Alpha lipoic acid is a natural occurring essential fatty acid that is synthesized intracellularly, but is also in many foods and absorbed to a variable extent. Alpha lipoic acid is a common ingredient in multivitamin tablets and in dietary supplements and is even included in many pet foods. While purported to have antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antiaging effects, it has not been approved by the FDA as therapy for any medical disease or condition. Alpha lipoic acid has been evaluated in many clinical trials and has not been associated with serum aminotransferase elevations or in cases of clinically apparent liver injury.