 |
 |
 |
|
Alternative Names: Thiotic Acid or Thioctic Acid
Discovered in 1951, lipoic acid (also called alpha-lipoic acid or ALA) has long been recognized as a coenzyme that helps break down sugar for energy production during the Krebs cycle. Only recently has its therapeutic potential been realized.
Lipoic Acid is considered to be among the elite, multipurpose antioxidants and has been variously called "the universal antioxidant" or the "ideal oxidant". You can think of lipoic acid as a kind of "wild card" antioxidant. Evidence shows that even if you are not getting enough vitamin C or E, for example, lipoic acid supplements can make up at least part of the deficit. Lipoic acid is considered a conditionally vital antioxidant nutrient. Specifically, the body makes some of its own lipoic acid, but we still need to get most of it form external sources, either from food, such as meat, or supplements. Our ability to make lipoic acid does decline with age.
The supplemental use of lipoic acid is expected to have huge impacts on health in the future. Almost any portion of the body can use increased levels of lipoic acid
Source
Alpha Lipoic Acid can be found in potatoes, carrots, broccoli, yeast, beets, yams and kohlrabi, and is also abundant in red meat. It is a vitamin-like antioxidant that is also produced naturally in the body. It is also supplied in 25, 50, 100, and 200mg capsules.
Function; Reasons For Use
Lipoic Acid is the only antioxidant that is fat- and water-soluble. This property has made it a perfect electron transporter for both oxidized ascorbic acid (water-soluble) and vitamin E (fat-soluble); it is easily absorbed and transported across cell membranes. Whereas many antioxidants only provide protection outside of cells, ALA is broken down inside cells to dihydrolipoic acid - an even more potent antioxidant. It also regenerates other antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E and glutathione.
Lipoic acid fights free radical damage in both fatty and watery regions of cells and helps to recycle other antioxidants in what is described as "antioxidant synergism". A recent study showed that when lipoic acid was missing, other antioxidants did not interact well, thereby reducing their ability to protect cells. [Packer, L., et al. "Alpha-lipoic acid as a biological antioxidant," Free Radical Biol & Med. 19(2): pp.227-50, 1995]
In addition to its ability to scavenge free radicals on its own, Lipoic Acid also enhances the actions of many other antioxidants such as glutathione and vitamin E. It can either substitute for them when they are deficient, or help to recycle them after they have neutralized free radical molecules. Lipoic acid contains two thiol (sulfur) groups which allows it to reduce oxidized glutathione.
Lipoic acid, like insulin, reduces glycation, enhancing the movement of blood sugar into our cells. It promotes greater energy production by muscles and reduces the amount of glucose stored as fat.
Lipoic Acid protects the liver from alcohol damage, the lungs from smoke damage, and enhances glucose disposal in type II diabetes and reduces associated neuropathy and cataracts. Individuals with capillary fragility (bruise easily) can benefit.
In addition to being a powerful antioxidant, lipoic acid has an important role in controlling blood sugar. Through both of these mechanisms, it may help prevent the negative effects of having an even slightly elevated blood sugar causing some of the serious side-effects of diabetes (nerve damage, pain, blindness, heart disease and accelerated aging). It may even help repair some of the nerve damage that may have occurred by encouraging new nerve growth.
It is medically approved in Germany for treating adult-onset type II diabetes and its complications. Ironically, the research that demonstrated its increased blood sugar utilization was done in the United States. Lipoic acid is not a controlling factor in such instances, but research shows that a high intake (300 to 600mg per day) tends to normalize blood sugar levels in diabetics. [Haugaard, N., et al. "Stimulation of glucose utilization by thioctic acid," Biophys Acta 222: pp.583-6, 1970]
Clinical applications for this nutrient include the following conditions: Diabetic polyneuropathy, cataracts, glaucoma, ischemia-reperfusion injury, radiation injury, metal toxicity, Amanita mushroom poisoning and CCl4 poisoning. Because of its unique characteristics ALA is likely to have therapeutic application in a wide range of additional clinical conditions.
Studies in the late 1990s demonstrated that lipoic acid stops cholesterol and intracellular damage by free radicals, discourages the formation of active species, inhibits growth of cancer cells and, possibly, even improves memory.
Lipoic acid is also a super-chelator, capable of removing form our bodies excess iron, calcium, copper, toxic molecules such as cadmium, lead and mercury, as well as organic hydrocarbons.
Lipoic acid is used therapeutically for a variety of conditions including chemical hypersensitivity syndrome, heavy metal toxicity, diabetic neuropathy, chronic aggressive hepatitis, elevated liver enzymes and liver toxicity.
The U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) considers α-lipoic acid to be the only approved antidote for mushroom (Amanita) poisoning (although milk thistle extracts are a much more proven natural product for this use).
Directions
No RDA has been established. Humans are usually not deficient in alpha-lipoic acid, but supplementation can help in some conditions. While some human studies involve doses as high as 1,000mg daily, 100mg is sufficient to obtain the antioxidant effects in most cases.
The recommended "therapeutic dose" for healthy adults is 100-200mg. By contrast, animal studies have shown the acute toxic dose to be ten times that of the therapeutic dose. It may be taken once a day with any supplement or food.
Side-Effects; Counter-Indicators and Warnings
Lipoic acid is safe with no side-effects except for possible toxicity in diabetic patients. In over three decades of use in Europe, no study has shown any serious adverse effects of taking lipoic acid supplements. Diabetic patients should have blood sugar monitored if lipoic acid is to be taken as it is known to improve sugar metabolism and may change insulin needs.
At the time of writing there was no known interference with any other drugs.
|
|
 |
|
 |
Alpha Lipoic Acid can help with the following: | | | | | Addictions |  Alcohol-related Problems | Alpha-lipoic acid should not be given in high doses to patients suspected of having a thiamine deficiency unless the thiamine deficiency is also corrected. Individuals who may be deficient in vitamin B1 (such as alcoholics) should supplement vitamin B1 along with alpha-lipoic acid. |
 Cigarette Smoke Damage |
Aging |
Premature/Signs of Aging
Cataracts| | It has been reported that lipoic acid has been shown to be helpful for cataracts. Some doctors caution that with a high body level for mercury, you risk moving mercury INTO the lens and brain rather than out, so lipoic acid should only be used if mercury levels are known to be low. |
|
Autoimmune |
Multiple Sclerosis |
Circulation |
Atherosclerosis| | Recycles vitamins E and C when they've been used. Dosage: 50mg bid. |
Bruising Susceptibility |
Environment / Toxicity |
 Mercury Toxicity (Amalgam Illness)| | Sources of sulfur such as alpha lipoic acid, MSM and garlic are helpful for protection against heavy metals in general and specifically useful in mercury toxicity. Alpha lipoic acid should not be used alone, as it only mobilizes mercury with a weak bond. Without additional chelators present, such as DMPS or DMSA, the mercury may just redistribute elsewhere in the body instead of being removed. |
Heavy Metal Toxicity| | Sources of sulfur such as alpha lipoic acid, MSM and garlic are helpful for protection against heavy metals in general and specifically useful in mercury toxicity. Alpha lipoic acid should not be used alone, as it only mobilizes mercury with a weak bond. Without additional chelators present, such as DMPS or DMSA, the mercury may just redistribute elsewhere in the body instead of being removed. |
|
Lab Values |
Low T-Helper (CD4) Cell Level |
Metabolic |
Syndrome X| | Numerous additional studies have indicated that alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is useful for the treatment of diabetes mellitus which follows syndrome X. ALA stimulates increased glucose utilization in muscle cells and significantly reduces human insulin resistance/sensitivity. This process may occur via an insulin signaling pathway. ALA also helps to prevent free radical cellular damage caused by elevated insulin levels. |
|
Organ Health |
Diabetes Type II| | Numerous additional studies have indicated that ALA is useful for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. It stimulates increased glucose utilization in muscle cells and significantly reduces human insulin resistance.
600mg of alpha lipoic acid tid was found to improve polyneuropathy symptoms in patients with type II diabetes. A maintenance dose as low as 100mg tid may be sufficient to provide benefits. [Diabet Med 1999;16; pp.1040-1043] |
Liver Detoxification / Support Requirement| | Alpha-lipoic acid has been used very successfully as a therapeutic agent in a number of conditions relating to liver disease, including alcohol-induced damage, mushroom poisoning, metal intoxification and carbon tetrachloride poisoning. |
Glaucoma| | 150mg per day improves visual function in people with both stage I and stage II glaucoma. |
Hepatitis| | Alpha lipoic acid is given in a dose of 300mg at least twice per day for hepatitis B or C. Alpha lipoic acid (ALA), silymarin, and selenium have been used in combination with success in reducing symptoms and elevated liver enzyme levels (though the viral load was not substantially reduced). |
|
| | | | |
Alpha Lipoic Acid can help prevent the following:
KEY | | May do some good | | | Likely to help | | | Highly recommended |
GLOSSARY
Acute
An illness or symptom of sudden onset, which generally has a short duration.
Antioxidant (Antioxidants)
A chemical compound that slows or prevents oxygen from reacting with other compounds. Some antioxidants have been shown to have cancer-protecting potential because they neutralize free radicals. Examples include vitamins C and E, beta carotene, the minerals selenium and germanium, superoxide dismutase (SOD), coenzyme Q10, catalase, and some amino acids.
BID
Twice per day.
Bruise (Bruised, Bruising)
Injury producing a hematoma or diffuse extravasation of blood without breaking the skin.
Calcium
The body's most abundant mineral. Its primary function is to help build and maintain bones and teeth. The body also needs calcium to carry nerve signals, keep the heart functioning, contract muscles, clot blood and maintain healthy skin. Calcium helps control blood acid-alkaline balance, plays a role in cell division, muscle growth and iron utilization, activates certain enzymes, and helps transport nutrients through cell membranes. Calcium also forms a cellular cement called ground substance that helps hold cells and tissues together.
Cancer
Refers to the various types of malignant neoplasms that contain cells growing out of control and invading adjacent tissues, which may metastasize to distant tissues.
Capillary
Any of the smallest blood vessels connecting arterioles with venules and forming networks throughout the body.
Cataract (Cataracts)
A steadily worsening disease of the eye in which the lens becomes cloudy as a result of the precipitation of proteins. Most cataracts are caused by the functions of the body breaking down. Eye trauma, such as from a puncture wound, may also result in cataracts.
Cholesterol
A waxy, fat-like substance manufactured in the liver and found in all tissues, it facilitates the transport and absorption of fatty acids. In foods, only animal products contain cholesterol. An excess of cholesterol in the bloodstream can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.
Chronic (Chronicity)
Usually referring to chronic illness: Illness extending over a long period of time.
Coenzyme
A heat stable molecule that must be associated with another enzyme for the enzyme to perform its function in the body. It is necessary in the utilization of vitamins and minerals.
Copper
An essential mineral that is a component of several important enzymes in the body and is essential to good health. Copper is found in all body tissues. Copper deficiency leads to a variety of abnormalities, including anemia, skeletal defects, degeneration of the nervous system, reproductive failure, pronounced cardiovascular lesions, elevated blood cholesterol, impaired immunity and defects in the pigmentation and structure of hair. Copper is involved in iron incorporation into hemoglobin. It is also involved with vitamin C in the formation of collagen and the proper functioning in central nervous system. More than a dozen enzymes have been found to contain copper. The best studied are superoxide dismutase (SOD), cytochrome C oxidase, catalase, dopamine hydroxylase, uricase, tryptophan dioxygenase, lecithinase and other monoamine and diamine oxidases.
Diabetes Mellitus (Diabetes, Diabetic, Diabetics)
A disease with increased blood glucose levels due to lack or ineffectiveness of insulin. Diabetes is found in two forms; insulin-dependent diabetes (juvenile-onset) and non-insulin-dependent (adult-onset). Symptoms include increased thirst; increased urination; weight loss in spite of increased appetite; fatigue; nausea; vomiting; frequent infections including bladder, vaginal, and skin; blurred vision; impotence in men; bad breath; cessation of menses; diminished skin fullness. Other symptoms include bleeding gums; ear noise/buzzing; diarrhea; depression; confusion.
Enzymes (Enzyme)
Specific protein catalysts produced by the cells that are crucial in chemical reactions and in building up or synthesizing most compounds in the body. Each enzyme performs a specific function without itself being consumed. For example, the digestive enzyme amylase acts on carbohydrates in foods to break them down.
Free Radical (Free Radicals)
A free radical is an atom or group of atoms that has at least one unpaired electron. Because another element can easily pick up this free electron and cause a chemical reaction, these free radicals can effect dramatic and destructive changes in the body. Free radicals are activated in heated and rancid oils and by radiation in the atmosphere, among other things.
Glaucoma
A disease of the eye characterized by vision loss due to an increase in the pressure of fluid within the eye. This rise in pressure results from a build-up of aqueous fluid and leads to progressive damage to the optic nerve that transmits visual signals to the brain. Over time, glaucoma can lead to a gradual loss in peripheral vision. There are usually no signs that you're developing glaucoma until vision loss occurs.
Glucose
A sugar that is the simplest form of carbohydrate. It is commonly referred to as blood sugar. The body breaks down carbohydrates in foods into glucose, which serves as the primary fuel for the muscles and the brain.
Glutathione
A natural sulfur-bearing peptide formed from the linking of three amino acids: glutamic acid, cysteine and glycine. Glutathione acts as an antioxidant and detoxicant and is involved with the selenium-containing enzyme glutathione peroxidase. Glutathione is also involved in amino acid transport across cell membranes and is a powerful free radical scavenger and antioxidant that removes unwanted substances from the body.
Glycosylation (Glycation)
An enzymatic process by which sugars are attached to proteins. Although the term "non-enzymatic glycosylation" is common, "glycation" is the word that is used to describe the non-enzymatic attachment of sugars to proteins. Glycosylation is reversible, wheras glycation is either irreversible, or leads to Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs). This protein cross-linking is characteristic of long-life proteins and is notable in the eye and in collagen. It is likened to "rusting" of tissue and contributes to the aging process.
Hepatitis
Inflammation of the liver usually resulting in jaundice (yellowing of the skin), loss of appetite, stomach discomfort, abnormal liver function, clay-colored stools, and dark urine. May be caused by a bacterial or viral infection, parasitic infestation, alcohol, drugs, toxins or transfusion of incompatible blood. Can be life-threatening. Severe hepatitis may lead to cirrhosis and chronic liver dysfunction.
Hepatitis B
A serious viral infection with the potential for long term consequences. It is caused by a DNA virus that has been found in virtually all body secretions and excretions. However, only blood, saliva, semen and vaginal fluids have been shown to be infectious. Transmission occurs through sexual contact, blood-to-blood contact (blood products, needle sharing, etc.), and from infected mother to infant. Virtually all affected infants and children, and many adults, receive a lesser, even symptom-free, infection. Symptoms, when present, tend to be more severe and prolonged than those for Hepatitis A: initially flu-like, with malaise, fatigue, muscle pain and chest pain on the right side. This is followed by jaundice (slight skin yellowing), anorexia, nausea, fatigue, pale stools, dark urine and tender liver enlargement, but usually no fever.
Insulin
A hormone secreted by the pancreas in response to elevated blood glucose levels. Insulin stimulates the liver, muscles, and fat cells to remove glucose from the blood for use or storage.
Iron
An essential mineral. Prevents anemia: as a constituent of hemoglobin, transports oxygen throughout the body. Virtually all of the oxygen used by cells in the life process are brought to the cells by the hemoglobin of red blood cells. Iron is a small but most vital, component of the hemoglobin in 20,000 billion red blood cells, of which 115 million are formed every minute. Heme iron (from meat) is absorbed 10 times more readily than the ferrous or ferric form.
Krebs Cycle
The final chemical pathway in the conversion of nutrients to energy.
Lipoic acid
(Thioctic Acid) A sulfur-containing coenzyme used in the energy process which is also an extremely powerful antioxidant capable of trapping many different types of free radicals in the body. Has been used therapeutically in the treatment of AIDS and diabetes because of the synergy between alpha-lipoic acid and vitamin E and the interlocking cycles which lead to better optimization of antioxidant nutrients. It is also able of chelating (pulling out) heavy metals such as lead, cadmium and mercury.
Liver (Hepatic)
The largest and one of the most complex organs of the body, the liver is responsible for much of the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. It is the site of much of the body's detoxification. It is connected very closely with digestion and the regulation of blood sugar, among many other functions. Found behind the ribs on the right side of the abdomen, it has many important functions such as removing harmful material from the blood, making enzymes and bile that help digest food, and converting food into substances needed for life and growth. Hepatic: Pertaining to the liver.
Lung (Lungs, Pulmonary)
Organ of the body, located in the chest cavity which is designed to bring oxygen from the air into the blood stream, while also expelling carbon dioxide and other waste gases out of the body. Pulmonary: Related to the lungs.
Metabolism (Metabolic, Metabolize, Metabolizes, Metabolizing)
The chemical processes of living cells in which energy is produced in order to replace and repair tissues and maintain a healthy body. Responsible for the production of energy, biosynthesis of important substances, and degradation of various compounds. Also defined as the sum total of changes in an organism in order to achieve a balance (homeostasis): Catabolic burns up, anabolic stores and builds up; the sum of their work is metabolism.
Milligram (mg, Milligrams)
0.001 or a thousandth of a gram.
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (Chemical Hypersensitivity, Environmental Illness, MCS)
The diagnostic label of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) is being applied increasingly, although definition of the phenomenon is elusive. MCS has become more widely known and increasingly controversial as more patients receive the label. Persons with the label of multiple chemical sensitivity are said to suffer multisystem illnesses as a result of contact with - or proximity to - a spectrum of substances, including airborne agents. These may include both recognized pollutants and other pollutants ordinarily considered harmless. Some doctors believe that MCS is a purely psychological issue. Others, however, counter that the disorder can cause the kinds of problems that keep those who are affected from leading a normal life.
Neuropathy
A group of symptoms caused by abnormalities in motor or sensory nerves. Symptoms include tingling or numbness in hands or feet followed by gradual, progressive muscular weakness.
NIH
National Institutes of Health.
Parkinson's Disease (Parkinson's)
A chronic, slowly-progressing disease of the nervous system characterized clinically by the combination of tremor, rigidity, extreme slowness of movement, and stooped posture. It is characterized pathologically by loss of dopamine in the substantia nigra.
RDA (RDAs, US RDA, USRDA)
Recommended Daily Allowance of vitamins or other nutrients as determined by the FDA. U.S. RDAs are more widely used than RDAs, and focus on 3 age groups: Infants of 0-12 months; Children of 1-4 years; Adults and children of more than 4 years.
Selenium
An essential element involved primarily in enzymes that are antioxidants. Three selenium- containing enzymes are antioxidant peroxidases and a fourth selenium-containing enzyme is involved in thyroid hormone production. The prostate contains a selenium-containing protein and semen contains relatively large amounts of selenium. Clinical studies show that selenium is important in lowering the risk of several types of cancers. In combination with Vitamin E, selenium aids the production of antibodies and helps maintain a healthy heart. It also aids in the function of the pancreas, provides elasticity to tissues and helps cells defend themselves against damage from oxidation.
Syndrome
A medical condition characterized by a collection of related symptoms (what the patient feels) and signs (what a doctor can observe or measure).
Synergism
An interaction between two or more nutrients in which the action of the nutrients is greater when they are taken together than when taken individually.
Thiamine (B1, B-1, Thiamin, Vitamin B1)
A B-complex vitamin that acts as a coenzyme necessary for the conversion of carbohydrates into glucose, which is burned in the body for energy. It is essential for the functioning of the nervous system.
TID
Three times a day.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
A water-soluble antioxidant vitamin essential to the body's health. When bound to other nutrients, for example calcium, it would be referred to as "calcium ascorbate". As an antioxidant, it inhibits the formation of nitrosamines (a suspected carcinogen). Vitamin C is important for maintenance of bones, teeth, collagen and blood vessels (capillaries), enhances iron absorption and red blood cell formation, helps in the utilization of carbohydrates and synthesis of fats and proteins, aids in fighting bacterial infections, and interacts with other nutrients. It is present in citrus fruits, tomatoes, berries, potatoes and fresh, green leafy vegetables.
Vitamin E
An essential fat-soluble vitamin. As an antioxidant, helps protect cell membranes, lipoproteins, fats and vitamin A from destructive oxidation. It helps protect red blood cells and is important for the proper function of nerves and muscles. For Vitamin E only, 1mg translates to 1 IU.
Yeast
A single-cell organism that may cause infection in the mouth, vagina, gastrointestinal tract, and any or all bodily parts. Common yeast infections include candidiasis and thrush.
Last updated: Apr 13, 2008
|
 |
|
|
