TRADE NAMES
Alpha-lipoic acid (or ALA) is available generically from numerous manufacturers. Branded products include Ultra-Lipoic Forte (Westlake Labs).
Other Names
dihydrolipoic acid, thiotic acid, lipolate, pyruvate oxidation factor, lipoic acid, acetate-replacing factor
DESCRIPTION
Alpha Lipoic Acid is an antioxidant Its main function is to increase production of glutathione, which helps dissolve toxic substances in the liver. An antioxidant helps neutralize free radicals in our bodies and protects our cells from damage. A free radical is an unstable molecule that tries to steal electrons from other molecules, thus causing damage. Smoking, pollution, car exhaust, fried foods are some sources of free radicals.
Alpha-lipoic acid, also known as thioctic acid, is a disulfide compound that is a cofactor in vital energy-producing reactions in the body. It is also a potent biological antioxidant. Alpha-lipoic acid was once thought to be a vitamin for animals and humans. It is made endogenously in humans—the details of its synthesis are still not fully understood—and so it is not an essential nutrient. There are, however, certain situations, for example, diabetic polyneuropathy, where alpha-lipoic acid might have conditional essentiality. And recent research indicates that the antioxidant roles of alpha-lipoic acid may confer several health benefits. Alpha-lipoic acid is found widely in plant and animal sources.
Background
When alpha-lipoic acid was discovered in 1951, it was considered a vitamin. In fact, the alpha-lipoic compound has been proven more effective than vitamins E and C as a guard against free radicals. It even recycles other antioxidants, plus vitamin E, and vitamin C, enabling them to improve efficiency.
During the late 1980s, medical researchers have realized the powerful potential of alpha-lipoic acid as an antioxidant. Alpha-lipoic acids could dissolve in both fat and water. Because of this, it is able to search for more delinquent free radical cells than other antioxidants (which normally dissolves either water or fat – but not both). Alpha-lipoic acid could access tissues made up mostly of water, like the heart and those composed primarily of fat like the nervous system.
This antioxidant could be found mainly in brewer’s yeast, liver, beef, broccoli and spinach. Although studies have proven that the body creates small supplies of alpha-lipoic acid on its own, it is recommended to take supplements to obtain the concentrated doses needed for treating other ailments. Alpha-lipoic acid supplements are available in tablet and capsules.
Health Benefits
Alpha-lipoic acid works hand in hand with other antioxidants such as vitamins E and C. It is essential in growth, prevention of cell damage and protection from harmful substances.
The alpha-lipoic acid, also called as the universal antioxidant, assists the vitamin B group in producing energy from carbohydrates, fats and proteins consumed in foods.
In hospitals, intravenous forms of alpha-lipoic acid are used to treat acute poisoning affecting the liver and acute mushroom poisoning.
In Germany, alpha-lipoic acid is approved as a drug for treating polyneuropathies, such as diabetes, liver diseases and alcoholic polyneuropathies. Medical researches suggests that alpha-lipoic acid supplements may prove useful for treating various disorders including heart failure, HIV infection, glaucoma, cataracts and liver ailments.
However, alpha-lipoic acid could specifically help treat:
- Diabetes
Several medical studies suggest that the treatment with alpha-lipoic acid supplements could reduce burning, tingling, numbness, itching and pain in people who are suffering from nerve damage, which is called peripheral neuropathy, that are caused by diabetes. Other studies have evidence that alpha-lipoic acid could accelerate the elimination of sugar from the diabetic’s blood.
Stroke and brain function
Since alpha-lipoic acid can access the brain easily, it protects the nerve tissues and the brain as well as showing a promising treatment for stroke and other brain function disorders that involve free-radical damages.
A study of alpha-lipoic acid in treating animals has proven that those receiving the supplement suffered less brain damage and had greater survival rates than those that are not treated with the antioxidant. However, more researches are needed to discover if the supplements will bring the same effect on people.
Liver disease
Supplementation of alpha-lipoic acid for chronic hepatitis patients has been proven to help get rid of body toxins as well as relieve stress on the liver.
Skin conditions
Alpha-lipoic acid is said to fight skin aging including prevention of wrinkles and fine lines. Alpha-lipoic acid enhances the effect of other antioxidants as a protection for the skin against free radicals. As a result, it slows down the aging process and helps in skin care.
Possible Side Effects
At recommended dosages, alpha-lipoic acid supplements are very safe. However, it could cause occasional stomach upsets or trigger allergic reactions in the skin.
Due to these potential side effects, it is important to take these supplements only with medical supervision, especially for children, pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Summary
Alpha-lipoic acid is not just another antioxidant. It possesses a unique quality wherein it functions as both a fat- and water-soluble antioxidant that makes it an interesting ingredient and a nutritional supplement worthy of crucial consideration.
