Abstract
Previous studies have supported positive roles of antioxidant supplements on weight-loss. One antioxidant supplement is Alpha-lipoic acid. However, recommending ALA as an anti-obesity supplement remains controversial. Accordingly, the purpose of the present study was to perform a meta-analysis on the effects of ALA supplement on anthropometric indices among adult subjects. We searched five electronic databases till September 2016. Placebo-controlled clinical trials were included. Weighted Mean Difference(WMD) was pooled using a random-effects model. Findings of 12 included trials indicated that ALA supplement reduced body weight (WMD: -0.69kg; 95% CI: -1.27, -0.10; I2=0%) and BMI (WMD: -0.38kg/m2; 95% CI: -0.53, -0.24; I2=0%) significantly compared to the placebo group. However, its effects on Waist Circumference (WC) was not significant (WMD: -0.30cm; 95% CI: -1.18, 0.58; I2=17.8%). Stratification by health status indicated that ALA decreased WC in unhealthy subjects (WMD: -2.00cm; 95% CI: -4.19, 0.19; I2=1.3%) more than healthy individuals (0.03cm; 95% CI: -0.69, 0.75; I2=0%). The present study revealed that supplementation with ALA slightly but significantly decreased body weight and BMI. Safe dosage for ALA is up to 1200mg/day. However, it seems that ALA cannot be cost-effective. Further studies are needed to clarify the effects of ALA on metabolic parameter in unhealthy obese individuals.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
