title: Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) as a supplementation for weight loss: results from a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
abstract: Obesity is associated with significant morbidity and mortality rates. Even modest weight loss may be associated with health benefits. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a naturally occurring antioxidant. Studies have suggested anti-obesity properties of ALA; however, results are inconsistent. The purpose of this study is to conduct a meta-analysis of the effect of ALA on weight and body mass index (BMI).
  
  
  
  A comprehensive, systematic literature search identified 10 articles on randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies involving ALA. We conducted a meta-analysis of mean weight and BMI change differences between ALA and placebo treatment groups.
  
  
  
  Alpha-lipoic acid treatment coincided with a statistically significant 1.27 kg (confidence interval = 0.25 to 2.29) greater mean weight loss compared with the placebo group. A significant overall mean BMI difference of -0.43 kg/ m2(confidence interval = -0.82 to -0.03) was found between the ALA and placebo groups. Meta-regression analysis showed no significance in ALA dose on BMI and weight changes. Study duration significantly affected BMI change, but not weight change.
  
  
  
  Alpha-lipoic acid treatment showed small, yet significant short-term weight loss compared with placebo. Further research is needed to examine the effect of different doses and the long-term benefits of ALA on weight management.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, USA.
authors.forename: S
authors.identifier: 0000-0003-4083-2680
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kucukgoncu
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, USA.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, USA.
authors.forename: K B
authors.initials: KB
authors.lastname: Lucas
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, USA.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Tek
mesh_terms: D000975:Antioxidants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D006801:Humans; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D008063:Thioctic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D008063:Thioctic Acid
keywords: Alpha-lipoic acid; body mass; diabetes; thioctic acid