4 Alpha lipoic acid has been shown to inhibit the replication of the HIV virus in the test tube. However, it is not known whether supplementing with alpha lipoic acid would benefit HIV-positive people. 5 Alpha lipoic acid has significantly increased the survival rate of people who have eaten poison mushrooms. Such a treatment should be prescribed by a nutritionally oriented doctor and should not be attempted on one's own. The body makes small amounts of alpha lipoic acid.
Supplements are also available.
For this reason, humans are not known to be deficient in alpha lipoic acid. The amount of alpha lipoic acid used in research to improve diabetic neuropathies is 800 mg per day and 150 mg per day for glaucoma. Side effects with alpha lipoic acid are rare but can include skin rash and the potential of hypoglycemia in diabetic patients. Chronic administration of alpha lipoic acid in animals has interfered with the actions of the vitamin biotin . Whether this has significance for humans remains unknown.