Researchers in Italy conducted a 12-week study to understand how alpha-lipoic acid (ALA)—a naturally occurring substance in foods like vegetables and meat—affects people with schizophrenia who are taking antipsychotic medication.
How the research was conducted
Specifically, they looked at whether ALA could help with common side effects of these medications, such as high blood sugar and hormone imbalances.
The study was “open-label” and “uncontrolled,” which means that both researchers and participants knew what treatment was being given, and there was no comparison group taking a placebo.
A total of 15 adult patients with schizophrenia participated. All were already taking only one type of atypical (second-generation) antipsychotic, including medications like olanzapine or risperidone, which are known to sometimes cause weight gain or increase blood sugar.
Participants took 600 milligrams of ALA daily, in addition to their regular medication. Physical and blood tests were done at the beginning and end of the 12 weeks to measure changes in health.
What researchers found
The results showed that ALA helped lower several health risks without causing any serious side effects. Most notably, it significantly reduced blood sugar levels. This is important because high blood sugar can lead to diabetes, a risk that is already higher in people with schizophrenia due to their medication.
There were also improvements in other health markers:
- Lower levels of liver enzymes, which may suggest improved liver function
- Decreased prolactin levels, a hormone that can rise due to antipsychotic use and cause issues like menstrual problems and reduced bone strength
- Shortened QTc interval on ECG, a heart rhythm measure that can be prolonged by psychiatric drugs
However, the study also noted a small increase in HbA1c, a longer-term measure of blood sugar, but this stayed within normal limits. There was no meaningful change in body weight, blood pressure, or cholesterol levels .
What the study revealed about schizophrenia
The study confirmed that schizophrenia patients face a higher risk of developing metabolic issues, especially due to their medication. ALA may offer a new way to help manage these risks. Even though the participants’ schizophrenia symptoms did not improve or worsen significantly, ALA appeared safe to use alongside their usual treatment.
Lead author Dr Fiammetta Iannuzzo wrote:
“Our findings indicated that adjunctive ALA treatment… resulted in a statistically significant reduction of relevant metabolic parameters,” adding that the supplement might be “a safe use as an adjunctive in psychiatric therapies” .
Still, the authors caution that the study’s small size and short duration mean that more research is needed to confirm these results.
Disclaimer: This article summarises medical research findings and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for medical guidance.
