Use of the Dietary Supplement 5‐Aminiolevulinic Acid (5‐ALA) and Its Relationship with Glucose Levels and Hemoglobin A1C among Individuals with Prediabetes

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the association between 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) and glucose tolerance. DESIGN: A double blinded, randomized prospective parallel-group comparison study. SETTING: Participants were recruited from the community in Honolulu, Hawaii, using radio and TV ads, and at community events. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred fifty-four males and females ages 40-70 years, with evidence of prediabetes: hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) 5.8%-7.0% at the screening visit. INTERVENTION: Participants were randomized equally to one of three study groups: (1) low dose 5-ALA supplement (15 mg capsule); (2) high dose 5-ALA (50 mg capsule); and (3) control (placebo capsule of identical size and color). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: HbA1c and 2 hours post-oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) glucose levels. RESULTS: Among individuals taking 5-ALA supplements for 12 weeks, 2 hours post-OGTT glucose levels declined significantly compared to those not taking the supplement (p= 0.02). The relationships were stronger among those with baseline glucose intolerance, or 2 hours post-OGTT glucose measurements greater than 140 mg/dL (p= 0.005 and p= 0.02 for the low and high dose group, respectively). Similar trends were observed for HbA1c but results were of borderline significance (p= 0.07). No untoward effects were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Further studies are indicated. The potential benefits of 5-ALA dietary supplementation are affirmed by this investigation.