Alpha lipoic acid is a natural enzyme used for energy and is a powerful antioxidant. It can be found in foods and supplements and has been studied for its ability to prevent and treat various conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, liver disorders, and peripheral neuropathy associated with diabetes. However, it should be monitored by healthcare professionals as it can affect glucose levels and interact with some medications.
Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a naturally produced enzyme in the body that is used in aerobic metabolism for energy. Commonly referred to simply as lipoic acid, this organic compound is a powerful antioxidant. However, lipoic acid is actually a metabolite of alpha lipoic acid also known as dihydrolipoic acid. This reduced form of alpha lipoic acid contains lipoate, which is used by many other enzymes in oxidative metabolism.
Because alpha lipoic acid has demonstrated antioxidant effects in numerous studies, it is available as an oral dietary supplement. However, it is also found in a variety of foods, including organ meats, brewer’s yeast, potatoes, broccoli and spinach. The primary action of alpha lipoic acid is to inhibit oxidative stress. This is accomplished by counteracting free radicals, the waste products created during the conversion of food into energy.
Alpha lipoic acid also helps other antioxidants protect cells from oxidative damage, such as vitamin C, vitamin E and glutathione. Both dihydrolipoic acid and alpha lipoic acid also exhibit chelating properties, meaning they bind to heavy metals to remove them from the bloodstream. Additionally, alpha lipoic acid prevents glycosylation, which occurs from the abnormal attachment of a sugar to a protein. This is the same process that occurs when food browns in the oven, resulting in the formation of potential carcinogens. Similarly, dangerous by-products can also be produced in the human body.
Alpha lipoic acid has been studied for its ability to prevent and/or treat a variety of conditions and diseases. Because it can cross the blood-brain barrier to provide antioxidant effects on neural cells, alpha lipoic acid may be beneficial in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease and stroke. In fact, studies involving animal models show that supplementing with alpha lipoic acid increases the chance of surviving a stroke fourfold. Alpha lipoic acid has also been shown to remove mercury from brain tissue.
Due to its detoxifying properties, alpha lipoic acid may be useful in treating liver disorders, such as chronic hepatitis. In fact, alpha lipoic acid has long been the standard treatment for Amanita poisoning, a highly toxic mushroom. However, alpha lipoic acid has not demonstrated any significant benefit for liver damage from excessive alcohol consumption.
Numerous studies have found that alpha lipoic acid can improve the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy associated with diabetes. Indeed, it is commonly prescribed for this purpose in Europe. Studies have also shown that alpha lipoic acid also improves glucose absorption and may play a role in kidney protection.
While alpha lipoic acid is generally considered safe, supplementation by some individuals should be monitored by a healthcare professional. For example, because alpha lipoic acid affects serum glucose levels, care should be taken to prevent hypoglycemia or low blood sugar in diabetics. Also, alpha lipoic acid can interact with some medications, such as thyroid hormones and some antibiotics.
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