Alpha-lipoic acid is produced naturally by the body; however, many people also choose to consume ALA supplements for various reasons. In 2019 the journal of Biomolecules published a review of various randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter, two-arm, and parallel-group trials which concluded that ALA could help support weight loss and energy production at the cellular level. Research studies have also shown that ALA offers significant antioxidant properties. Seeing how the body only produces a minimal amount of this compound, many find it beneficial to supplement alpha-lipoic acid by adding supplements to their diet. Research suggests that these supplements offer up to 1,000 times more ALA than regular alpha-lipoic acid food sources such as red meat, yeast, broccoli, spinach, yams, brussel sprouts, beets, and tomatoes, to name a few.