Evidence supporting the use of: Lipoic Acid
For the health condition: Multiple Sclerosis

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Lipoic acid has been investigated as a potential adjunctive treatment for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) primarily because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Preclinical studies have shown that lipoic acid can reduce inflammatory cell migration across the blood-brain barrier, decrease oxidative stress, and potentially protect neurons in animal models of MS (such as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, EAE). In humans, several small clinical trials have been conducted. For example, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study published in JAMA Neurology (2017) found that daily supplementation with lipoic acid (1200 mg) over two years resulted in significantly less brain atrophy in patients with secondary progressive MS compared to placebo. However, the sample size was small and the study was not powered to assess clinical disability outcomes. Other studies have shown improvements in some inflammatory markers, but evidence for a significant impact on disability progression, relapse rate, or quality of life is limited and inconsistent. Systematic reviews acknowledge the biological plausibility and preliminary clinical data but emphasize that larger, longer-term trials are needed to draw firm conclusions. Thus, while there is emerging scientific interest and some early evidence supporting the use of lipoic acid in MS, its use is not yet supported by robust, high-quality clinical trial data.

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