Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) | Serrapeptase | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Supplements | Supplements |
| Standard Dose | 300-600mg R-ALA daily | 120,000-240,000 SPU (serratiopeptidase units) daily |
| Timing | On empty stomach, 30-60 min before meals. Split doses for higher amounts. | On empty stomach (critical — food proteins will be digested instead of systemic absorption). 30+ minutes before meals or 2 hours after. |
| Cycle Duration | ongoing or cycle 12 weeks on, 4 weeks off | Cycle 4-8 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off |
| 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
Serrapeptase (serratiopeptidase) is a proteolytic enzyme originally isolated from the gut of the silkworm (Serratia marcescens). It hydrolyzes non-living tissue including fibrin, blood clots, cysts, and arterial plaque while sparing living tissue. It reduces bradykinin and other pain-mediating amines, provides anti-inflammatory effects by reducing neutrophil infiltration, and thins mucus by cleaving glycoprotein structures. It may also enhance antibiotic penetration into biofilms.
120,000-240,000 SPU (serratiopeptidase units) daily
On empty stomach (critical — food proteins will be digested instead of systemic absorption). 30+ minutes before meals or 2 hours after.
Cycle 4-8 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off
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