What is dietary supplement?

A dietary supplement, also known as nutritional supplement or food supplement, is a preparation intended to supplement the diet and nutrients that may be missing or may not be consumed in sufficient quantities in a person’s diet. Some countries define dietary supplements as foods, while in others they are defined as drugs or natural health products. The ingredients of dietary supplement may contain vitamin, mineral, herb or other botanical, amino acid, or combination of any of the above. In the US some hormones also can be marked as dietary supplements. Dietary supplement conforms for ingestion in pill, capsule, tablet, powder or liquid form and not represented for use as a conventional food or as the sole item of a meal or diet.  

Why Dietary supplements are important?

There are reasons why dietary supplements are important to our daily life.

1. Life is more demanding

Modern society puts a greater demand on our bodies than ever before. Most of the time we are under a great lot of stress and much activities in our daily life. We also live in an environment or consume foods full of chemical toxins that are nearly impossible to avoid. All this puts a tremendous demand on the body and creates the need for additional nutrients to sustain proper function and recovery.

2. Less optimal quality of food

Many farmed foods are often grown in depleted soil or using composing fertilizer, and as a result, they have low levels of nutrients and minerals. The spraying of pesticides and other chemicals that further reduce the nutritional quality. And because of environmental pollution, even organic food doesn’t contain the amount of nutrition it did just a century ago. Supplements help compensate for the reduced nutritional content of our food.

3. Shortage of essential nutrients

Because of living in a restricted area or taking a restricted diet due to illness, some essential nutrients are not included in our regular diets. For example, Cholesterol and fatty acid are the basic materials for the cell membrane formation and maintenance. Choline is a substance that makes acetycholine, an important chemical for nerve conduction. Too low or shortage of essential nutrients impact the function of organs and the general body health.

4. Impaired digestion and absorption

Because poor diets have become so common in modern society, many of us have compromised digestion and absorption and are not properly assimilating all the food we eat. Supplement in a concentrated form can accomplish our need and are a much more convenient means of obtaining the additional nutrients.  

How to choose a dietary supplement?

1. Determine what nutrient you need to supply for your body.

First of all, you have to figure out what nutrient you need to supply to your body in order to support the organ’s need or to gain a maximal function of organs. Do you need vitamin, mineral, amino acid, herbal material, or a combination of those?

2. Understand the characteristic and the form of the supplement.

Some form of supplement could not be easily absorbed through the intestine, or cannot reach to a particular organ. Extract in various concentrations is easier to be absorbed by the intestine than raw botanicals, and much easier in controlling the quantity. And be noted that not every substance can pass thru the blood-brain-barrier to the brain to improve the function of the brain.

3. Read the details and label of the product.

A responsible manufacturer would explore the details of the supplemental product to the consumers. Scientific references are good supporters. And the contents in the supplements should match to the label’s fact. So called “famous brand” is not necessary means a good product. And watch carefully the side effect or contraindication of the supplement use.

4. Consult your health provider.

Although not every health provider understand well the dietary supplement, consult to a health provider would not be a bad idea, especially if you have health condition or under medications.

To keep the wellness of brain cells it needs materials to build, to maintain and to repair the cell membrane of the brain cells. To promote good transmission of impulse and communication between brain cells it needs enough neuro-transmitters to work on. Energy produces by the mitrochondria of brain cell needs enough chemical fuel to accomplish. Thus, we can see the brain needs various nutrients to make it function well. Once if the necessary nutrients are not produce enough by the brain itself it needs an external supplying. That means we need memory improvement supplements.

Several herbs or compounds work as memory improvement supplement have been proved by researches. But each memory improvement supplement has its specific function and most of the time a combination of them should be used to arrive an ideal result.

Here list out some materials that have specific action and highly recommendad to use as memory improvement supplement.

Ginseng (Natural Herb)

Main contents: Ginsenoside,  Panaxosides

Work as: Adaptogen

Actions: Increases general well-being

Enhances mental function

Improves immunity

Improves sports performance

Improves erectile function

Rodiola Rosea (Natural Herb)

Main contents: Rosin, Salidroside

Work as: Adaptogen, Antioxidant

Actions: Increases general wellness

Enhances mental function, and improve memory

Increases blood flow and oxygen to the brain

Help repair the damage cause by drug, alcohol or hypoxia

Reverses fatigue

Improves exercise endurance

Enhances sex drive

Fo-Ti (Natural Herb)

Main contents: Anthraquinone

Work as: Adaptogen, Antioxidant, Immunostimulant

Actions: Increases brain hormonal function

Enhances memory and learning

Prevents neuron degeneration

Promotes immune function

Improves fatigue

Improves erectile function

Gingko Biloba (Natural Herb)

Main contents: Flavonoid

Work as: Increases brain circulation, Antioxidant

Actions: Improves mood

Enhances memory

Improves concentration

Increases energy

Gota Kola (Natural Herb)

Main contents: Asiaticoside

Work as: Stimulant

Actions: Enhances cognitive function

Improves memory

Improves mood

Prevents brain fatigue

N-Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC) (Amino Acid)

Work as: Fuel to mitochondria of brain cell, Enhance brain cell energy

Actions: Improves mood and mental performance

Helps to stimulate the growth of new brain cells

Slowing down the progression of brain cells aging

Helps in the muscle recovery from training and injuries

Benefits to chronic fatigue syndrome

Alpha-glyceryl phosphoryl choline (AGPC) (Phospholipid)

Work as: Precursor of neurotransmitter Acetycholine, Stimulates the enzymatic synthesis of choline in cells and cell membranes.

Actions: Improves brain development during pregnancy

Increases mental alertness, and sharpness

Better memory and concentration

Phosphatidylserine (Phospholipid)

Work as: Building block for cell membranes, Building material for neurotransmitter receptor site

Actions: Provides brain nutrient

Enhances mental function in young people

Strengthen memory, boost learning, increase vigilance

and attention, intensify concentration, increase mental

acuity, semantic skills, and control over mood

Helps nerve cell stay at homeostasis and renewal

Improves age-related memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease Slows the loss of brain functions and rejuvenate them

Relieves depression and improve mood

Decreases stress

Alpha Lipoic Acid (Fatty Acid)

Work as: Increases glutathione synthesis, Antioxidant

Actions: Neutralizes free radicals

Improves memory and cognitive function

DMAE (Amino Acid)

Work as: Precursor of Acetychoine

Actions: Increases alertness

Improves concentration

Reduces anxiety

Improves leaning and attention span

Normalizes brain-wave pattern

Yerba Mate (Natural Herb)

Main contents: Xanthine

Work as: Antioxidant, Stimulant

Actions: Increase energy, improve physical and mental fatigue

Enhances memory

Fights free radicals, stimulates heart

Burns fat, stimulates digestion

Enhances immunity

Licorice (Natural Herb)

Main contents: Flavonone

Work as: Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory

Actions: Brain cell repairing

Balancing and harmonizes ingredients

Craniac Xtreme, a supplementary product for memory improvement, contains all these important ingredients for the health of the brain. Its purely quality and effective proportions of ingredients made this product be recommended highly.

How it works:

• Act as an adaptogen, can increase the defense ability of the organism, promote healing and reduce the toxicity of certain chemicals.
• Balance the excitatory and inhibitory process of the cerebral cortex. Increase the ability of analysis.
• Excitatory action on the pituitary-adrenal cortex system: increase the function of adrenal cortex, the immunity response, increase the resistance to disease, and stimulate the pituitary gland to produce more sex hormone.
• Reduce blood sugar, regulate the metabolism of cholesterol, and increase the synthesis of protein ribose and nucleic acid.
• Increase the contraction of heart.

Positive effects:

• General Well-being.
• Enhance mental function.
• Improve blood sugar control.
• Prevent cold and flue.
• Improve sports performance.
• Improve erectile function.
• Might help cancer prevention.

Safety:

Ginseng appears to be nontoxic, both in the short- and long-term use. Reported side effects are rare.

References: 

• Forgo I, Kayasseh L, staub JJ. Effect of a standardized ginseng extract on general well-being, reaction time, lung function and gonadal hormones. Med Welt. 1981;32:751-756. 
• Ellis JM, Reddy P. Effects of Panax ginseng on quality of life. Ann Pharmacother. 2002;36:375-379. 
• Sorensen H, Sonne J. A double-masked study of the effects of ginseng on cognitive functions. Curr Ther Res. 1966:57;959-968. 
• D’Angelo L et al. A double blind,placebo-controlled clinical study on the effect of standardized ginseng extract on psychomotor performance in healthy volunteers. J Ethnopharmacol. 1986;16:15-22. 
• Siegl C, Siegl HJ. The possible revision of impaired mental abilities in old age: a double-blind study with Panax ginseng. Therapiewoche. 1979;29:4209-4216. 

Ginkgo has been used in traditional Chinese herbology for numerous problems. Both leaf and seed provide similar action and used for respiratory illness and asthma. Seed was  commonly used but rarely the leaf. In 1950s, German researchers started to investigate the medical possibilities of ginkgo leaf extracts rather than remedies using the seeds. Ginkgo contains many different chemical substances, but mostly flavonoids and terpene lactones. Flavonoids are natural substances that are also found in fruits and vegetables. Flavonoids act as antioxidants, have an influence on the immune system. Most ginkgo products on the market list a flavonoid concentration of 24%. The most important terpene lactones are ginkgolides and bilobides. Ginkgolides have not been found in other plant species.

Ginkgo extracts are among the most widely studied herbs in Europe on their usage for memory functions. There were positive and negative research result of ginkgo’s memory effect for Alzheimer’s dementia, age-related cognitive decline and healthy subjects. In fact, it is hardly to compare and justify the result on various studies which had different design, protocol, using material and validated methods. Major professionals still believe ginkgo can help to improve memory either to sickness of healthy person. And ginkgo is still has a big market share in Europe and US.

However, ginseng seems can fire the action of ginkgo. Clinical study leading by Keith Wesnes at the University of Northumbria gave 256 healthy volunteers between the ages of 36 and 66 either a combination of ginkgo and ginseng or a placebo. The Ginkgo/ginseng combination was found significantly to improve an Index of Memory Quality. This effect represented an average improvement of 7.5% and reflected improvements to a number of different aspects of memory, including working and long-term memory. This represents the first substantial demonstration of improvements to the memory of healthy middle-aged volunteers produced by a phytopharmaceutical. Combining phosphatidylserine (PS) along with ginkgo might increase its efficacy.

How it works:

• Acts as an antioxidant.
• Prevents red blood cells and platelets from aggregating to form clots.
• Allows more oxygen to supply neurons.
• Improves circulation in the tiny blood vessels by inducing relaxation of the muscles surrounding blood vessels.

Positive Effects:

• Improves mood.
• Enhances memory.
• Improves concentration.
• Increases energy.

Safety:

No serious side effects have been noted. Rare side effects of headache, stomach or intestinal complaints, nosebleeds have been reported at high doses. Use caution if taking blood-thinning medication.

References:

• Kennedy DO, Scholey AB, Wesnes KA. The dose-dependent cognitive effects of acute administration of Ginkgo biloba to healthy young volunteers. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2000;151:416-423. 
• Wesnes KA, Ward T, McGinty A, Petrini O. The memory enhancing effects of a Ginkgo biloba/Panax ginseng combination in healthy middle-aged volunteers. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2000 Nov;152(4):353-61 
• Wesnes KA, Faleni RA, Hefting NR el al. The cognitive, subjective, and physical effects of a ginkgo biloba/panax ginseng combination in healthy volunteers with neurasthenic complaints. Psychoparmacol Bull. 1997;33:677-683. 
• Kennedy DO, Haskell CF, Mauri PL, et al. Acute cognitive effects of standardized ginkgo biloba extract complexed with phosphatidylserine. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2007 Apr.25. 
• Brautigam MR, et al. Treatment of age-related memory complaints with Gingko biloba extract: a randomized double blind placebo-controlled study. Phytomedicine. 1998;5:425-434. 
• Mix JA, Crews WD Jr. An examination of the efficacy of Ginko biloba extract on the neuropsychologic functioning of cognitively intact older adults. J Altern Complement Med. 2000;6:219-229. 
• Hofferberth B. The efficacy of Egb 761 in patients with senile dementia of Alzheimer type, a double-blind, placebo-controlled study on different levels of investigation. Hum Psychopharmacol. 1994;9:215-222. 
• Le Bars PL et al. A placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized trial of an extract of Ginkgo biloba for dementia. North American EGb Study Group. JAMA. 1997;278:1327-1332.

How it works:

• Reduce blood cholesterol. The root of fo-ti contains lectins, which can help prevent cholesterol accumulation in the liver and fat deposits on the arterial wall.
• Enhance learning and memory. Studies shown the evidence that fo-ti prevent the degeneration of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons in the brain.
• Promotes blood cells formation. Studies also shown fo-ti can promote the formation of blood cells. And it is believed that it is a stimulate action on bone marrow.
• Adaptogen. Fo-ti inhibits the growth of bacteria, increases laboratory animals’ ability to adapt to cold temperatures, and also shown antitumor, antioxidant, and immunostimulant effects.

 Positive effects:

• Enhance learning and memory
• Promote immune function
• Improve fatigue
• Lower cholesterol
• Improve erectile function

Safety:

Large dose of fo-ti could cause diarrhea or numbness in the extremities. Fo-ti also has some estrogenic activity and people with estrogen-related cancers of the breast, ovary, uterus, and prostate should take extra caution. There have been rare reports of  chronic consumption of high doses of Fo-Ti product (Shou-wu pian, manufactured in China) inducing liver damage or hepatitis.

 References:

• Chan YC, Cheng FC, Wang MF. Beneficial effects of different Polygonum multiflorum Thunb ( Fo-Ti ) extracts on memory and hippocampus morphology. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2002 Dec;48(6):491-7.
• Chan YC et al. Polygonum multiflorum (Fo-ti) extracts improve cognitive performance in senescence accelerated mice. Am J Chin Med. 2003;31(2):171-9.
• Li M, Du XP, Ye H.Protective effect of polygonum multiflorum thunb on the cerebral cholinergic neurofibers in rats Hunan Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao. 2003 Aug;28(4):361-4.
• Mazzanti G, et al. New case of acute hepatitis following the consumption of Shou Wu Pian, a Chinese herbal product derived from Polygonum multiflorum. Ann Intern Med. 2004 Apr 6;140(7):W30.
• Wang R et al. Changes in hippocampal synapses and learning-memory abilities in age-increasing rats and effects of tetrahydroxystilbene glucoside in aged rats. Neuroscience. 2007 Nov 23;149(4):739-46. Epub 2007 Sep 12.
• Ling S, et al. 13. Effects of four medicinal herbs on human vascular endothelial cells in culture. Int J Cardiol. 2008 Aug 29;128(3):350-8. Epub 2007 Aug. 
• Zhang l, et al. Learning-memory deficit with aging in APP transgenic mice of Alzheimer’s disease and intervention by using tetrahydroxystilbene glucoside. Behav Brain Res. 2006 Oct 16;173(2):246-54. Epub 2006 Aug 9. 

How it works:

• Adaptogen. Help the body adapt to stresses of various kinds, whether heat, cold, exertion, trauma, sleep deprivation, toxic exposure, radiation, infection, or psychological stress.
• Anti-oxidant. Protects the liver from damages caused by a lipid type of peroxide.
• Adjusts the blood flow of the central nervous system. Increase oxygen carrying blood to the brain, help to repair the damages cause by drug, alcohol, or hypoxia.

• Improve exercise endurance. Activate the synthesis or re-synthesis of ATP in mitochondria which acts as the main energy source for majority cellular functions and is essential for locomotion and respiration.

 Positive Effects:

• Increase general wellness.
• Enhance mental function, and improve memory.
• Reverse fatigue.
• Improve exercise endurance.
• Lower blood sugar.
• Enhance sex drive.
• Help prevent strokes caused by hypertension.
• Might help preventing altitude sickness.
• Protect liver from damage and might aid cancer chemotherapy.

Safety:

Rhodiola has a history of centuries of fold use and has been the subject of many clinical studies. No side effects or interactions have been reported.

 References:

• Darbinyan V, Kteyan A Panossian A, et al.  Rhodiola rosea in stress induced fatigue – a double blind cross-over study of a standardized extract SHR-5 with a repeated low-dose regimen on the mental performance of healthy physicians during night duty. Phytomedicine. 2000;7:365-371. 
• Spasov AA, et al. A double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study of the stimulating and adaptogenic effect of Rhodiola rosea SHR-5 extract on the fatigue of students caused by stress during an examination period with a repeated low-dose regimen. Phytomedicine. 2000;7:85-89 
• Shevtsov VA, Et al. A randomized trial of two different doses of a SHR-5 Rhodiolarosea extract versus placebo and control of capacity for mental work. Phytomeicine. 2003;10:95-105. 
• Abidov, M. et al. Effects of extracts from rhodiola rosea and rhodiola crenulata (crassulaceae)
• roots on ATP content in mitochondria of skeletal muscles. Bull. Exp. Biol. Med. 136, 585-587 (2003) 
• De Bock K, et al. Acute Rhodiola rosea intake can improve endurance exercise performance. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2004;14:298-307. 
• Fintelmann V, Gruenwald J. Efficacy and tolerability of a rhodiola rosea extract in adults with physical and cognitive deficiencies. Adv Ther. 2007;24:929=939. 

How it works:

• Antioxidant. Gotu Kola has anti-oxidant properties which can help prevent the brain from the damage effect of free-radicles.
• Stimulant. The stimulate property of Gotu Kola promotes the brain’s ability to focus, and provides anti-anxiety, anti-depressive and anti-stress effects.

Positive effects: 

• Enhances cognitive function
• Improves memory
• Improves concentration
• Prevents fatigue

How it works:

• Antioxidant. The leaf of yerba mate has been demonstrated to inhibit lipid peroxidation, particularly Low density lipoprotein (LDL). Oxidation of LDL is considered to be the initiating factor in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Study also has shown yerba mate to inhibit the formation of advanced glycation enproducts (AGEs). The formation of AGEs play a part in the development of diabetic complications.  
• Revive mental fatigue. The primary active substances in Yerb mate, xanthine alkaloid (caffeine, theobromine and theophlline), effective on physical and mental fatigue. Yerba mate is indicated for the treatment of fatigue, asthenia, weight loss, depression, and headaches. 

 Positive effects:

• Increase energy, improve physical and mental fatigue.
• Enhances memory
• Fight free radicals, stimulate heart
• Burns fat, suppresses excessive appetite, stimulate digestion
• Enhances immunity

Safety:

The caffeine content in yerba mate is 0.7-2% (coffee beans 1-2.5%, black tea 2.5-4.5, guarana seed 4-8%). In compare with others the content of caffeine in Yerba mate is not high. But for those have tendency to caffeine sensitive, or in pregnancy or lactation should avoid to consume it. Yerba mate does not show “caffeine crash” (when they were off and you get insanely tired from the drop of caffeine in you body).

References: 

• Alikaridis, F. Natural constituent of Ilex species J. Ethnopharmacol. 1987;20(2):121-144. 
• Fossati, C. On the virtue and therapeutic properties of Yerba mate. Clin. Ter. 1976;78(3):265-272. 
• Pomilio, A. B., et al. High performance capillary electrophoresis analysis of mate infusions prepared from stems and leaves of Ilex paraguariensis using automated micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography. Phytochem. Anal. 2002;13(4);235-241. 
• Vasque, A. et al. Studies on mate drinking. J. Ethnopharmacol. 1986; 18:267-272. 
• Leiberman, H. R., et al. Effects of caffeine, sleep loss, and stress on cognitive performance and mood during US Navy SEAL training. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2002;164(3):250-261. 
• Matsunaga, K., et al. Ingibitory action of Paraguayan medicinal plants on 5-lipooxygenase. Natural Med. 2000;54(3):151-154. 
• Filip, R., et al Antioxidant activity of Ilex paraguariensis and relaed species. Nutr. Res. 2000;20(10):1437-1446. 
• Gugliucci, A. Antioxidant effects of Ilex paraguarientsis: induction of decreased oxidability of human LDL in vivo. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 1996;224(2):338-344. 

How it works:

• Fuel for the brain to help maintain a higher level of mental performance: cognition, reception, interpretation, focusing and memory.
• It transports long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria to metabolize to generate energy. Enhance cellular energy in the brain.
• Helps make acetylcholine and promotes healthy neurological function. Helps slow the effect of aging. Decreases symptoms of depression.
• Acts as an antioxidant protecting the neurons and mitochondria from oxidative damage and keeps the nervous system youthful.
• Remove toxic accumulations of fatty acids from mitochondria, keeping these organelles healthy and functioning at their best.

 Positive effects:

• Improves mood and mental performance.
• Helps to stimulate the growth of new brain cells and improve communication between the right and left hemispheres of the brain.
• Slowing down the progression of brain cells aging.
• Preventing myocardial and tissue ischemia.
• May have a lowering effect on esterified cholesterol and arachidonic acid levels related to aging.
• It may have a positive effect on skeletal muscle and may help in the recovery from training and injuries.
• It also shows an improving effect on nerve pain.
• May increase sperm count and mobility.
• May help improve male sexual function.
• May benefit to chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Benefit heart and vessels.

Safety:

Not recommended for those with diabetes, liver disease or kidney disease.

 References:

• Malaguarnera M, Cammalleri L, Gargante MP, et al. L-Carnitine treatment reduces severity of physical and mental fatigue and increases cognitive functions in centenarians: a randomized and controlled clinical trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007;86:1738-44. 
• Malaguarnera M, Cammalleri L, Gargante MP, et al. L-Carnitine treatment reduces severity of physical and mental fatigue and increases cognitive functions in centenarians: a randomized and controlled clinical trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007;86:1738-44. 
• Pistone G, Marino A, Leotta C, et al. Levocarnitine administration in elderly subjects with rapid muscle fatigue: effect on body composition, lipid profile and fatigue. Drugs Aging. 2003;20:761-767. 
• Plioplys AV, Plioplys S. Amantadine and L-carnitine treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome. Neuropsychobiology. 1997;35:16-23. 
• Marzo A, Arrigoni Martelli E, Urso R et al: Metabolism and disposition of intravenously administered acetyl-L-carnitine in healthy volunteers. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1989; 37(1):59-63.
• Arrigo A, Clano E, Casale R et al: The effects of L-acetylcarnitine on reaction times in patients with cerebrovascular nsufficiency: a double-blind cross-over study. Clin Trials J 1988; 25(suppl 1):47-56. 
• Bonavita E, Bertuzzi D, Bonavita J et al: L-Acetylcarnitine (L-Ac) (Branigen) in the long-term symptomatic treatment of senile dementia. Clin Trials J 1988; 25(4):227-237.
• Montgomery SA, Thal LJ, & Amrein R: Meta-analysis of double blind randomized controlled clinical trials of acteyl-L-carnitine versus placebo in the treatment of mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer’s disease. Int Clin Psychopharmacol 2003; 18:61-71.
• Passeri M, Cucinotta D, Bonati PA, et al. Acetyl-L-carnitine in the treatment of mildly demented elderly patients. Int J Clin Pharmacol Res. 1990;10:75-79. 
• Calvani M, Carta A, Caruso G, et al. Action of acetyl-L-carnitine in neurodegeneration and Alzheimer’s disease. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1992;663:483-486. 
• Sano M, Bell K, Cote L, et al. Double-blind parallel design pilot study of acetyl levocarnitine in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Arch Neurol. 1992;49:1137-1141. 
• Spagnoli A, Lucca U, Menasce G, et al. Long-term acetyl-L-carnitine treatment in Alzheimer’s disease. Neurology. 1991;41:1726-1732. 
• Vecchi GP, Chiari G, Cipolli C, et al. Acetyl-l-carnitine treatment of mental impairment in the elderly: evidence from a multicenter study. Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 1991;(suppl 2):159-168. 
• Bonavita E. Study of the efficacy and tolerability of L-acetylcarnitine therapy in the senile brain. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther Toxicol. 1986;24:511-516. 
• Salvioli G & Neri M: L-acetylcarnitine treatment of mental decline in the elderly. Drugs Exp Clin Res 1994; 4:169-174.
• De Grandis D: Tolerability and efficacy of L-Acetylcarnitine in patients with peripheral neuropathies. A short-term-open multicentre study. Clin Drug Invest 1998; 15(2):73-79.
• Sinforiani E, Iannuccelli M, Mauri M et al: Neuropsychological changes in demented patients treated with acetyl-L-carnitine. Int J Clin Pharmacol Res 1990; 10(1-2):69-74. 
• Cavallini G, Caracciolo S, Vitali G, et al. Carnitine versus androgen administration in the treatment of sexual dysfunction, depressed mood, and fatigue associated with male aging. Urology. 2004;63:641-646. 
• Garzya G, Corallo D, Fiore A, et al. Evaluation of the effects of L-acetylcarnitine on senile patients suffering from depression. Drugs Exp Clin Res. 1990;16:101-106. 
• Thal LJ, Calvani M, Amato A, et al. A 1-year controlled trial of acetyl-l-carnitine in early-onset AD. Neurology. 2000;55:805-810.
• Singh RB, Niaz MA, Agarwal P, et al. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of L-carnitine in suspected acute myocardial infarction. Postgrad Med J. 1996;72:45-50. 
• Moncada ML, Vicari E, Cimino C, et al. Effect of acetylcarnitine treatment in oligoasthenospermic patients. Acta Eur Fertil. 1992;23:221-224. 
• Lenzi A, Lombardo F, Sgro P, et al. Use of carnitine therapy in selected cases of male factor infertility: a double-blind crossover trial. Fertil Steril. 2003;79:292-300. 
• Van Oudheusden L, Scholte H. Efficacy of carnitine in the treatment of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2002;67:33. 
• Arnold LE, Amato A, Bozzolo H, et al. Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a multi-site, placebo-controlled pilot trial. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 2007;17:791-802. 

Alpha Lipoic Acid, also known as thiotic acid, ALA, is a fatty acid naturally found inside every cell in the body. It is needed by the body to produce the energy for our body’s normal functions.  ALA is bound to protein and functions as a cofactor for several important mitochondrial enzymes. ALA converts blood sugar into energy. ALA is also a potent antioxidant, a substance that protect against the elevated levels harmful chemicals called of free radicals produced from the increase in metabolism.  ALA increases the formation of glutathione, an important intracellular antioxidant that also play a role in the detoxification and elimination of potential carcinogen and toxin. Unlike the more common antioxidants vitamin C and Vitamin E, ALA functions in water and fat and able to recycle antioxidants such as vitamin C and glutatione after they have been used up.

How it works:

• Act as an antioxidant directly neutralize substance with the potential to damage DNA, protein and lipids in cell membranes, such as free radicals.
• ALA increases glutathione synthesis which is an important intracellular antioxidant.
• ALA can cross the blood-brain barrier, a wall of tiny vessels and structural cells, and pass easily into the brain. Protects brain and nerve tissue by preventing free radical damage.

Positive effects:

• Neutralize free radicals. Free radical damage is thought to contribute to aging and chronic illness.
• Improve measures of memory and cognitive function.
• Improve symptoms of peripheral neuropathy caused by various conditions.
• ALA has also been suggested for cataracts, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, Alzeheimer’s disease and stroke.

Safety:

Alpha lipoic acid may improve insulin-mediated glucose utilization, it is possible that ALA supplementation could increase the risk of hypoglycemia in diabetic patient using insulin or oral antidiabetic agent. ALA theoretically have the effect of altering thyroid hormone levels, people taking thyroid medications should be monitored by their healthcare provider.

 References:

• Packer L, Witt EH, Tritschler HJ. Alpha-lipoic acid as a biological antioxidant. Free Rad Bio Med. 1995;19(2):227-250. 
• Holmquist L, Stuchbury G, Berbaum K, et al. Lipoic acid as a novel treatment for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Pharmacol Ther . 2007;113(1):154-164.
• Hager K, Kenklies M, McAfoose J, Engel J, Münch G. Alpha-lipoic acid as a new treatment option for Alzheimer’s disease—a 48 months follow-up analysis. J Neural Transm Suppl . 2007;(72):189-93. 
• Liu J. The effects and mechanisms of mitochondrial nutrient alpha-lipoic acid on improving age-associated mitochondrial and cognitive dysfunction: an overview. Neurochem Res . 2008;33(1):194-203.
• Schreibelt G, Musters RJ, Reijerkerk A, et al. Lipoic acid affects cellular migration into the central nervous system and stabilizes blood-brain barrier integrity. J Immunol . 2006;177(4):2630-2637.
• Nichols TW Jr. α-Lipoic acid: biological effects and clinical implications. Altern Med Rev . 1997;2(3):177-183.
•