Effect of Alpha-Lipoic Acid Supplementation on Lipid Profile: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Controlled Clinical Trials Publisher Pubmed



Mousavi SM^{1, 3} ; Shabbidar S¹ ; Kordvarkaneh H¹ ; Khorshidi M¹ ; Djafarian K² Show Affiliations
Source: Nutrition Published:2019

Abstract

Several studies have shown the effect of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) on lipid profile. However, findings remain controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to systematically summarize the available clinical trials that examined the effects ALA supplementation on the lipid profile of adults. A systematic search through PubMed and Scopus was done for studies published in English up to April 2017. Effect sizes were combined with fixed- or random-effects analysis, where appropriate. Between-study heterogeneity was evaluated by Cochran's Q test and I2. Eleven clinical trials with 452 adults (51.5% women, 48.5% men) were included in this meta-analysis. Combining effect sizes of 10 studies on serum triacylglycerol (TG) concentrations revealed a significant effect of ALA supplementation on serum TG compared with the placebo group (weighted mean difference [WMD], –29.185 mg/dL; 95% confidence interval [CI], –51.454 to –6.916; P = 0.010). We also found significant changes in serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (WMD, –10.683 mg/dL; 95% CI, –19.816 to –1.550; P = 0.022, WMD, –12.906 mg/dL; 95% CI, –22.133 to –3.679; P = 0.006, respectively). Significant changes were not observed in serum high-density lipoprotein (WMD, –0.092 mg/dL; 95% CI, –3.014 to 2.831; P = 0.025). Supplementation dosage and body mass index were potential sources of heterogeneity, in which those with body mass index >30 kg/m2 who received >600 mg/d ALA showed better improvements in lipid profile. Our findings showed that supplementation with ALA significantly decreased the serum concentrations of TG, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein but did not affect serum levels of high-density lipoprotein in adults. © 2018 Elsevier Inc.