Alpha-lipoic Acid


Alpha-lipoic acid

Alpha-lipoic acid

Benefits

  • Neuroprotection
  • Anti-cancer
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Cardioprotective
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an organic caprylic acid-derived compound with powerful antioxidant properties. It is both water- and fat-soluble which allows it to work in every cell or tissue in the body and is available in its oxidized or reduced form as dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA).

ALA acts as a coenzyme in glucose metabolism and is involved in several other cellular and molecular functions, including a role as a powerful antioxidant through several different mechanisms: scavenging reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, chelating metals, and contributing to the repair of damaged proteins and lipids.

ALA is sold as an oral supplement marketed for humans and is generally considered a safe drug.

Underweight or sick chickens should not be given this supplement. It can reduce adenosine 5-monophosphate that activates protein kinase functionality in the hypothalamus resulting in weight loss in animals by limiting food intake as well as increasing energy expenditure (Kim et al., 2004).

Poultry Specific Studies

TypePlant PartDosageSpecific useResultsRef
Chickens20-80 mg/kg body weightanti-granuloma activityALA has notable anti-granuloma activity as compared to control in animal models of chronic inflammation.MR Abdul-Ghani 2023
Chicks80 mg/kg of body weight intraperitoneallyneurological painDiscovery of the optimal dosage for analgesic effects.M Abdulghani et al 2022
Chickens500 mg/kg ALA added to diet.heat stressImproved ADG and FBW in heat-stressed birds. Increased expression of HSP90, PRDX1, GPX3, SOD2, OCLN, and MUC2 genes and higher concentrations of major VFAs (acetate, propionate, and butyrate). Improved the villus height and villus height to crypt depth ratio. The microbial diversity analysis revealed significant abundance of beneficial bacteria Lactobacillus and Peptostreptococcaceae in the cecum of the ALA group. S Wasti et al., 2021
Chickens500 mg/kg ALA added to diet.antioxidant, anti-inflammatoryVitamin E and ALA especially when they were combined in the diet had positive effects on mitigating intestinal inflammation and improving nutrient transport beginning at 1 wk of age, which is likely critical in reducing the severity of wooden breast myopathy.J Wang et al., 2021
Chickens500 mg/kg ALA added to diet.heat stress, testicular injuryALA may be beneficial for ameliorating decreased reproductive performance caused by heat stressY Xiong et al 2020
Chickens600 mg/kg ALA added to dietReproductive associatedCould improve lipid metabolism and reproductive performance of breeder hens. Significantly improved the eggshell thickness and strength. Improved the SOD activity and total antioxidant capacity level, along with a decreased MDA in ovarian tissue. The mRNA expressions of ESR1, ESR2, VTG2 and ApoB in the liver and FSHR in follicles were upregulated. Improved egg-laying rate. Elevated levels of HDL-C, ALB and estradiol (E2) of the serum. Reduced level of serum AST and TG. Increased the activity of hepatic lipase in liverH Dai et al 2020
Chickens300 mg/kg ALA added to dietantioxidantMay reduce the adverse effects of high stocking density-mediated stress by maintaining the antioxidant system and humoral immune system.W Li et al., 2019
Chickens300 mg/kg ALA added to dietammonia toxicityThe addition of LA may reduce ammonia toxicity by maintaining the antioxidant system, xenobiotic metabolism, and metabolic pathways.M Lu et al., 2017
Chicksencapsulated form7.5-150 ppmimmunity, stress response, antibody titersDecreased serum levels of the liver enzymes aspartate-aminotransferase (AST) and alanine-aminotransferase (ALT). Increased antibody response to Newcastle disease virus vaccine. Reduced concentration of cortisol. The encapsulated form of ALA was more effective than the powder form.D Kim et al., 2015
Chickens500 mg/kg ALA added to diet.antioxidantimproved average feed intake and body weight gain. Significantly decreased abdominal fat yield. Improved hepatic total antioxidant capacity, the level of glutathione, the activities of total superoxide dismutase, catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase. Decreased the activity of liver xanthine oxidase (XO).Z Guo et al 2014
Chickens300 mg/kg ALA added to dietantioxidant, aflatoxin toxicityAll of these negative effects were inhibited by treatment.Y Li et al., 2014

References