The effect of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation on anthropometric indices and food intake in patients experienced stroke; a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Background: Stroke as a devastating condition is a major cause of death worldwide and accountable for long time disability with high personal and social cost in adults. Metabolic syndrome and obesity are well known risk factors of coronary artery disease, stroke, and mortality. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an eight-carbon, sulfur-containing compound with antioxidant properties which reduces body weight, changes other anthropometric indices and regulate food intake by suppressing appetite and increasing metabolism This study was designed to evaluate the possible effects of ALA supplementation on anthropometric indices and dietary intake in patients with stroke. Methods: In this randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, sixty-seven patients with stroke were randomly allocated to two groups (taking a 600 mg ALA supplement or placebo daily for 12 weeks). Weight, waist circumference, energy, carbohydrate, protein and fat intake were meatured and body mass index was calculated before and after intervention in this study. Dietary intake and statistical analyses were carried out using N4 and SPSS16 software, respectively. Results: Primary features were similar in the intervention and placebo groups  (p<0.05). After the intervention period, waist circumference (p<0.001), energy, carbohydrate, protein and fat intake (p<0.001) decreased significantly in ALA group compared with placebo. While and no differences were observed in weight (p=0.26) and BMI (p=0.56) in ALA   supplementation group compared with placebo. Conclusion: Results of this trial indicated that 12 weeks supplementation with 600 mg alpha-lipoic acid has beneficial effects on anthropometric indices (weight, body mass index, waist circumference) and food intake (energy, carbohydrate, protein, and fat) ) in patients with stroke.