:Alpha-Lipoic-Acid:
:Alpha Lipoic Acid is an antioxidant
that increases production of glutathione, helps liver detoxification
and acts as a master antioxidant, as it recycles other antioxidants.
Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, which are unstable molecules
that steal electrons, causing aging and degeneration.
Alpha lipoic acid is found in meats and vegetables. Alpha lipoic acid
is easily absorbed into the blood, and crosses the blood brain barrier.
Alpha-lipoic acid is a universal anti-oxidant because it works in
both fat soluble and aqueous regions to quench free radicals. Alpha
lipoic acid helps recycle antioxidants including vitamins E
and C, Co-Q10, and glutathione, extending their metabolic
life.
Packer L, et al. Alpha-lipoic
acid as a Biological Antioxidant. Free Radical Biol Med 1995;19(2);227-50
Since 1951, Alpha lipoic acid
is known as a coenzyme necessary for carbohydrate metabolism in the
citric acid cycle. American research shows it increases glucose burning,
and lipoic acid is medically approved in Germany to treat adult onset
diabetes (non-insulin-dependent) and its complications.
Because it is a sulphur compound, alpha lipoic acid can bind and help
eliminate heavy metals such as copper, iron, mercury and cadmium;
risk factors for a wide range of degenerative diseases. In German
studies of Type II diabetes (NIDDM), alpha lipoic acid shows promise,
as well as in cataract studies at the University of California at
Berkeley and in cardiovascular studies concerned with LDL.
Hundreds of studies over 40 years reveal how lipoic acid energizes
metabolism. Recent studies focus on how it improves the physique,
combats free radicals, protects DNA, slows aging, and protects against
heart disease, cancer and other diseases.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid maintains liver health and treats toxicity. Alpha-Lipoic
acid is a European treatment for chemical overdoses: mushroom poisoning,
radiation poisoning and alcoholic hepatitis. It treats diabetic neuropathy
and elevated liver enzymes. Elevated liver enzymes, an indicator of
liver damage, can be a serious problem for people with life threatening
diseases. For people on oral medications like antibiotics and anti-virals,
balanced liver enzymes are essential for drug metabolism, yet these
drugs can cause increased liver enzymes. Alpha-Lipoic acid may protect
the liver against certain drugs, making them more biocompatible. Another
benefit of Alpha-Lipoic acid is elevation of glutathione (GSH). Low
glutathione causes susceptibility to oxidative stress, inflammation
and organ damage. Low glutathione may also cause damage to nerve cells,
leading to peripheral neuropathy. Oxidative stress may also speed
up the replication of HIV.
According to Richard A. Passwater, Ph.D., in Lipoic Acid: The Metabolic
Antioxidant, "Both insulin-dependent and non-insulin-dependent
diabetics will be excited to learn that lipoic acid has been used
for nearly 30 years in Europe to treat diabetic neuropathy,
help regulate blood sugar and prevent diabetic retinopathy
and cardiopathy." "Lipoic acid not only protects
the nervous system, but also may be involved in regenerating nerves.
It is also being studied in the treatment of Parkinson's disease
and Alzheimer's disease."
"Lipoic acid has also been used for decades to protect the liver
and to detoxify the body of heavy metal pollutants, such as excessive
iron and copper and toxic metals such as cadmium, lead and mercury,"
Passwater continues. One of the most exciting recent developments
is that lipoic acid appears to help slow the progression of HIV-infection
to clinical AIDS."
It appears that alpha-lipoic acid, alone or together with vitamin
E, is an effective treatment for radiation exposure, lessening indices
of oxidative damage and normalizing organ function, according to Lester
Packer, Ph.D., et al. in Free Radical Biology and Medicine 1995. This
therapy has been effective in treating children living in areas affected
by the Chernobyl accident in the former Soviet Union."
A preliminary study with lab animals indicates that taking Acetyl-L-Carnitine
with Alpha-Lipoic Acid produces much better results than either alone.
Ref: Passwater R.,
PhD., Lipoic acid: The Metabolic Antioxidant . New Canaan(CT); Keats
Publishing;1995.p 38.
Benefits:
Alpha lipoic acid is especially beneficial for:
Benefits of taking Alpha
lipoic acid:
Side-Effects:
Alpha lipoic acid can produce a mild feeling of relaxation and well-being.
Neither animal nor human studies have shown serious side effects with
the use of alpha-lipoic acid. However, it is not recommended for pregnant
women without supervision. Since it may interfere with vitamin B-1
utilization, a thiamine or B vitamin supplement may be warranted if
lipoic acid is given to thiamine-deficient individuals, such as alcoholics.
High doses can cause nausea and upset stomachs. Excess can lead to
low blood sugar.
Clinical Research:
In Germany, diabetic patients
treated with 600 mg. of ALA daily had stabilization of urinary albumin
over 18 months while controls had an increase of albumin excretion.
In animal studies renal protective effects of ALA were attributable
to improved glycemic control plus antioxidant activity. Alpha lipoic
acid increases glucose uptake by the cells and reduces symptoms of
diabetic complications including cataract, vascular damage and polyneuropathy
(nerve damage). In a study in Diabetic Medicine, 600 mg of ALA three
times daily for 3 weeks improved polyneuropathy symptoms. Another
study using 600 to 1,800 mg of ALA daily improved insulin sensitivity.
Animal studies find reduced oxidative DNA damage in heart cells.
ALA reverses damage in aging brain cells. In Proceedings of the National
Academy of Science, aging rats treated with acetyl-L carnitine or
ALA improved memory by lowering oxidative damage and improving mitochondrial
function. Electron microscope studies indicate the nutrients reverse
age associated mitochondrial structural decay. Alpha lipoic acid helps
orally and topically for skin health and youthful appearance. ALA
can benefit glaucoma.
Most studies use 600-1,800 mg per day of alpha lipoic acid for optimal
benefits with specific health issues. Health maintenance doses of
30 - 300 mg per day may be sufficient. Doses of 500 mcg (1/2 mg) to
10 mg are probably too small to provide benefits.
References:
Diabetes Res Clin
Pract 2001 Jun;52(3):175-83
J Am Soc Nephrol 2002 Jan;13(1):108-16
Diabet Med 1999 Dec;16(12):1040-3
Free Radic Biol Med 1999 Aug;27(3-4):309-14
Free Radic Biol Med 1999 Nov;27(9-10):1114-21
FASEB J 2001 Mar;15(3):700-6
Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 2002 Feb 19;99(4):2356-61
