Effect of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation on polycystic ovary syndrome clinical outcome in infertile females treated with letrozole: a randomized controlled trial

Researchers at Menoufia University Hospitals randomized 151 infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome 1:1 to letrozole alone (n=76) or letrozole plus alpha-lipoic acid 1,800 mg/day (n=75) for up to three cycles. Ovulation per cycle occurred in 92.2% of ALA cycles versus 71.9% of letrozole-only cycles (p=0.035). Mono-ovulation rate was 72.3% versus 60.1% (p=0.014). Cumulative pregnancy rate per cycle favored ALA (p=0.033); total pregnancy rate was 46.7% versus 34.2% without a stated significant p-value. The trial was open-label, so participants knew their assignment. PCOS-related infertility is not a longevity endpoint, but the trial adds controlled human data on ALA at 1,800 mg/day, a dose above typical supplement servings. It is registered as NCT06418347, primary completion August 2025.

The addition of ALA to LZ improved ovulation and pregnancy outcomes and was associated with favorable metabolic and hormonal effects in women with PCOS.