Does alpha-lipoic acid affect lipid profile? A meta-analysis and systematic review on randomized controlled trials

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Nutritional Science
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Contradictory results exist regarding alpha-lipoic acid's (ALA) effects on lipid profiles from randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
• A comprehensive meta-analysis is needed to synthesize existing evidence and clarify ALA's impact on serum lipids.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a meta-analysis assessing the effects of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) supplementation on lipid profiles.
• To evaluate changes in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.

Main Methods:

• Systematic search of electronic databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, etc.) up to February 2018 for relevant RCTs.
• Inclusion of RCTs evaluating ALA's impact on lipid profiles, using weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for effect estimation.
• Application of a random-effects model and heterogeneity assessment using the I² test; protocol registered with PROSPERO.

Main Results:

• ALA supplementation significantly reduced serum total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) levels.
• No significant changes were observed in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c).
• While overall triglyceride levels showed no significant change, subgroup analysis indicated ALA decreased triglycerides in both diabetic and non-diabetic individuals.

Conclusions:

• Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) appears to favorably impact lipid profiles, particularly by lowering TC and LDL-c.
• Further research, especially in hyperlipidemic populations, is required to confirm these findings and establish clinical recommendations.