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ALPHA LIPOIC ACID
Articles by a Naturopathic
Doctor ( N.D.)
Alpha Lipoic Acid is anti-aging, anti-diabetic, and aids detoxification… |
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ALPHA LIPOIC ACID |
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Broccoli is a rich
source of alpha
lipoic |
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What is alpha lipoic acid and what does R(+)-lipoic acid mean?
Alpha lipoic acid is a potent dual solubility antioxidant and mitochondrial coenzyme that aids in the burning of glucose to form energy (as ATP). Other names for alpha lipoic acid are lipoic acid, ALA (not to be confused with alpha linolenic acid which is also known as ALA), alpha-lipoate and thioctic acid. |
When alpha lipoic acid is manufactured, both the S(-) and R(+) isomers are created in equal amounts. Although the S(-) isomer can be used by the body, the R(+) form of alpha lipoic acid is the type found naturally in the body, and is preferentially used in reactions.
What does dual solubility anti-oxidant mean?
Antioxidants tend to be either fat or water soluble (Eg. Vitamin C is water-soluble, and vitamin E is fat-soluble). This means that they can function to protect only certain regions of the body. Alpha lipoic acid is one of the most versatile antioxidants because it is both fat and water-soluble (dual solubility). Antioxidants are molecules that deactivate free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that are extremely reactive and damage surrounding tissues and nutrients. Because our bodies consist of approximately 70% water and of cells with membranes made of fats, dual solubility means that alpha lipoic acid can move into all areas of the body to deactivate harmful free radicals. This allows alpha lipoic acid to reduce damage to tissues all over the body, including those in the eye, liver, blood vessels and nerves.
Benefits for the Liver and Detoxification
Alpha lipoic acid improves the functioning of the liver, the body's chief detoxifying organ via its antioxidant capabilities. We encounter free radicals through environmental exposures, such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, and ultraviolet radiation from the sun (UV rays), and even as biproducts from our own digestion. Usually antioxidants are "used up" by reacting with, and deactivating free radicals, but in addition to its own antioxidant properties, alpha lipoic acid also helps to regenerate other antioxidants in the body such as coenzyme Q10, glutathione, vitamin E and vitamin C, all of which are used by the liver to render toxins and metabolic byproducts harmless. Thus, alpha lipoic acid supports a multitude of antioxidant reactions, including the detoxification pathways in the liver.
Alpha Lipoic Acid: Blood Sugar and Diabetes
Alpha lipoic acid has a number of benefits for those suffering from diabetes and poor blood sugar control. There is research that suggests that alpha lipoic acid can enhance insulin sensitivity, and thus help to partially reverse the cause of Type II Diabetes by allowing cells to respond better to insulin and reduce blood sugar levels. At the same time, alpha lipoic acid can help diabetics with poor glucose control to prevent negative side effects. Excess blood sugar triggers potent free radical formation that results in damage to blood vessels and nerves. This results in cardiovascular disease and peripheral neuropathy, two common side effects in those with diabetes. There is substantial research showing improvement in nerve conduction and arterial flow when diabetics supplement with alpha lipoic acid.
Anti-Aging Role, Inside and Out
Alpha lipoic acid's antioxidant powers allow it to have anti-aging properties that protect the body against environmental pollutants, UV rays, and other toxins that lead to aging. In addition to being taken internally, it is often used in lotions for topical protection of skin against free radical induced premature signs of aging. Because of its dual solubility, it can help protect all tissues in the body from free radical damage and is easily absorbed. In addition to protecting the skin, it helps to protect blood vessels to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, and can prevent nerve damage. In addition to this, alpha lipoic acid can help protect the eye as we age. Cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma are exacerbated by free radical damage in the eye and therefore alpha lipoic acid can help to treat these conditions.
How can I get more alpha lipoic acid?
Alpha lipoic acid is actually produced naturally in small amounts by the body. Unfortunately, due to our high free radical exposure nowadays, these amounts are generally inadequate. Alpha lipoic acid can be supplemented on its own or it can be found combined with other antioxidants in formulas for enhancing liver health, preventing age related disease and balancing blood sugar. Because alpha lipoic acid has a very short half-life in the body (just over 20 minutes), the timing of dosage is important. Some products will contain a sustained release (SR) matrix that will release continuous doses of lipoic acid over the course of several hours, allowing for a steadier dose throughout the day.
Important Notes
Alpha lipoic acid may alter blood sugar levels and should be used cautiously by diabetics and hypoglycemic individuals, particularly in combination with other medications for glucose control. Skin rashes may occur in some people due to the use of alpha lipoic acid. |
Alpha Lipoic
Acid– QUICK
FACTS
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FOOD SOURCES
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Spinach,
broccoli,
organ meats. |
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DEFICIENCY
SYMPTOMS |
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Cardiovascular
disease,
aging, blood
sugar
imbalances. |
OPTIMUM
DOSAGE
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50-100mg
daily
(Clinical
doses may be
higher as
recommended
by your
practitioner). |
WORKS WELL
WITH
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Vitamin C,
Vitamin E,
Glutathione,
Coenzyme
Q10. |
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IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
click for products |
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Alpha lipoic
acid may
cause skin
rashes.
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Use caution
when using
alpha lipoic
acid and
diabetic
medication. |
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For
informational
purposes only.
Please consult your
health care
practitioner before
taking natural
health care
products. Click here
for full disclaimer. |
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All articles
copyright National Nutrition
2001 - 2011. For educational
purposes only. Please note
that while National Nutrition
supports your right to use
natural health care products for
any therapeutic purpose that you
see fit, that the information on
this website should not be
considered as a claim or as a
substitute for medical advice. |
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