Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) | DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Supplements | Supplements |
| Standard Dose | 300-600mg R-ALA daily | 25-50mg daily (men); 10-25mg daily (women) |
| Timing | On empty stomach, 30-60 min before meals. Split doses for higher amounts. | Morning (mimics natural circadian peak). With food. |
| Cycle Duration | ongoing or cycle 12 weeks on, 4 weeks off | Ongoing under supervision with regular blood monitoring (DHEA-S, testosterone, estradiol, PSA in men) |
| Evidence Level | strong_human | moderate_human |
ALA is a dithiol compound that functions as a cofactor for mitochondrial alpha-keto acid dehydrogenases (pyruvate dehydrogenase, alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase). Both ALA and its reduced form DHLA are potent antioxidants capable of regenerating other antioxidants including vitamin C, vitamin E, and glutathione. ALA activates AMPK, improving glucose uptake via GLUT4 translocation, and modulates NF-kB-mediated inflammatory signaling. It chelates redox-active metals (Fe2+, Cu2+).
300-600mg R-ALA daily
On empty stomach, 30-60 min before meals. Split doses for higher amounts.
ongoing or cycle 12 weeks on, 4 weeks off
DHEA is the most abundant circulating steroid hormone, produced primarily by the adrenal zona reticularis. It serves as a precursor for both androgens (testosterone, DHT via 3beta-HSD and 17beta-HSD) and estrogens (estradiol, estrone via aromatase). DHEA-S (sulfated form) acts as a neurosteroid, positively modulating NMDA receptors and antagonizing GABA-A receptors (cognitive enhancement/alertness). It also modulates immune function (enhances Th1 immunity, IL-2 production), supports bone mineral density via estrogenic metabolites, enhances insulin sensitivity via PPAR-alpha activation, and opposes cortisol's catabolic effects (DHEA:cortisol ratio is a stress/aging biomarker).
25-50mg daily (men); 10-25mg daily (women)
Morning (mimics natural circadian peak). With food.
Ongoing under supervision with regular blood monitoring (DHEA-S, testosterone, estradiol, PSA in men)
Take our free assessment to get personalized recommendations based on your health goals, current stack, and biomarkers.
Get Your Free Protocol →or take the assessment →