Lipoic Acid


Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA), or simply lipoic acid as it is also called, has a strong antioxidant activity. In the 1980s, scientists discovered that it possessed antioxidant properties capable of preventing cellular aging by bonding with unstable oxygen molecules called free radicals that damage cellular structures. ALA as a compound has been shown to be many times stronger than such standard antioxidants as Vitamin C and E.

Benefits of Alpha-Lipoic Acid

Alpha-lipoic acid offers additional benefits that other antioxidants do not, since it offers the capacity to recycle Vitamin C and E, and other antioxidants, thus furthering their effectiveness and lifespan of use. While most Vitamins are also either water or fat soluble, alpha-lipoic acid dissolves in both. This makes it capable of traveling in both the nervous system, which is comprised mainly of fat, and other systems like the heart and kidneys, which are comprised mostly by water. The ability to travel in various mediums make it more flexible and efficient antioxidant, capable of harnessing more free radicals than other antioxidants.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid Sources

Alpha-lipoic acid is a naturally occurring antioxidant, widely found in plant and animal sources such as spinach, liver, and brewer's yeast. It was discovered that the human body also produces small quantities of the substance, so this is why it is not classified as a vitamin. Vitamins are nutrients required for proper health, but are not produced by the body and must be obtained through dietary sources.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid Functions and Usages

ALA has been suggested as a beneficial dietary supplement for a number of conditions. Cell culture experiments have shown lipoic acid to assist in the uptake of glucose by attracting glucose transporters to cell membranes, and it may improve insulin levels. This may make it effective in treating diabetes. It has already been proven to of great aid to diabetic neuropathy. This may be attributed to its antioxidant function, which may serve in protecting nerves from the free radical damage associated with poorly regulated glucose levels. ALA also assists B vitamins in producing energy from proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.

While most studies on ALA have been related to preventing complications in diabetes, it also holds promise for treating other disorders such as HIV, liver disease, and glaucoma, and it has been used intravenously to treat mushroom poisoning. ALA's antioxidant functions may improve long-term memory and age related diseases, and thus may be useful in cases of Alzheimer's. It may help to prevent cancer and heart disease, but these claims haven't been substantiated yet. Since it has an effect on the cellular mitochondrion output of energy, it might be useful for fatigue syndromes. ALA is also being studied in treating multiple sclerosis.

Taking Alpha-Lipoic Acid

For general antioxidant protection and to preserve brain function in aging adults, taking 100mg twice a day is recommended. To prevent diabetes complications experts recommend 200mg twice a day, along with 1,000mg of Vitamin C and 400 IU of Vitamin E. Alpha-lipoic acid can be purchased as a single supplement or in a multi-vitamin product. Alpha-lipoic acid is safe when taken at the commonly recommended dosages, but if you have diabetes or other health issues, consult your doctor first, as some drug interactions do exist. Do not take alpha-lipoic acid if you are pregnant.

By Doug Vanisky           


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