The overtly and painfully Zillennial suffix ‘maxxing’ (yes, the double ‘x’ is intentional) is being added to an array of generic areas of wellness, ranging from looks to the gym and overall health.

Though well-intentioned, the resulting trends do little to educate individuals on the true biological benefits of throwing handfuls of supplements straight down the gullet, or the potential long-term effects of the frequent use of injectables.

The primary area in which this appears most concerning is ‘healthmaxxing’. Please, don’t follow the teachings of that one nocturnal university student who only eats raw liver, and remember – just because an individual sounds confident about their bizarre routine, doesn’t mean it’s healthy. Always consult a medical professional before supplementing or drastically changing your diet and ensure balance is at the core of any upheaval made to your routine.

Like skincare, the best approach to supplementation is minimalistic – focusing solely on the essentials that your body truly needs, minimising the potential for interaction, and feeding your body with real, whole foods as opposed to concentrated pills or protein shakes. The best way to ensure you’re doing this is by getting a simple blood test.

One such healthmaxxing trend we’ve spotted cropping up is taking ALA supplements, otherwise known as alpha lipoic acid (not to be confused with the similarly abbreviated alpha-linolenic acid, which is an omega-3 fatty acid). An antioxidant made by the body and that is found in every cell, ALA helps turn glucose into energy for effective respiration. It does this by attacking “free radicals”, which are waste products created when the body turns food into energy.

What sets ALA apart from other antioxidants like vitamin C (water-soluble) and vitamin E (fatty tissue-soluble), ALA is both fat and water-soluble, which allows it to work all throughout the body – fighting all sorts of nasty free radicals along the way.

We spoke with Dr Suzanne Wylie, GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor for some insight into the benefits of supplementing with alpha lipoic acid.

“Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a naturally occurring compound that plays a key role in energy metabolism and acts as a powerful antioxidant. It is both water- and fat-soluble, allowing it to work throughout the body, including in cells and tissues that other antioxidants may not reach,” explains Dr Wylie. “ALA helps neutralise harmful free radicals, reducing oxidative stress, which is linked to ageing and chronic diseases. It may support nerve health, particularly in conditions like diabetic neuropathy, and could improve insulin sensitivity, benefiting those with type 2 diabetes. Some evidence suggests it may also support brain function and heart health.

“People may supplement ALA if their diet is lacking (it’s found in small amounts in foods like spinach, broccoli, and red meat) or if they have conditions like diabetes, nerve damage, or metabolic disorders. The best way to take it is on an empty stomach, as food can reduce its absorption. The typical dose ranges from 300 to 600 mg daily, depending on individual needs.”

“ALA is generally well tolerated, but possible side effects include nausea, stomach upset, dizziness and skin rashes. High doses may lower blood sugar excessively, causing symptoms like sweating and confusion,” warns Dr Wylie.

“People with low blood sugar, thyroid disorders, or those on diabetes medications should use caution, as ALA can affect glucose and thyroid hormone levels. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as individuals with vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency—such as chronic alcohol users—should also consult a doctor before use.”

We’ve rounded up a selection of the best ALA supplements below.