Alpha-lipoic acid supplement in obesity treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.

Abstract

BACKGROUND & AIMS:

Previous studies have supported positive roles of antioxidant supplements on weight-loss. One antioxidant supplement is Alpha-lipoic acid. However, recommending ALA as an anti-obesity supplement remains controversial. Accordingly, the purpose of the present study was to perform a meta-analysis on the effects of ALA supplement on anthropometric indices among adult subjects.

METHODS:

We searched five electronic databases till September 2016. Placebo-controlled clinical trials were included. Weighted Mean Difference (WMD) was pooled using a random-effects model.

RESULTS:

Findings of 12 included trials indicated that ALA supplement reduced body weight (WMD: -0.69 kg; 95% CI: -1.27, -0.10; I2 = 0%) and BMI (WMD: -0.38 kg/m2; 95% CI: -0.53, -0.24; I2 = 0%) significantly compared to the placebo group. However, its effects on Waist Circumference (WC) was not significant (WMD: -0.30 cm; 95% CI: -1.18, 0.58; I2 = 17.8%). Stratification by health status indicated that ALA decreased WC in unhealthy subjects (WMD: -2.00 cm; 95% CI: -4.19, 0.19; I2 = 1.3%) more than healthy individuals (0.03 cm; 95% CI: -0.69, 0.75; I2 = 0%).

CONCLUSIONS:

The present study revealed that supplementation with ALA slightly but significantly decreased body weight and BMI. Safe dosage for ALA is up to 1200 mg/day. However, it seems that ALA cannot be cost-effective. Further studies are needed to clarify the effects of ALA on metabolic parameter in unhealthy obese individuals.

• Authors: Nazli Namazi, Bagher Larijani, Leila Azadbakht
• Journal: Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland) (Clin Nutr) Vol. 37 Issue 2 Pg. 419-428 (04 2018) ISSN: 1532-1983 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 28629898 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Antioxidants
• Thioctic Acid

Topics

• Antioxidants (therapeutic use)
• Clinical Trials as Topic
• Dietary Supplements
• Humans
• Obesity (drug therapy)
• Thioctic Acid (therapeutic use)
• Treatment Outcome