The effect of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation on vascular function and inflammation in patients newly experienced...

Since inflammation and oxidative stress are risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, so it seems that α-lipoic acid consumption as a potent antioxidant can improve vascular function and reduce the risk of vascular disease. The aim of this study is determine the impact of ALA supplementation on vascular function and inflammatory markers in patients who newly experienced stroke.

In this randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 80 patients were randomly divided into two groups: α-lipoic acid (600 mg ALA daily for 12 weeks) and placebo groups. Serum concentration of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured by the ELISA method, and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and flow-mediated dilation (FMD) were assessed using the Doppler ultrasound method. All statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS-16 and P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant.

After 12 weeks' supplementation, CIMT, FMD and hs-CRP changed between the ALA and placebo groups, significantly but we observed no significant difference in TNF-α and IL-6 levels either within or between the groups.

The results showed that 600 mg ALA supplementation for 12 weeks improved CIMT, FMD and hs-CRP significantly so it seems that ALA supplementation may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.