Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) | Pentadecanoic Acid (C15:0 / Fatty15) | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Supplements | Supplements |
| Standard Dose | 300-600mg R-ALA daily | — |
| Timing | On empty stomach, 30-60 min before meals. Split doses for higher amounts. | — |
| Cycle Duration | ongoing or cycle 12 weeks on, 4 weeks off | — |
| Evidence Level | strong_human | Emerging |
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
Odd-chain saturated fatty acid identified as essential. Strengthens cell membranes by integrating into phospholipid bilayer, activates AMPK and PPAR-alpha/delta, and inhibits mTOR. Repairs mitochondrial function. Epidemiologically associated with reduced cardiometabolic disease.
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