Alpha Lipoic Acid

 

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.
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