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 Newsletter #133 --- Alpha Lipoic Acid for a healthy long life and weight loss

 

Alpha Lipoic Acid for a Healthier and Longer Life

Scientists said that caloric restriction could extend life. This has been shown in many animal species when reducing caloric intake can increase life span up to 30%. Caloric restriction is to reduce total intake of calories to a level of 20% to 40% lower than typical consumption, but still obtain all of the necessary vitamins and nutrients. Caloric restriction, however, takes a tremendous amount of willpower.

A study published April 2008 in the journal "Mechanisms of Ageing and Development" discussing Alpha lipoic acid supplementation as a way to mimic the effects of dietary caloric restriction. In this study, a group of rats that initially had dietary restriction feeding were switched to ad libitum (as much as desired) feeding with a diet supplemented with alpha lipoic acid. It was found that the rats had extended survival characteristics similar to those of rats with dietary restriction. The researchers concluded that ad libitum feeding with a diet supplemented with alpha lipoic acid can act to mimic the effects of dietary restriction to extend survival. Daily supplementation with extra alpha lipoic acid is certainly a lot easier than cutting your diet down to 1,200 calories a day. However, I would strongly caution that no human study has yet been done on this effect. Many studies in humans indicates that a dose of 600 mg up to 1800mg per day is safe and provides numerous benefits for the body. It appears to promote healthy blood sugar as we age and also act as a universal antioxidant, both water and fat soluble, to protect cells against free radicals. (Detailed in Newsletter #36 Free Radicals and the Ultimate Antioxidant - Alpha Lipoic Acid)

Slow the Aging effect with Alpha Lipoic Acid
At a 2007 conference entitled "Diet and Optimum Health" by the Linus Pauling Institute that took place at Oregon State University, one of the key nutrients discussed was alpha lipoic acid (ALA). In animal and human studies, this compound has been shown to slow the aging process, improve blood flow, enhance immune function, promote healthy blood sugar and so on. Dr. Tory Hagen, a researcher at Linus Pauling Institute, said that "alpha lipoic acid turns on the basic cellular defenses of the body, including many of those that naturally decline with age. In particular, it tends to restore levels of glutathione, a protective antioxidant and detoxification compound to those of a young animal." Hagen adds, "Our studies have shown that mice supplemented with Alpha lipoic acid have a cognitive ability, behavior and genetic expression of almost 100% detoxification and antioxidant genes that are comparable to that of young animals. They aren't just living longer, they're living better."

Alpha Lipoic Acid for optimal neurological health

Many neurologists recommend alpha lipoic acid along acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) to their patients with poor peripheral nerve function especially those with diabetic neuropathy. Patients will frequently present with pain and numbness in their feet. In many cases, this symptom improved after supplementing with these important nutrients.
Several years ago, a study was published where aged rats were given a combination of acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) and ALA. Not only did these rats perform in a more youthful fashion, when their brains were autopsied, it actually showed regeneration of brain neurons and tissue. ALC works by providing fuel for the cell via the Kreb's cycle and promotes healthy mitochondrial function in a manner similar but complimentary to coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10).

Alpha Lipoic Acid, CoQ10, Resveratrol and Acetyl-L-Carnitine combined are the most powerful anti-aging nutrients for promoting energy, cellular health, cardiovascular health, blood sugar controland optimal neurological health.

Alpha Lipoic Acid for Weight Loss

In the January 17, 2008 issue of Circulation, researchers at Oregon State University and the University of Washington published that Alpha lipoic acid supplements in mice (equivalent to the human dose of about 2 grams daily) reduced atherosclerotic lesions by up to 55 percent. The supplements were also associated with almost 40 percent less body weight gain and lower levels of triglycerides in very low-density lipoproteins. This study involving mice has found that daily supplementing with Alpha lipoic acid may have potential benefits for human beings too.

Together with other research on Alpha lipoic acid, Dr. Andrew Weil is convinced that supplementing with Alpha lipoic acid is a good idea. So he has included 400 mg a day in his personal regime.

Alpha Lipoic Acid is a naturally occurring nutrient found in green leafy vegetables, potatoes and meats, but at levels far below what can be obtained through supplementation. People with diabetes should take Alpha Lipoic Acid 600mg - up to 1800mg/day for neuropathy, cataracts or macular degeneration or renal dysfunction (Nephropathy). Blood glucose monitoring is advised. Side effects even at these higher dosages are practically nonexistent.

 

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Reference

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Dr. Tsang wishes to share his knowledge & Opinion with the public regarding the importance of " Nutritional Supplements ". This is for your information only. Drugs have powerful effects on the body, so please don't abruptly stop taking any prescription medication. Always consult your physician or health care provider before you use any nutritional supplement or switch from drugs to natural health products. 

 

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