Alpha-Lipoic Acid Did Not Affect Lipid Profile and Blood Pressure in Critically Ill Patients: A Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial Publisher

Summary: Study finds ALA supplementation slightly lowers LDL & raises HDL in critically ill patients, but no major impact on blood pressure or other lipids. #CriticalCare #Nutrition

Mohamadi A¹ ; Moravejolahkami AR² ; Askari G¹ ; Tarrahi MJ³ ; Hajiesmaeili M⁴ ; Bahreiniesfahani N¹
Source: Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism Published:2021

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Some researchers suggested a positive effect of Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) on Blood Pressure (BP) and lipid profile. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of ALA for improving BP and lipid profile in critically ill patients. METHODS: In the present study, eighty patients (aged 18-80 years old) were randomly assigned to receive daily either ALA (600 mg/day) or placebo for eight weeks. Systolic BP (SBP), Diastolic BP (DBP), Triglyceride (TG), Total cholesterol (TC), Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL), and High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) were measured before and after intervention. RESULTS: LDL decreased significantly in the ALA group (110.6±34.9 vs. 107.9±33.4 mg/dl; P < 0.05). There was also a significant difference in terms of HDL in both groups (Δ= +1.8 vs. Δ= -0.3 mg/dl; P < 0.05). A marginal non-significant reduction was also observed for SBP. There were no significant differences in other variables between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: ALA supplementation did not improve the BP and some serum lipid markers in critically ill patients. Larger and longer trials will be needed to determine efficacy of ALA. © 2022 - IOS Press. All rights reserved.