5-ALA infusion therapy delivers 5-aminolevulinic acid—a vital precursor to heme—directly into the body. a substance essential for life activities—into the body. It is not only expected to activate mitochondrial function but also to provide various benefits, such as fatigue recovery, enhanced immunity, improved skin quality, and better blood sugar regulation.

If you are interested in 5-ALA infusion, please read to the end.

What is 5-ALA?

5-ALA is a type of amino acid called 5-aminolevulinic acid.

In the human body, 5-ALA is the source of a substance called "heme." Heme is a component found in blood and plays an important role in sustaining life. It is mainly found in the following:

Heme-containing components	Function
Hemoglobin	Distributes oxygen throughout the body
Cytochrome	Involved in the production of energy (ATP) in mitochondria
P450	Breaks down toxins in the liver
Catalase	Acts as an antioxidant

As such, heme is an essential substance for vital biological functions. Its link with mitochondria is especially important. Mitochondria generate ATP, the energy that powers the human body. When mitochondrial activity declines, the risk of illness and fatigue increases.

5-ALA, as a precursor of heme, is essential for maintaining a healthy and energetic life. Therefore, it is considered an important substance for the human body.

Expected Effects of 5-ALA

5-ALA is not only essential for life activities but also provides a variety of beneficial effects on the human body.

Here are the specific benefits of 5-ALA therapy.

Fatigue Recovery

When 5-ALA helps produce ATP in mitochondria, it is expected to have a fatigue-relieving effect.

Additionally, increased ATP supplies energy to the central nervous system, which helps improve energy levels. Research has also shown that it can enhance muscle strength and endurance, thereby improving physical performance.

The body’s ability to produce 5-ALA declines with age, so intentionally supplementing with 5-ALA may help prevent muscle loss in older individuals.

In this way, having sufficient 5-ALA increases ATP production, supporting the function of the brain, muscles, and heart. As internal bodily functions become more active, fatigue is alleviated, helping you stay healthy.

Improvement of Skin Quality

5-ALA improves the skin's moisture and elasticity. As we age, the skin's ability to retain moisture and elasticity declines, leading to wrinkles and sagging.

By applying 5-ALA to the skin and enhancing its moisture and elasticity, it becomes easier to maintain youthful skin. In addition, by retaining skin moisture, it may also help normalize skin turnover, which is the process by which the skin regenerates.

Improving Blood Sugar Levels

When 5-ALA supports ATP production, the body can use sugar more effectively, helping to stabilize and improve blood sugar levels and potentially prevent diabetes and reduce the risk of hypoglycemia.

It is also gaining attention for its potential to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia and blood sugar spikes.

Improving Immunity

5-ALA helps support ATP production, which is expected to enhance immune cell function, thereby reducing the risk of developing infections such as the common cold or COVID-19.

Improved Sleep Quality

Research has shown that taking 5-ALA can improve the quality of sleep.

When ATP is sufficiently supplied, the body can efficiently recover the energy used in daily life. This may improve bodily functions during sleep and enhance both REM and non-REM sleep cycles. By improving sleep quality, stress can be reduced, and skin turnover can be promoted through the secretion of growth hormone.

High-quality sleep not only helps relieve fatigue and prevent accidents caused by inattention, but it can also reduce the risk of lifestyle-related diseases.

Difference Between 5-ALA Infusion and Supplements

The main methods of taking 5-ALA are intravenous infusion and supplements. There is a difference in the amount of 5-ALA delivered to the body between infusions and supplements.

When taken orally, 5-ALA passes through the portal vein from the small intestine, and most of it is metabolized in the liver before circulating throughout the body. The liver processes nutrients either by excreting them or converting them into energy. Because 5-ALA is metabolized in the liver, it may not be sufficiently distributed throughout the body.

On the other hand, intravenous infusion delivers 5-ALA directly into the bloodstream. Because it bypasses the liver, it is not immediately metabolized and excreted. Therefore, it is believed that an adequate amount can be distributed throughout the body via the bloodstream.

Precautions for 5-ALA Infusion

5-ALA infusion is an attractive treatment method that delivers a sufficient amount throughout the entire body.

However, there are some important points to be aware of.

Vascular Pain

Vascular pain refers to a condition in which you feel pain in your blood vessels. In rare cases, pain may occur depending on the medication used in the IV.

5-ALA infusion involves inserting a needle into a vein and delivering the solution through it, which may cause vascular pain. If you are concerned about discomfort, it may be alleviated by slowing the rate of administration or using other methods. If you are worried about pain, please consult with the staff in advance.

Regular Infusions Are Required to Maintain Effectiveness

5-ALA infusion is typically administered once or twice a month.

It is a treatment that can be effective even after a single administration. However, to maintain its effects, it must be administered regularly. Additionally, for patients undergoing treatment for medical conditions, the dosage may need to be adjusted each time.

5-ALA Infusion Fee

5-ALA infusions are not covered by insurance, so costs may vary depending on the clinic.

At Shibu Clinic, the following pricing applies:

Number of Sessions	Fee
First-Time Trial	¥33,000 (tax included)
1 Session	¥55,000 (tax included)

5-ALA Infusion Process

At Shibu Clinic, 5-ALA infusion is administered according to the following process.

If you are considering 5-ALA infusion, please refer to the steps below.

5-ALA Infusion
Support Your Overall Health

5-ALA is a type of amino acid and serves as a precursor to heme, a substance essential for sustaining life.

Heme plays a critical role in the body, particularly in hemoglobin and enzymes that break down toxins in the liver. It is also required for ATP production within mitochondria. The human body runs on ATP, the energy generated by mitochondria. When mitochondrial function declines, the body’s ability to produce energy is impaired, leading to symptoms such as fatigue and weakened immunity.

By supplying the body with necessary amino acids through 5-ALA infusions, you can enjoy a wide range of health benefits, including enhanced immune function, improved fatigue recovery, hydrated skin, and better sleep quality.

If you are interested in 5-ALA infusions, we invite you to visit Shibu Clinic for a free consultation. Our team will recommend a treatment plan tailored to your skin condition and overall needs.