The Best Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplements

If you're exploring alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) supplements, you're likely seeking relief from nerve discomfort, help with blood sugar issues, or support for your overall health. Recently, ALA has drawn significant attention for its potential benefits in easing diabetic neuropathy symptoms and improving metabolic health.

Your body produces ALA naturally, but only in small amounts. Supplementing with ALA in higher doses — especially at doses studied in clinical trials — may help reduce nerve pain, support insulin sensitivity, and counter oxidative stress.1 2 3 However, as with most supplements, not every ALA product on the market is equally effective or trustworthy.

In this guide, we highlight the best alpha-lipoic acid supplements based on clinical evidence, appropriate dosing, and third-party testing. We also walk through how to take ALA and other important safety considerations. Whether you're managing a specific condition or simply exploring ways to support your health, our guide can help you choose the right product.

We’ve included a quick summary of our top recommendations below. You’ll find the full breakdown and supporting research in the sections that follow.

Over the past two decades, Innerbody Research has helped tens of millions of readers make more informed decisions about staying healthy and living healthier lifestyles.

To help you navigate the alpha-lipoic acid supplement market, we dedicated over 160 hours to in-depth research. Our investigation started by examining ALA's role in human health, for which we reviewed several dozen research studies, scientific papers, and clinical trial results to understand its mechanisms, effective dosages, and potential benefits. With this foundational knowledge, we then thoroughly explored the current market, identifying and evaluating ALA products that align with the scientific literature on effectiveness and safety.

Additionally, like all health-related content on this website, this guide was thoroughly vetted by one or more members of our Medical Review Board for accuracy and will continue to be monitored for updates by our editorial team.

To identify the best alpha-lipoic acid supplements, we focused on the key factors that matter most to you. Our evaluation criteria included:

• Effectiveness
• Safety
• Cost
• Convenience

In the following sections, we explain how we chose the winner in each category:

Effectiveness

Advantage: Double Wood Alpha Lipoic Acid

To evaluate effectiveness, we looked at how closely each product aligned with what’s worked in clinical trials. When we looked at effectiveness, a daily dose of 600mg of racemic ALA (a 50/50 mix of R- and S-isomers) stood out. Dozens of studies on conditions like diabetic neuropathy and metabolic dysfunction point to this as a common and effective amount.

Some studies suggest that doses of 1,200mg to 1,800mg daily might offer benefits, but these higher amounts also increase the risk of side effects. A key trial found that 600mg per day provided the best balance of effectiveness and tolerability, reducing instances of nausea, dizziness, and GI discomfort.4 A separate review of multiple studies supports this, concluding that 600mg daily is effective and well-tolerated for conditions like diabetic neuropathy, insulin resistance, and oxidative stress.5

That body of research has established 600mg of racemic ALA as a standard dose in clinical studies, thanks to its consistent balance of efficacy and tolerability. It’s high enough to deliver measurable benefits — and flexible enough to be used safely once, twice, or even three times daily under medical supervision.

Double Wood Alpha Lipoic Acid earns the top spot here because it:

• Delivers 600mg of racemic ALA per serving — the same dose used in most clinical trials
• Features transparent labeling with no proprietary blends or unnecessary additives
• Uses a capsule format similar to what’s been tested in research
• Offers one of the lowest per-serving costs among 600mg options
• Provides free shipping and a solid refund policy, reducing risk for first-time buyers
• Undergoes third-party testing for quality and purity

Some products that use only R-ALA may offer advantages in absorption, but until more research confirms their performance at meaningful doses, the strongest case remains with what’s most tested: 600mg of racemic ALA per day.6

Safety

Advantage: Double Wood Alpha Lipoic Acid

All recommended products contain 600mg of racemic ALA or less — or a comparable amount of R-ALA — which falls within the dose range shown to be safe in long-term clinical use. One pivotal trial followed patients taking 600mg of racemic ALA daily for four years and found no significant safety concerns.7

We explore the differences between racemic ALA and R-ALA later in the guide, but it’s worth noting here: racemic ALA has the strongest long-term safety data in humans. That ultimately gave Double Wood the edge in this category — even though both it and Nootropics Depot impressed us with their transparency and third-party testing. Nootropics Depot uses a stabilized R-ALA formula, which may offer absorption advantages. However, stabilized R-ALA still lacks the volume of long-term clinical research supporting racemic ALA.

Every product we recommend in this guide meets basic safety standards: they are manufactured in GMP-certified facilities and have confirmed third-party testing to verify identity, potency, and purity.

Double Wood and Nootropics Depot stand out for safety due to exceptional transparency in testing and ingredient purity. Both companies undergo regular third-party testing and make their Certificates of Analysis (COAs) publicly available directly on their product pages — a level of transparency that's unfortunately rare in the supplement industry.

Safety highlights of some of the other companies include the following:

• LongLifeNutri performs International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-certified third-party testing.
• Clean Nutraceuticals also confirmed third-party testing and will provide a COA if you supply a lot number.

Cost

Advantage: Nutricost Alpha Lipoic Acid Capsules

If you’re just looking for the most budget-friendly way to add ALA to your routine, Nutricost Alpha Lipoic Acid is hard to beat. At just $0.10 per 300mg serving — or even $0.08 with subscription — it delivers 600mg of racemic ALA in a two-capsule serving for less than half the price of many competitors. It’s widely available on Amazon with Prime shipping and flexible multi-bottle discounts.

For those who want additional support for nerve health using more than just ALA, Bestvite’s combination of 300mg ALA and 150mg benfotiamine per capsule offers strong value. The price works out to just $0.32–$0.38 per 300mg serving, with free shipping on two or more bottles. A 2019 study found that this specific combination may relieve diabetic neuropathy symptoms more effectively than ALA alone — a promising low-cost solution for those focused on nerve pain management.8

Other options like Double Wood offer strong clinical alignment and quality, but cost more per capsule (around $0.33). For shoppers prioritizing value, Nutricost and Bestvite lead the field.

We’ve included a cost comparison table below to help you evaluate pricing across all products:

Note: All prices are based on the brand’s website unless otherwise marked as “Amazon,” which offered a better value at the time of writing.

Convenience

Advantage: Double Wood Alpha Lipoic Acid

When it comes to ease of use, Double Wood leads the pack. With a simple two-capsule daily dose, free shipping on all orders, and a generous first-bottle guarantee, it's a standout for users who want simplicity and strong customer support. Our research indicates that a 600mg daily serving will be best for most people, but you could easily take half that if you know you prefer a 300mg dose, effectively doubling Double Wood’s value.

That said, some other products shine when it comes to dose flexibility. Nootropics Depot’s 125mg R-ALA capsules give users more control over daily intake — a plus for those with sensitive digestion or personalized dosing needs.

We break down further details of these flexibility and convenience options in the following section.

The chart below offers a quick reference for comparing our top picks for ALA supplements — from potency and price to discounts, shipping, and more.

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a sulfur-containing compound that plays a central role in your body's energy metabolism and antioxidant defense systems.9 Your body produces some ALA naturally and also gets it from food. In the body, ALA performs three key roles in cellular health.

Your body makes small amounts of ALA inside cells, where it stays bound to enzyme complexes and doesn’t circulate freely. That’s very different from what happens when you take ALA as a supplement.

Supplemental ALA enters your bloodstream in a free-floating form. This allows it to reach tissues that wouldn’t normally get much ALA — which may explain why higher supplemental doses (like 600mg) can affect nerve health, blood sugar, and oxidative stress in ways your body’s natural supply can’t.12

Once you take ALA as a supplement, several factors affect how well your body absorbs and uses it.

Absorption and transport

ALA is absorbed in the small intestine, with blood levels typically peaking 30 to 120 minutes after ingestion.13 To maximize absorption, experts typically recommend taking ALA supplements on an empty stomach.

To further understand how ALA supplements behave in the body, it helps to first know that not all ALA is the same.

R-ALA vs. S-ALA: The two forms of alpha-lipoic acid

Alpha-lipoic acid exists as two molecular mirror images, or isomers: R-ALA and S-ALA.

• R-ALA (R-form): This is the biologically active version that your body produces naturally. In supplement form, it’s generally believed to be more bioavailable — meaning your body absorbs and utilizes it more efficiently.14
• S-ALA (S-form): This is a synthetic form created during the manufacturing process. It is not naturally produced in the body and is primarily found in supplements.

Most ALA supplements use a racemic mixture, which combines both R- and S-ALA in a 50:50 ratio. This approach is:

• More stable and shelf-friendly than isolated R-ALA
• Easier and more cost-effective to produce
• The form used in most clinical studies — particularly those on diabetic neuropathy and metabolic support15 16

Some early research suggests R-ALA on its own may be more easily absorbed or better tolerated in sensitive individuals.17 18 Because R-ALA is more bioavailable, it spends less time in the stomach, moving more quickly into the intestines where absorption occurs. But because racemic ALA has a much longer track record in clinical trials — and because it offers greater manufacturing stability and affordability — it's often the more reliable and cost-effective choice for most users.

Outside of standard racemic ALA and purified R-ALA — which we’ve covered above — you’ll also find a few other supplement formats designed to enhance absorption, reduce side effects, or combine ingredients for synergistic effects:

Most of what we know about ALA’s benefits comes from human clinical trials using doses of 300–1800mg daily for at least 3–12 weeks. While it’s not a cure-all, ALA may support nerve function, blood sugar regulation, and cellular defense against oxidative stress.

To help set the stage, the chart below outlines how different ALA dosages have been used in clinical research — and what kinds of results they’re associated with.

Dosing and benefit summary

Many of ALA’s studied effects appear to be dose-dependent, with stronger responses seen at higher doses. However, side effects like nausea, dizziness, or gastrointestinal discomfort may also become more likely as the dose increases.

Keeping that in mind, the next chart summarizes what ALA might help with, based on the strength of human clinical evidence. We've ranked each use case as "Strong," "Moderate," or "Limited/Emerging" based on the quality and consistency of the data. A "Strong" rating indicates support from multiple well-designed trials, "Moderate" suggests promising but less consistent findings, and "Limited" or "Emerging" applies to areas with early-stage, small, or mixed research.

Diabetic neuropathy relief: strong evidence

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is one of the most well-researched supplements for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, a common complication of diabetes that can lead to nerve pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness in the limbs.19 Several clinical trials, particularly those involving intravenous ALA, have shown that doses of 600mg per day can reduce these symptoms over a matter of weeks.20 21

ALA’s proposed benefit lies in its antioxidant activity. By reducing oxidative stress, ALA may help protect nerve cells from damage, improve nerve blood flow, and enhance overall nerve function.

While results from IV ALA studies are consistently positive, the picture is more mixed when it comes to oral-only supplementation:

• A four-year randomized trial found no significant improvement in a composite measure of nerve function with 600mg/day of oral ALA compared to placebo. However, some secondary measures of nerve impairment did improve, especially in participants with higher cardiovascular risk and moderate BMI.7
• Shorter-term trials have shown that 600mg/day of oral racemic ALA reduced neuropathy symptoms like burning, tingling, and numbness in as little as 3–5 weeks.4 20
• A 2010 meta-analysis concluded that oral ALA can improve symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, but noted variability in effect sizes across trials and better results with intravenous administration.1

Despite promising results from some trials, a recent systematic review evaluating eight randomized controlled trials indicates that findings on ALA's effectiveness in treating diabetic neuropathy symptoms are inconsistent.23 While ALA proved safe and tolerable across these studies, the review concluded that definitive evidence supporting significant benefits is limited. This suggests that individual responses to ALA supplementation can vary, and further research is needed to fully clarify its role in neuropathy management.

Blood sugar and insulin sensitivity: moderate evidence

ALA’s role in cellular metabolism has led researchers to explore its potential effects on blood sugar control and insulin function. It acts as a coenzyme in the mitochondria — the “powerhouses” of the cell — where it helps convert glucose into ATP, the cell’s usable form of energy. This function may indirectly improve how cells respond to insulin.

Clinical studies and meta-analyses suggest that ALA supplementation can lead to small but meaningful improvements in fasting glucose and insulin sensitivity, particularly in people with type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome.2 24

That said, these effects are generally modest — and ALA should never be viewed as a substitute for prescribed diabetes medications. Instead, ALA may work best as a complementary therapy alongside standard treatments and lifestyle changes.

Cholesterol and lipid profile: moderate evidence

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) may help support a healthier lipid profile by reducing total cholesterol and triglyceride levels — especially in individuals with metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome.

• A 2018 meta-analysis of 17 randomized controlled trials found that ALA supplementation significantly reduced total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglycerides, though it had no consistent effect on HDL-C. Benefits were more pronounced in studies using 600–1,200mg per day over at least eight weeks.2
• A 2022 randomized controlled trial in patients with metabolic syndrome found that 600mg of ALA daily for 12 weeks significantly reduced triglyceride levels and total cholesterol compared to placebo.59 However, the study did not observe significant changes in LDL-C or HDL-C.

Mechanistically, ALA may support lipid metabolism through several pathways:60

However, it’s important to keep the following in mind:

• ALA is not a substitute for statins or other prescription cholesterol medications
• The lipid-lowering effect is generally modest, especially in healthy individuals or those already on treatment
• Dose and duration matter — most benefits are seen at 600–1,200mg/day over 8+ weeks

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects: moderate evidence

ALA is best known for its antioxidant activity — and that’s not just in theory. It works in both water-soluble and fat-soluble environments, helping it protect a wide range of tissues from oxidative damage.25 It also regenerates other key antioxidants like glutathione, vitamin C, and vitamin E, reinforcing your body’s broader antioxidant network.12

Some animal studies, clinical trials, and meta-analyses suggest that ALA supplementation may help reduce oxidative stress and improve inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP).26 27 However, findings are mixed and more noticeable in people with elevated baseline inflammation.

Dosing appears to play a role — some trials have shown antioxidant effects with 800mg/day, while others suggest stronger responses at 1,200–2,400mg/day, particularly for lowering oxidative stress biomarkers in patients with multiple sclerosis.3 28 Keep in mind, though: while higher doses (typically 1,200–2,400mg per day) may offer stronger antioxidant effects, they also come with a greater chance of side effects like upset stomach or dizziness.

Weight loss: weak to moderate evidence

Research on ALA for weight loss shows modest effects in clinical trials — particularly for short-term reductions in body weight and BMI.

• A 2017 meta-analysis found that ALA supplementation led to an average weight loss of 1.27 kg (2.8 lbs) and a BMI reduction of 0.43 kg/m² compared to placebo. These effects were more noticeable in longer trials and when ALA was combined with dietary changes.29
• A 2020 dose-response meta-analysis confirmed small but statistically significant reductions in weight and BMI across 18+ randomized controlled trials.30 However, waist circumference (WC) — a marker of central obesity — showed no consistent change, and the benefit appeared greater in women and with longer treatment durations.

While results vary, ALA may offer minor support for weight management, particularly when paired with other lifestyle changes. However, ALA is not considered a standalone solution for weight management.

Brain and mitochondrial health: emerging/weak evidence

ALA plays a key role in supporting mitochondrial function — and since the brain is one of the body’s most energy-demanding organs, researchers have explored ALA’s potential neuroprotective effects. Preclinical studies suggest ALA may help defend neurons against oxidative stress, support synaptic function, and maintain healthy levels of glutathione, a critical antioxidant in brain cells.12 25

Importantly, ALA can cross the blood-brain barrier, making it a promising candidate for addressing conditions where oxidative stress or mitochondrial dysfunction play a role. However, evidence in healthy individuals is limited, and broad claims about cognitive enhancement aren’t well-supported by large human trials.

Still, some early clinical findings hint at potential uses in more specific contexts:

• Perioperative brain protection: A randomized controlled trial involving 155 liver surgery patients found that ALA reduced oxidative brain injury from anesthesia (sevoflurane) and improved cognitive recovery scores after surgery.31
• Neurodegenerative conditions: In a small trial, ALA appeared to slow brain atrophy in patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis over a two-year period.32 While promising, this outcome still needs further confirmation.

Skin health and anti-aging: weak evidence

Research on ALA for skin health is limited, with most findings coming from in vitro and animal studies.33 34 These suggest that ALA’s antioxidant properties may help protect skin cells from UV damage, reduce inflammation, and support collagen integrity — all key factors in skin aging. However, there’s little human evidence confirming these effects from oral supplementation alone.

Topical ALA, on the other hand, shows some potential results. In a placebo-controlled clinical study, a 5% ALA cream delivered via a nanostructured lipid gel significantly reduced facial wrinkles and fine lines in adult volunteers after regular use. Participants also reported visible improvements in skin tone and texture, with no irritation or adverse effects.

The optimal ALA dosage varies based on your specific health goals. Clinical research supports a range of 300–1,800mg per day. Among these, 600mg of racemic ALA taken once daily is the most common and well-tolerated therapeutic dose, particularly for conditions like diabetic neuropathy.

Here’s how typical doses compare:

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is generally considered safe for most adults when it's used at standard doses of 300-600mg per day. Long-term clinical trials, including one that lasted four years, found no serious safety concerns at these levels.7

Most people tolerate ALA well, but some mild side effects can occur, especially at higher doses:

• Digestive issues like nausea, bloating, or stomach upset
• Skin reactions, including rash or itching
• Low blood sugar, especially when taken with diabetes medications

These side effects are usually temporary and mild, but they appear more frequently at doses of 1,200mg/day or higher.3 4

Medication interactions

ALA may interact with several medications and should be used with caution in these cases:39

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Small clinical studies suggest that ALA may be safe during pregnancy at doses up to 600mg/day for several weeks, with no serious adverse effects reported.40 However, larger, long-term studies are lacking, and there is no reliable safety data for breastfeeding. Most medical sources recommend avoiding ALA during pregnancy or lactation unless advised otherwise by a healthcare provider.

High-dose use

While trials have tested up to 1200mg/day (even as high as 2400mg/day) and illustrated safety, some report higher rates of gastrointestinal side effects, dizziness, and skin reactions at these levels.14 28 38 Additionally, these higher doses are often short-term (3–5 weeks) and used under clinical supervision.

Long-term use

Multiple trials suggest that 600–1,200mg/day of ALA is well tolerated over extended periods. A four-year study in individuals with metabolic disorders found no significant increase in adverse events with higher doses compared to lower ones.36

Alpha-lipoic acid isn’t for everyone, but certain people stand to benefit more than others.

ALA may be helpful for:

• People with diabetic neuropathy: ALA has the strongest clinical evidence for reducing nerve pain and improving quality of life in this group.1
• Those with type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome: Modest improvements in insulin sensitivity and blood sugar markers have been observed in some studies.24
• People with high oxidative stress: Research shows that ALA can help lower oxidative stress markers like CRP in individuals with chronic inflammation or metabolic risk factors.27
• Those with nerve-related conditions or mitochondrial dysfunction: Early research suggests ALA may help support nerve health in contexts like multiple sclerosis.3

However, ALA may not be appropriate if:

Best overall

Founded in 2013 and based in Pennsylvania, Double Wood Supplements manufactures its products in the U.S. at cGMP-certified facilities. Most of its supplements include third-party test results and Certificates of Analysis (COAs) directly on the product pages — a level of transparency that’s still relatively uncommon in the supplement industry.

Double Wood’s alpha-lipoic acid supplement delivers a full 600 mg of encapsulated, racemic ALA per serving — the same form and dose used in many of the most robust clinical studies supporting ALA’s role in diabetic neuropathy, metabolic health, and antioxidant support.1 4 36 This format offers the best balance of clinical validation and affordability, especially for those seeking a therapeutic dose. The capsules are vegan-friendly and made with minimal, well-tolerated ingredients, free from common allergens and unnecessary fillers.

Pricing, subscriptions, and shipping

Here’s a quick breakdown of pricing options. All orders come with free shipping directly from the brand site:

Refunds and customer service

Double Wood offers a money-back guarantee on your first bottle — even for bulk orders, so long as unopened bottles are returned. That means you get to keep the first bottle on them.

Customer service was also a standout: they responded to our COA request in under an hour, faster than any other company we contacted during this review.

Best R-lipoic acid supplement (for enhanced absorption)

LongLifeNutri delivers 300mg of sodium-stabilized R-alpha-lipoic acid (Na-R-ALA) per capsule — a form of ALA that’s often marketed for superior absorption and bioactivity compared to standard alpha-lipoic acid. Most ALA supplements contain a racemic mixture, meaning they include both the R- and S- forms of alpha-lipoic acid in equal amounts. But only the R-isomer (R-ALA) is naturally produced in the body and actively participates in mitochondrial energy metabolism.12

Some studies suggest that R-ALA may be more bioavailable than standard racemic ALA — though the clinical significance of this difference is still under investigation.17 In addition, anecdotal reports and small studies indicate that R-ALA may be easier on digestion, with fewer gastrointestinal side effects than standard racemic ALA, especially at higher doses.18

However, R-ALA is chemically unstable on its own. To improve shelf life and prevent degradation, LongLifeNutri uses a sodium-stabilized form (Na-R-ALA), which enhances the product’s structural integrity and ensures more consistent potency.42 However, Na-R-ALA may still lose potency during storage, especially under conditions of heat or humidity.

Taken together, the evidence supports using racemic ALA — which is why it forms the basis of our top recommendation.

Pricing, subscriptions, and shipping

At $39.90 for 120 capsules, LongLifeNutri’s R-ALA costs about $0.33 per capsule — the same per-capsule price as Double Wood’s racemic ALA at the one-time purchase rate. That makes it a strong value for an R-ALA supplement, especially given its use of the stabilized Na-R-ALA form, which typically carries a higher price tag.

However, unlike Double Wood, LongLifeNutri doesn’t offer a subscription option or free shipping. A $6 shipping fee brings the effective price to about $0.38 per capsule. The product is also available on Amazon with free Prime shipping, but it’s currently listed at $49.90 — about $0.42 per capsule.

Overall, while R-ALA supplements usually cost more than standard racemic options, LongLifeNutri delivers solid per-milligram value — particularly for shoppers looking for a stabilized R-ALA without the premium-brand markup.

Refunds and customer service

LongLifeNutri offers a 365-day satisfaction guarantee, which is unusual in the supplement industry. Returns and refunds are honored even on opened products.

Additionally, customer service was prompt in our request for a COA (provided by email).

Best budget-friendly ALA

Nutricost provides one of the most affordable ways to supplement with alpha-lipoic acid at clinically relevant doses. Each serving delivers 600mg of racemic ALA — the same form and dose used in many studies on diabetic neuropathy, oxidative stress, and metabolic support.1 22 36

The two-capsule format makes it easy to divide the 600mg daily dose into two 300mg servings taken with meals — a strategy supported by clinical research. Splitting ALA into smaller doses may help reduce gastrointestinal side effects, especially at higher intakes.43 Taking ALA with food can also improve tolerability — though some studies suggest it may slightly reduce absorption.13 44 That tradeoff may be worth it for users sensitive to GI effects, particularly when taking ALA long-term.

Nutricost manufactures its supplements in GMP-compliant facilities and subjects them to third-party testing through ISO-accredited labs. COAs are available upon request when you provide a batch or lot number.

Pricing, subscriptions, and shipping

Nutricost’s value stands out. On Amazon, you can get 240 capsules (120 servings) for $24.89 — just $0.21 per serving — making it the most affordable ALA option from our recommendations. A 2-bottle bundle on Nutricost’s official site (also 240 capsules total) costs $64.25 with free shipping, which is notably less competitive.

A Subscribe & Save option is available both on Amazon and Nutricost’s website. However, on Nutricost.com, subscriptions are only in 30-day intervals, making the 60-capsule bottle the only practical option. Even with the 20% discount ($10.38), this price doesn’t meet the site’s $59 minimum for free shipping. Standard shipping adds around $5 depending on your location, which diminishes the overall savings.

Given these factors, most users will find the best value and convenience by ordering Nutricost ALA through Amazon — though it does mean relying on Amazon’s return policy instead of Nutricost’s own 60-day guarantee.

Refunds and customer service

Nutricost offers a 60-day satisfaction guarantee on all orders. While the product must be returned, the policy is clearly outlined. Customer support is accessible through the Nutricost website and was responsive to our inquiries about a certificate of analysis (COA), which is available upon request with a lot number.

Best low-dose R-ALA (for flexible, GI-friendly dosing)

Nootropics Depot’s low-dose R-alpha-lipoic acid supplement is a standout for quality and transparency. Each capsule delivers 125mg of sodium-stabilized R-ALA (Na-R-ALA) — a form that helps prevent the degradation issues associated with unbound R-ALA. This added stability gives it an edge over standard R-ALA supplements, especially for users concerned about shelf life or inconsistent potency.

The 125mg dose is ideal for gradual titration across meals, which may help minimize the gastrointestinal side effects sometimes associated with ALA — like nausea or reflux.18 43 Taking three capsules daily (375mg R-ALA) equates to just above the 600mg dose of racemic ALA used in many clinical trials.17

Pricing and shipping

A single 60-count bottle costs $24.99, but shipping adds about $10 unless you buy in bulk. At 180 capsules for $54.99, you qualify for free shipping, bringing the per-capsule cost to about $0.31 either way. However, as we stated above, you’ll need about three caps. This makes Nootropics Depot one of the most expensive options from our list of recommendations.

Still, while not the cheapest option on the market, the flexible dosing, stabilized format, and third-party testing justify the higher price.

Refunds and customer service

Nootropics Depot accepts returns of unopened products within 30 days of delivery. It’s not the most generous policy — and there’s no satisfaction guarantee — but it’s common among supplement brands. Fortunately, all third-party testing and manufacturing certifications are clearly posted on their site, helping inspire confidence before you buy.

Best complex ALA formula for nerve health

Clean Nutraceuticals Nerve Defend is one of the most comprehensive nerve support formulas available. Each 3-capsule daily serving delivers 600 mg of alpha-lipoic acid, 300 mg of benfotiamine, 600 mg of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), and 500 mg of acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) — four ingredients commonly studied for their role in reducing neuropathic pain and improving nerve function.

The one major drawback of Nerve Defend is its low B12 content. While the formula includes vitamin B12 (as methylcobalamin), the amount is only 100 mcg per serving — far below the 500–1,000mcg daily doses used in clinical studies showing benefit for diabetic neuropathy.52

Pricing, subscriptions, and shipping

Clean Nutraceuticals offers Nerve Defend for $29.95 (30 servings). At about $1 per day, it’s among the most cost-effective neuropathy blends, especially for what it consolidates.

You can subscribe to Nerve Defend directly from their website and save 15% off. If you buy five bottles every five months, you can bring down the daily cost to about $.0.85 for two caps.

Refunds and customer service

The brand offers a standard satisfaction guarantee, and customer support confirmed that a certificate of analysis (COA) is available upon request.

Best budget complex ALA formula for nerve health

Bestvite’s budget-friendly formula delivers a time-tested pairing of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) and benfotiamine — two compounds with distinct but complementary mechanisms for supporting nerve health. Each capsule contains 300mg of ALA and 150mg of benfotiamine, and the recommended two-capsule daily dose mirrors what’s used in many diabetic neuropathy trials.

Why ALA and benfotiamine work well together

ALA is widely recognized for its ability to reduce oxidative stress, improve microcirculation, and relieve symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, including burning, tingling, and pain.17 Benfotiamine, a fat-soluble derivative of vitamin B1 (thiamine), helps reduce the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which are major contributors to nerve damage in diabetes.46

Some research shows that combining ALA with benfotiamine can result in greater symptom improvement than using either compound alone.47 And while benfotiamine alone has produced mixed results, it’s well-tolerated and is potentially more effective when stacked with ALA.53

Pricing, subscriptions, and shipping

A single bottle (120 capsules) costs $22.94, including $3.95 shipping, and lasts 60 days at the standard two-capsule dose. Buying two bottles drops the per-bottle price to $18.99 with free shipping, lowering the cost per serving to about $0.32 — one of the lowest of any nerve-support stack we reviewed.

Bestvite also offers a Subscribe & Save program with 5% off. Importantly, you can customize the frequency of your subscription (e.g., receive two bottles every four months), allowing you to stay stocked while hitting the free shipping threshold. It’s not the steepest discount on the market, but combined with bulk pricing, it still delivers excellent value.

Refunds and customer service

Bestvite offers a 60-day return window, but only on unopened products. While the policy isn’t as flexible as Double Wood’s or LongLifeNutri’s, it’s a reasonable tradeoff given the price. The brand also has a rewards program for repeat buyers.

Whether you’re sensitive to ALA or simply exploring additional ways to support nerve health or manage oxidative stress, several other options exist. While ALA is well-researched and widely used, it’s not the only tool available. In many cases, these alternatives can also be used alongside ALA for broader support.

You can get small amounts of ALA through food, and nutrients like vitamin B12 and acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) have shown promise in human studies, particularly for diabetic neuropathy.

Whatever your reason for exploring alternatives, the following options are among the most worthwhile to consider.

Dietary sources of ALA

While ALA supplements provide concentrated doses, certain foods naturally contain ALA, albeit in smaller amounts.54 Incorporating these into your diet can support overall antioxidant intake:

• Organ meats: Kidney, heart, and liver are among the richest natural sources of ALA.
• Vegetables: Spinach, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and tomatoes contain modest amounts of ALA.
• Rice bran and yeast: These are additional plant-based sources of ALA.

It’s worth noting that lipoic acid from food has not been shown to significantly raise free lipoic acid levels in human plasma or cells, making it unlikely that therapeutic effects can be achieved through diet alone.14 However, if you’re a healthy individual, a diet rich in whole foods should be all you need for proper ALA intake.

Supplement alternatives to ALA

If you’re exploring options beyond alpha-lipoic acid for nerve health or oxidative stress, two of the most studied and promising alternatives are vitamin B12 and acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR).56 Each plays a unique role in nerve protection and repair, particularly in the context of diabetic neuropathy.