with chromium), or metformin (minor interaction with vitamin B12). Use the medication checker below to verify your exact drugs before you start.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with clinical evidence supporting its stated purpose. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This combination may interest you if you're looking to support blood sugar metabolism, bone health, and nerve function — especially if you have diabetic neuropathy. However, if you take any HIV medications, thyroid replacement, diabetes drugs, blood thinners, chemotherapy, or several other medications, you need to check this product against your specific prescriptions first.

Calcium in particular has major interactions with some common drugs. Talk with your pharmacist before starting.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 4 of 4 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Dec 18, 2021.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Alpha Lipoic +, straight from the product label.

Brand Wonder Laboratories
Net contents 120 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Dec 18, 2021
DSLD ID 262450
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Alpha Lipoic + by Wonder Laboratories, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
120
IngredientAmount% DV
Alpha Lipoic Acid600 mg--
Calcium130 mg10%
Vitamin B126 mcg250%
Chromium200 mcg571%

Other ingredients: Gelatin, Vegetable Magnesium Stearate, Silica

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: As a dietary supplement, take 1 capsule daily.

Precautions

Tamper evident: Do not use this product if imprinted foil seal under cap is broken or missing.

Keep out of reach of children.

Warning: Diabetics/Hypoglycemics use only under a doctor's supervision because this product contains chromium which may enhance insulin sensitivity and may affect your blood sugar.

If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your physician before taking this product.

Formulation

Mfg. in an FDA Registered Facility using Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)

Conforms to USP <2091> for weight. Meets USP <2040> disintegration for maximum bioavailability.

Nutritionally supports healthy glucose metabolism and liver function

Gluten free

Made in USA

Storage

Keep tightly closed. Store at room temperature: 59 degrees - 86 degrees F (15 degrees to 30 degrees C).

Formula

ChromeMate brand of niacin-bound chromium polynicotinate.

Alpha Lipoic, ChromeMate Methylcobalamin B-12

ChromeMate

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

General Statements

Formula 456

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

See for yourself

Alpha Lipoic + by Wonder Laboratories label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Alpha Lipoic + by Wonder Laboratories

These are the 4 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container120 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Interacts with
263 drugs
600 mg per serving

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant made naturally by the body and found in small amounts in foods. It is most studied for diabetic nerve pain,...

Alpha Lipoic Acid monograph & interactions

Calcium

Interacts with
168 drugs
130 mg per serving Form: Calcium Carbonate

Calcium is an essential mineral your body needs for strong bones, nerve signaling, and muscle function, and supplements can help fill gaps when diet f...

Calcium monograph & interactions

Vitamin B12

Interacts with
20 drugs
6 mcg per serving Form: Methylcobalamin

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is an essential nutrient your body needs to make red blood cells, keep nerves healthy, and support DNA. Supplements are very h...

Vitamin B12 monograph & interactions

Chromium

Interacts with
178 drugs
200 mcg per serving Form: ChromeMate

Chromium is an essential trace mineral involved in how the body handles sugar and fat. Some studies suggest it may modestly help blood sugar control i...

Chromium monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin, Vegetable Magnesium Stearate, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Alpha Lipoic + by Wonder Laboratories Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Alpha Lipoic +?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
449Drugs
7 Major 395 Moderate 47 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Chromium 178
Calcium 168

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Alpha Lipoic + with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Alpha Lipoic Acid5 drug types · 263 drugs

Alkylating Agents

Theoretically, the antioxidant effects of alpha-lipoic acid might alter the effectiveness of alkylating agents.
The use of antioxidants like alpha-lipoic acid during chemotherapy is controversial. There are concerns that antioxidants could reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs that generate free radicals. However, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that might interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effect, if any, antioxidants such as alpha-lipoic acid have on chemotherapy. Advise patients to consult their oncologist before using alpha-lipoic acid.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, alpha-lipoic acid may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro, alpha-lipoic acid inhibits platelet aggregation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antitumor Antibiotics

Theoretically, the antioxidant effects of alpha-lipoic acid might alter the effectiveness of antitumor antibiotics.
The use of antioxidants like alpha-lipoic acid during chemotherapy is controversial. There are concerns that antioxidants could reduce the activity of antitumor antibiotic drugs, which work by generating free radicals. However, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that might interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effect, if any, antioxidants such as alpha-lipoic acid have on chemotherapy involving antitumor antibiotics. Advise patients to consult their oncologist before using alpha-lipoic acid.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Thyroid Hormone

Theoretically, alpha-lipoic acid might decrease the effects of thyroid hormone drugs.
Animal research suggests that co-administration of thyroxine with alpha-lipoic acid reduces conversion into the active T3 form.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking alpha-lipoic acid with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Although some small clinical studies have suggested that alpha-lipoic acid can lower blood glucose levels, larger clinical studies in patients with diabetes have shown no clinically meaningful effect. Additionally, co-administration of single doses of alpha-lipoic acid and glyburide or acarbose did not cause detectable drug interactions in healthy volunteers.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B

Chromium5 drug types · 178 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, chromium may have additive effects with antidiabetic agents and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Some research shows that taking chromium might lower blood glucose levels, especially in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A
Insulin

Theoretically, concomitant use of chromium and insulin might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
In clinical research, chromium has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity,

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Others)

Chromium might bind levothyroxine in the intestinal tract and decrease levothyroxine absorption.
Clinical research in healthy volunteers shows that taking chromium picolinate 1000 mcg with levothyroxine 1 mg decreases serum levels of levothyroxine by 17% when compared to taking levothyroxine alone. Advise patients to take levothyroxine at least 30 minutes before or 3-4 hours after taking chromium.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Aspirin

Theoretically, aspirin might increase chromium absorption.
Animal research suggests that aspirin may increase chromium absorption and chromium levels in the blood.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (Nsaids)

NSAIDs might increase chromium levels in the body.
Drugs that are prostaglandin inhibitors, such as NSAIDs, seem to increase chromium absorption and retention.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Calcium18 drug types · 168 drugs

Ceftriaxone (Rocephin)

Co-administration of intravenous calcium and ceftriaxone can result in precipitation of a ceftriaxone-calcium salt in the lungs and kidneys.
Avoid administering intravenous calcium in any form, such as parenteral nutrition or Lactated Ringers, within 48 hours of intravenous ceftriaxone. Case reports in neonates show that administering intravenous ceftriaxone and calcium can result in precipitation of a ceftriaxone-calcium salt in the lungs and kidneys. In several cases, neonates have died as a result of this interaction. So far there are no reports in adults; however, there is still concern that this interaction might occur in adults.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Dolutegravir (Tivicay)

Calcium seems to reduce levels of dolutegravir.
Advise patients to take dolutegravir either 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking calcium supplements. Pharmacokinetic research suggests that taking calcium carbonate 1200 mg concomitantly with dolutegravir 50 mg reduces plasma levels of dolutegravir by almost 40%. Calcium appears to decrease levels of dolutegravir through chelation.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Elvitegravir (Vitekta)

Calcium seems to reduce levels of elvitegravir.
Advise patients to take elvitegravir either 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking calcium supplements. Pharmacokinetic research suggests that taking calcium along with elvitegravir can reduce blood levels of elvitegravir through chelation.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Aluminum

Calcium citrate might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity. Other types of calcium do not increase aluminum absorption.
Calcium citrate can increase the absorption of aluminum when taken with aluminum hydroxide. The increase in aluminum levels may become toxic, particularly in individuals with kidney disease. However, the effect of calcium citrate on aluminum absorption is due to the citrate anion rather than calcium cation. Calcium acetate does not appear to increase aluminum absorption.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (Biktarvy)

Calcium might decrease levels of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide by reducing its absorption when taken in a fasting state.
Advise patients that bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide and calcium can be taken together if taken with food. However, if taken on an empty stomach, bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide should not be taken with, or 2 hours after, calcium containing products.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Bisphosphonates

Calcium reduces the absorption of bisphosphonates.
Advise patients to take bisphosphonates at least 30 minutes before calcium, but preferably at a different time of day. Calcium supplements decrease absorption of bisphosphonates.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Calcipotriene (Dovonex)

Taking calcipotriene with calcium might increase the risk for hypercalcemia.
Calcipotriene is a vitamin D analog used topically for psoriasis. It can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to cause systemic effects, including hypercalcemia. Theoretically, combining calcipotriene with calcium supplements might increase the risk of hypercalcemia.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Using intravenous calcium with digoxin might increase the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias.
Hypercalcemia increases the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias with digoxin. However, one retrospective analysis of clinical data suggests that intravenous calcium does not increase the risk of dysrhythmias or mortality in patients receiving digoxin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Diltiazem (Cardizem, Others)

Theoretically, calcium may reduce the therapeutic effects of diltiazem.
Hypercalcemia can reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Theoretically, calcium might increase this risk of hypercalcemia and reduce the effectiveness of diltiazem.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Others)

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption and effectiveness of levothyroxine.
Advise patients to take levothyroxine and calcium supplements at least 4 hours apart. Calcium reduces levothyroxine absorption, probably by forming insoluble complexes. Calcium carbonate supplements reduce effectiveness of levothyroxine in patients with hypothyroidism.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Lithium

Theoretically, concomitant use of calcium and lithium may increase this risk of hypercalcemia.
Clinical research suggests that long-term use of lithium may cause hypercalcemia in 10% to 60% of patients. Theoretically, concomitant use of lithium and calcium supplements may further increase this risk.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Quinolone Antibiotics

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of quinolone antibiotics.
Advise patients to take oral quinolones at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after calcium supplements or calcium-fortified foods. Taking calcium at the same time as oral quinolones can reduce quinolone absorption. Calcium binds to quinolones in the gut.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Raltegravir (Isentress)

Calcium may reduce levels of raltegravir.
Pharmacokinetic research shows that taking a single dose of calcium carbonate 3000 mg along with raltegravir 400 mg twice daily modestly decreases the mean area under the curve of raltegravir, but the decrease does not necessitate a dose adjustment of raltegravir. However, a case of elevated HIV-1 RNA levels and documented resistance to raltegravir has been reported for a patient taking calcium carbonate 1 gram three times daily plus vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) 400 IU three times daily in combination with raltegravir 400 mg twice daily for 11 months. It is thought that calcium reduced raltegravir levels by chelation, leading to treatment failure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Sotalol (Betapace)

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of sotalol.
Advise patients to separate doses by at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after calcium. Calcium appears to reduce the absorption of sotalol, probably by forming insoluble complexes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics.
Advise patients to take oral tetracyclines at least 2 hours before, or 4-6 hours after calcium supplements. Taking calcium at the same time as oral tetracyclines can reduce tetracycline absorption. Calcium binds to tetracyclines in the gut.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Thiazide Diuretics

Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Thiazides reduce calcium excretion by the kidneys. Using thiazides along with moderately large amounts of calcium carbonate increases the risk of milk-alkali syndrome (hypercalcemia, metabolic alkalosis, renal failure). Patients may need to have their serum calcium levels and/or parathyroid function monitored regularly.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Verapamil (Calan, Others)

Theoretically, calcium may reduce the therapeutic effects of verapamil.
Hypercalcemia can reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Theoretically, use of calcium supplements may increase this risk of hypercalcemia and reduce the effectiveness of verapamil.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Calcium Channel Blockers

Intravenous calcium may decrease the effects of calcium channel blockers; oral calcium is unlikely to have this effect.
Intravenous calcium is used to decrease the effects of calcium channel blockers in the management of overdose. Intravenous calcium gluconate has been used before intravenous verapamil (Isoptin) to prevent or reduce the hypotensive effects without affecting the antiarrhythmic effects. But there is no evidence that dietary or supplemental calcium when taken orally interacts with calcium channel blockers.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D

Vitamin B121 drug type · 20 drugs

Metformin (Glucophage)

Metformin, a common medication used to manage type 2 diabetes, has been associated with lower vitamin B12 levels in some individuals. Prolonged use of metformin can interfere with the absorption of B12 in the digestive system, potentially leading to a deficiency in this essential vitamin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Alpha Lipoic +, from the product label.

Wonder Laboratories

See all Wonder Laboratories products
Name
Wonder Laboratories
Street Address
115 S.C.T. Ct.
City
White House
State
TN
ZipCode
37188
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Alpha Lipoic + by Wonder Laboratories: Common Questions

Does Alpha Lipoic + by Wonder Laboratories interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Alpha Lipoic + has a known interaction with 449 medications, including 7 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Alpha Lipoic + contains 4 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Will this lower my blood sugar if I take diabetes medication?
Alpha-lipoic acid and chromium both theoretically may increase low blood sugar risk (hypoglycemia) when combined with diabetes drugs or insulin. Although some research suggests these ingredients can help lower blood glucose, larger studies haven't shown a strong clinical effect. If you take diabetes medication, check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting this product and mention your current drugs.
Is it safe to take this if I'm pregnant?
Alpha-lipoic acid is not advised during pregnancy due to insufficient safety data. Calcium and vitamin B12 are considered safe or likely safe at recommended amounts in pregnancy, and chromium in small amounts from a balanced diet is acceptable — but extra chromium supplement doses should be avoided unless your doctor advises otherwise. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is right for you during pregnancy.
Can I take this with my thyroid medication?
No, not without careful timing. Both calcium and chromium in this product can reduce levothyroxine (Synthroid, others) absorption. If you take thyroid hormone, talk with your pharmacist about the best spacing — typically at least 4 hours apart — before adding this product.
What side effects might I notice?
Alpha-lipoic acid most commonly causes headache, heartburn, nausea, or vomiting. Calcium may cause belching, constipation, diarrhea, or stomach upset. Chromium may cause gastrointestinal irritation, headaches, insomnia, or mood changes. Most people tolerate these ingredients well; serious side effects are uncommon.
Does this product actually help with diabetes?
Alpha-lipoic acid is possibly effective for diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage from diabetes) and may help with cholesterol levels. Chromium is possibly effective for diabetes management but appears ineffective for prediabetes. The evidence is modest — these aren't replacements for your diabetes medication, but they may be a useful addition if your doctor agrees.
How much calcium does one capsule provide?
The product facts don't specify the amount of calcium per capsule, so check the label or ask your pharmacist for the exact dose. This matters because calcium interacts with several medications, and you also get calcium from food and other supplements.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Alpha Lipoic + label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Alpha Lipoic +'s label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 193 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Alpha-lipoic Acid 48 references
  1. Labriola D, Livingston R. Possible interactions between dietary antioxidants and chemotherapy. Oncology 1999;13:1003-8.
  2. Anon. Alpha-lipoic acid. Altern Med Rev 1998;3:308-10.
  3. Konrad T, Vicini P, Kusterer K, et al. Alpha-lipoic acid treatment decreases serum lactate and pyruvate concentrations and improves glucose effectiveness in lean and obese patients with Type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care 1999;22:280-7. PubMed
  4. Ziegler D, Hanefeld M, Ruhnau KJ, et al. Treatment of symptomatic diabetic peripheral neuropathy with the antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid: A 3-week, multicentre randomized controlled trial (ALADIN Study). Diabetologia 1995;38:1425-33.
  5. Gleiter CH, Schreeb KH, Freudenthaler S, et al. Lack of interaction between thioctic acid, glibenclamide and acarbose. Br J Clin Pharmacol 1999;48:819-25. PubMed
  6. Jacob S, Henriksen EJ, Tritschler HJ, et al. Improvement of insulin-stimulated glucose-disposal in type 2 diabetes after repeated parenteral administration of thioctic acid. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabet 1996;104:284-8. PubMed
  7. Jacob S, Henriksen EJ, Schiemann AL, et al. Enhancement of glucose disposal in patients with type 2 diabetes by alpha-lipoic acid. Arzneimittelforschung 1995;45:872-4.
  8. Jacob S, Ruus P, Hermann R, et al. Oral administration of RAC-alpha-lipoic acid modulates insulin sensitivity in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus: a placebo-controlled, pilot trial. Free Rad Biol Med 1999;27:309-14.
  9. Segermann J, Hotze A, Ulrich H, Rao GS. Effect of alpha-lipoic acid on the peripheral conversion of thyroxine to triiodothyronine and on serum lipid-, protein- and glucose levels. Arzneimittelforschung 1991;41:1294-8.
  10. Beitner H. Randomized, placebo controlled, double-blind study on the clinical efficacy of a cream containing 5% alpha-lipoic acid related to photoaging of facial skin. Br J Dermatol 2003;149:841-9.
  11. Ziegler D, Nowak H, Kempler P, et al. Treatment of symptomatic diabetic polyneuropathy with the antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid: A meta-analysis. Diabet Med 2004;21:114-21.
  12. Prasad KN. Rationale for using high-dose multiple dietary antioxidants as an adjunct to radiation therapy and chemotherapy. J Nutr 2004;134:3182S-3S. PubMed
  13. Conklin KA. Cancer chemotherapy and antioxidants. J Nutr 2004;134:3201S-3204S. PubMed
  14. Vincent HK, Bourguignon CM, Vincent KR, Taylor AG. Effects of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation in peripheral arterial disease: a pilot study. J Alt Complement Med 2007;13:577-84. PubMed
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DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

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