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Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Dosage
100 mg. Size: 60 scored tabletsIngredient
Alpha-Lipoic Acid 100 mg
Direction:
2 tablets per day or as directed by your physician.
About Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)
Alpha lipoic acid (ALA, also known as thioctic acid) is a vitamin-like natural antioxidant. ALA is sometimes referred to as the "Ultimate universal antioxidant," since it is soluble in both fat and water. A universal antioxidant with key roles in energy and glucose metabolism. This unique antioxidant can neutralize free radicals just about everywhere in the body. It can also recharge other antioxidants, such as vitamins C, E, and glutathione. ALA helps regenerate other antioxidants that have been used up. And, because it functions much like a B-vitamin, it helps convert food into energy. Studies show alpha-lipoic acid helps transport glucose into the cell thereby maintaining proper blood sugar metabolism. Although the body makes some alpha-lipoic acid, it might not be enough for optimal nutrition. Thus, dietary sources and/or supplements may be needed to fill in the gaps. Alpha-Lipoic Acid helps: * Deactivate free radicals * Extend the action of other antioxidants * Release energy from food * Maintain proper glucose metabolism. The body makes small amounts of alpha lipoic acid. ALA has several potential benefits for diabetics. It enhances glucose uptake in non-insulin-dependent diabetes (NIDDM), inhibits glycosylation (the abnormal attachment of sugar to protein), and has been used to improve diabetic nerve damage and reduce pain associated with that nerve damage. ALA has been shown to inhibit the replication of the HIV virus in the test tube. ALA has been given to people who have eaten poison mushrooms, significantly increasing the survival rate. ALA is presently used in therapy for a variety of liver and kidney disorders due to free radical damage.
Side Effect: Rare but can include skin rash and the potential of hypoglycemia in diabetic patients. Diabetics taking diabetic drugs should always monitor their blood glucose level when taking ALA at the same time.
Clinical Studies
Several open studies show benefits for oral Alpha lipoic acid in reducing symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy .7-11
The DEKAN (Deutsche Kardiale Autonome Neuropathie) study followed 73 people with diabetes who had symptoms caused by nerve damage affecting the heart. Treatment with 800 mg daily of oral ALA showed statistically significant improvement.7
Preliminary evidence suggests that Alpha lipoic acid may improve other aspects of diabetes as well, including circulation in small blood vessels, metabolism of sugar and protein, and the body's response to insulin.2-6
One study by Dr. Berkson has shown benefit for alpha-lipoic acid as part of a combination "triple antioxidant" therapy for hepatitis C with liver failure. 12
References
1. Book "Alpha Lipoic Acid , Nature's Ultimate Antioxidant" written By Allan Sosin, MD
2. Jacob S, Henriksen EJ, Schiemann AL, et al. Enhancement of glucose disposal in patients with type 2 diabetes by alpha-lipoic acid. Arzneimittelforschung. 1995;45:872-874.
3. Kawabata T, Packer L. Alpha-lipoate can protect against glycation of serum albumin, but not low density lipoprotein. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1994;203:99-104.
4. Nagamatsu M, Nickander KK, Schmelzer JD, et al. Lipoic acid improves nerve blood flow, reduces oxidative stress, and improves distal nerve conduction in experimental diabetic neuropathy. Diabetes Care. 1995;18:1160-1167.
5. Suzuki YJ, Tsuchiya M, Packer L. Lipoate prevents glucose-induced protein modifications. Free Radic Res Commun. 1992;17:211-217.
6. Jacob S, Ruus P, Hermann R, 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. 1999;27:309-314.
7. Ziegler D, Gries FA. Alpha-lipoic acid in the treatment of diabetic peripheral and cardiac autonomic neuropathy. Diabetes. 1997;46(suppl 2):S62-S66.
8. Kahler W, Kuklinski B, Ruhlmann C, et al. Diabetes mellitus-a free radical-associated disease. Results of adjuvant antioxidant supplementation [in German; English abstract]. Z Gesamte Inn Med. 1993;48:223-232.
9. Ziegler D, Hanefeld M, Ruhnau KJ, et al. Treatment of symptomatic diabetic peripheral neuropathy with the anti-oxidant alpha-lipoic acid. A 3-week multicentre randomized controlled trial (ALADIN Study). Diabetologia. 1995;38:1425-1433.
10. Packer L, Witt EH, Tritschler HJ. Alpha-lipoic acid as a biological antioxidant. Free Radic Biol Med. 1995;19:227-250.
11. Ruhnau KJ, Meissnert HP, Finn JR, et al. Effects of 3-week oral treatment with the antioxidant thioctic acid (alpha-lipoic acid) in symptomatic diabetic polyneuropathy. Diabet Med. 1999;16:1040-1043.
12. Berkson BM. A conservative triple antioxidant approach to the treatment of hepatitis C. Combination of alpha lipoic acid (thioctic acid), silymarin, and selenium: three case histories. Med Klin, 1999 Oct, 94 Suppl 3:, 84-9
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Disclaimer
This is a statement of nutritional support. This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to medically diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your health care provider before using any supplement.