Alpha Lipoic Acid

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Alpha Lipoic Acid

 

What Is It? In the late 1980s, scientists realized that alpha-lipoic acid, a

compound initially classified as a vitamin when it was discovered three

decades earlier, possessed potent antioxidant properties that could prevent

healthy

cells from getting damaged by unstable oxygen molecules called free radicals.

In fact, this vitaminlike compound has proved to be many times more potent

than such old guard antioxidants as vitamins C and E. As a perk, it even

recycles

C and E (as well as other antioxidants), enhancing their effectiveness.

Because it dissolves in both water and fat, this so-called " universal

antioxidant " is able to scavenge more wayward free-radical cells than most

antioxidants, the majority of which tend to dissolve in either fat or water but

not

both. Alpha-lipoic acid can reach tissues composed mainly of fat, such as the

nervous system, as well as those made mainly of water, such as the heart.

Also known as lipoic acid or thioctic acid, alpha-lipoic acid is mainly

derived from dietary sources (spinach, liver, brewer's yeast), although

scientists

have discovered that the body does manufacture small supplies of its own. In

order to get the concentrated doses needed to treat specific ailments, however,

many experts recommend supplements.

Health Benefits In addition to functioning as an antioxidant, this

hard-working nutrient assists the B vitamins in producing energy from the

proteins,

carbohydrates, and fats consumed through foods.

Intravenous forms of alpha-lipoic acid are administered in hospitals to treat

cases of acute mushroom poisoning and for other cases of acute poisoning that

affect the liver.

Studies indicate that alpha-lipoic acid supplements hold promise for treating

various disorders, including HIV infection, liver ailments, and glaucoma. But

it has been most intensively studied for preventing complications from

diabetes.

Specifically, alpha-lipoic acid may help to:

* Treat symptoms of nerve damage in people with diabetes. Alpha-lipoic

acid has been used for decades in Europe to counter nerve damage in people with

diabetes (types 1 and 2). Known as diabetic neuropathy, this often very painful

condition tends to develop in people who have had uncontrolled diabetes for a

long time. The neuropathy may be caused in part by free-radical damage to

nerves resulting from poorly regulated blood sugar (glucose). As an antioxidant,

alpha-lipoic acid helps to block such damage. In addition, because of its

effect on glucose metabolism, lipoic acid my improve the glucose-lowering action

of insulin (the hormone that regulates blood sugar).

In one clinical trial, 328 people with diabetic neuropathy received either

100 mg, 600 mg, or 1,200 mg a day of alpha-lipoic acid for three weeks.

Participants who took 600 mg daily had the greatest reduction in pain and

numbness.

And in a separate study, blood sugar levels dropped in 74 people with type 2

diabetes who took 600 mg or more of alpha-lipoic acid daily.

Alpha-lipoic acid may also aid the large percentage (approximately 25%) of

people with diabetes who risk sudden death from nerve-related heart damage. In

one study, improved heart function was observed in people at risk for this

complication who took 800 mg of alpha-lipoic acid daily for four months.

 

* Preserve brain function in aging adults. Results from animal studies

indicate that alpha-lipoic acid may improve long-term memory. Much remains to be

learned about whether this occurs in humans, but it may be worth trying this

powerful antioxidant when a disease such as Alzheimer's starts to erode memory.

In addition, alpha-lipoic acid holds promise for preserving brain cells

following a stroke or other type of trauma that restricts blood flow to the

brain.

 

* Prevent cancer. As an antioxidant, alpha-lipoic acid holds promise for

protecting the body against changes in healthy cells that lead to cancer. The

evidence for this cancer-preventive effect is still preliminary, however.

 

* Lessen numbness and tingling. Alpha-lipoic acid may benefit anyone whose

limbs tend to tingle or become numb, or " fall asleep " due to nerve

compression. In animal studies, alpha-lipoic acid increased blood flow to the

nerves and

improved transmission of nerve impulses.

 

* Protect the liver in cases of hepatitis and other types of liver disease.

As an antioxidant, alpha-lipoic acid shields the liver from potentially

harmful cell changes and assists it in flushing toxins from the body. This makes

it

useful in treating such liver disorders as chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis.

Alpha-lipoic acid supplements have also proved effective in minimizing liver

toxicity following exposure to poisons such as heavy metals (including lead) and

toxic industrial chemicals such as carbon tetrachloride.

 

* Combat chronic fatigue syndrome. Because it plays a part in cellular

energy production, some nutritionally oriented physicians recommend alpha-lipoic

acid for the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome. While evidence of its

effectiveness for this condition is anecdotal, alpha-lipoic acid is a

broad-spectrum antioxidant and immune system booster. This means it may be able

to play a

valuable role in increasing energy and maintaining overall health in chronic

fatigue syndrome sufferers.

 

* Reduce the incidence of cataracts. Alpha-lipoic acid has kept cataracts

from forming in animals, an effect that may occur in humans, too, but still

requires more investigation. The compound also increases the potency of vitamins

C and E, both nutrients that protect the eye's lens from harmful ultraviolet

light.

Forms

 

* tablet

* capsule

Dosage Information Special tip:

You can buy alpha-lipoic acid either as a single supplement or in combination

products with other antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E.

* For general antioxidant protection: Take 100 mg twice a day.

 

* To preserve brain function in aging adults: Take 100 mg twice a day.

 

* To prevent complications of diabetes: Take 200 mg twice a day to guard

against related conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and heart

disease. In addition, make sure to get 1,000 mg vitamin C and 400 IU vitamin E

daily.

 

* For diabetic neuropathy: Take 200 mg three times a day.

 

* For numbness and tingling: Take 200 mg twice a day.

 

* For hepatitis: Take 100 mg twice a day. In addition, take 1,000 mg

vitamin C and 400 IU vitamin E daily.

 

* For preventing cataracts: Take 100 mg twice a day.

Be sure to check our Dosage Recommendations Chart for Alpha-lipoic Acid,

which lists therapeutic dosages for specific ailments at a glance.

Guidelines for Use

* Alpha-lipoic acid can be taken either with or without food.

General Interaction * If you have diabetes, taking alpha-lipoic acid for

long periods may require an adjustment in your dosage of insulin or other

diabetes medications. Consult your doctor for guidance.

Note: For information on interactions with specific generic drugs, see our

WholeHealthMD Drug/Nutrient Interactions Chart.

Possible Side Effects

* Alpha-lipoic acid is very safe at commonly recommended dosages, although

occasionally it causes mild stomach upset and in rare cases it can trigger an

allergic skin rash. If you experience any of these reactions, reduce the dose

or stop taking the supplement.

Cautions * If you suffer from any type of medical condition, consult your

doctor before trying alpha-lipoic acid supplements.

 

* Don't take alpha-lipoic acid if you are pregnant.

Ailments Dosage

Aging 100 mg once a day

Cancer Prevention 100 mg twice a day; may be partially covered by daily

antioxidant complex

Cataracts 100 mg twice a day

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome 100-200 mg a day

Diabetes For antioxidant protection: 100 mg twice a day to help prevent

complications of diabetes

For diabetic neuropathy: 200 mg 3 times a day

Hepatitis 100 mg twice a day

Skin Health 50 mg twice a day; apply topically according to package

instructions