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Lipoic Acid

Description

Lipoic acid is a vitamin-like, antioxidant cofactor for energy metabolism. It has an affinity for heavy metal binding, and there is evidence it may be helpful in supporting the function of glucose receptors to increase cellular uptake of sugar.

Signs and Symptoms for Nutrient Applications

- Antioxidant - Heavy metal detoxification - Energy metabolism - Liver detoxification - Immune support - Diabetic neuropathy - Glaucoma - Viral hepatitis

Clinical Applications/Research

Antioxidant Properties

There are numerous molecules, known as free radicals, which cause us to age rapidly and may contribute to serious health problems. Most of these free radicals, whether they come from pollution, smoke or chemicals, can be controlled by a group of nutrients called antioxidants. One excellent example of an antioxidant is Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA), a substance found in food and manufactured in small quantities by the body. In 1988, it was discovered that Alpha-Lipoic Acid was a powerful metabolic antioxidant. Alpha-Lipoic Acid has been shown to replenish Vitamin C and glutathione and helps to recycle Vitamin E. As an added benefit, Alpha-Lipoic Acid promotes cellular and muscular energy and functions as a co-enzyme in the metabolism of sugars. Alpha-Lipoic Acid supplementation is necessary whenever increased energy is required; periods of strenuous physical activity and a desire for optimum vitality are excellent examples of situations with this need. Lipoic acid is a powerful liver detoxifier and protects against the effects of toxic metals in the liver. In addition to its effect on the repair and protection of the liver, Alpha-Lipoic Acid helps to supply energy to the brain and boosts the effectiveness of the immune system. As an antioxidant, Alpha-Lipoic Acid is unique because it is both fat- and water-soluble. Because of this property, it can enter all areas of the cell affected by free radicals. Alpha-Lipoic Acid also helps to convert pyruvate into acetyl co-enzyme A, one of the main fuels driving the Krebs Cycle, which provides the body with its energy. As a result, one can improve the body's rate of metabolism of fats and carbohydrates while increasing athletic strength and endurance. When combined with other antioxidants, Alpha-Lipoic Acid has the ability to lengthen cell life, fight infection, increase energy and detoxify the body. The best food sources of lipoic acid are believed to be those foods rich in mitochondria – red meat (skeletal muscle, heart, liver, kidney). Other sources are yeast, spinach, and broccoli.

Diabetic Neuropathy

ALA is approved in Germany for preventing and treating diabetic neuropathy. The effect may result from the antioxidant activity. ALA may also help reduce blood glucose, cataract risk, and damaging glycosylation of proteins. It also increases blood flow to peripheral nerves (Packer L, Antioxidant properties of lipoic acid and its therapeutic effects in prevention of diabetes complications and cataracts. Annals NY Acad Sci 1994;738:257-64; Nagamatsu M, et al, Lipoic acid improves nerve blood flow, reduces oxidative stress, and improves distal nerve conduction in experimental diabetic neuropathy. Diabetes Care 1995;18:1160-67; Jacob S, et al, Enhancement of glucose disposal in patients with Type 2 diabetes by alpha-lipoic acid. Arzneimittel Forschung 1995;45:872-74; Kawabata T and Packer L, Alpha-lipoate can protect against of serum albumin, but not low-density lipoprotein. Biochem Biophys Res Comm 1994;203:99-104.) In a four-week, randomized, multi-centered trial, 74 patients with type 2 diabetes received either placebo or ALA at 600 mg once, twice, or three times daily. The results indicated that oral ALA may improve insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetics (Jacob S, et al, Oral administration of RAC-alpha lipoic acid modulates insulin sensitivity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a placebo-controlled pilot trial. Free Radic Biol Med 27(3-4):309-314, August 1999).

Viral Hepatitis

As hepatitis viral load increases, glutathione decreases. ALA, in combination with milk thistle and N-acetyl cysteine, may be quite helpful for chronic hepatitis B and C. This approach may support the liver’s ability to handle the pathologic effects of viral infestation (Bustamante J, et al, Rihn BH: Alpha-lipoic acid in liver metabolism and disease. Free Radic Biol Med 24(6):1023-1039, April 1998).

Glaucoma

Preliminary evidence indicates that a daily dose of 150 mg of alpha lipoic acid for one month improves visual function in people with glaucoma (Filina AA, Davydova NG, Endrikhovskii SN, et al. Lipoic acid as a means of metabolic therapy of open-angle glaucoma. Vestn Oftalmol 1995;111:6–8).

Suggested Dosage

Antioxidant support: 50-150 mg daily Diabetes: 300 – 600 mg daily AIDS: 150 mg three times daily (Hendler, Murray) Glaucoma: 150 mg daily

Disclaimer: The statements above have not been evaluated by the FDA. The nutritional suggestions and research provided are for informational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease and should not be used as a substitute for sound medical advice. Please see your health care professional in all matters pertaining to your physical health.

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