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Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) assists in the maintenance of general well-being, offering antioxidant properties (being a free radical scavenger).
Alpha-Lipoic Acid is one of those antioxidants that exist in our body to help us in many ways:
- Developing resistance to infections
- Boost our immune system
- Raise our energy levels
- Enabling our body to perform and function efficiently
- Less fatigued.
Similarly, people with diabetes can use foods enriched with alpha-lipoic acid with confidence to stabilize their blood sugar levels.
What is Alpha-Lipoic Acid?
Alpha-Lipoic Acid, a natural antioxidant, and Fatty Acid are found within our body’s cells that play a vital role in converting glucose into energy.
Clinical studies have proved that Alpha-Lipoic Acid has strong nutritional benefits and antioxidant properties that help fight free radicals created in our body.
Antioxidants are nutrients that reduce the risk of cellular damage attributed to free radicals. Antioxidants donate electrons and convert free radicals to stable, non-toxic metabolites.
Free radicals are highly reactive substances that may occur in the body and can be generated by lifestyle factors such as:
- Excess dietary fats
- Cigarette smoke
- Alcohol consumption
- Pollutants
- Stress.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid Food Sources
Green Vegetables are the major source of Alpha-Lipoic Acid as Alpha-Lipoic Acid is mainly responsible for converting glucose into energy in cells.
So, foods that contain high quantities of chloroplasts support Alpha-Lipoic Acid in glucose conversion.
Vegetables that contain high amounts of Alpha-Lipoic Acid are:
- Chard
- Broccoli
- Collard greens
- Spinach
In addition, research has shown that Alpha-Lipoic Acid is also present in foods such as:
- Peas
- Tomatoes
- Carrots
- Beets
- Rice bran
- Potatoes
- Brussels sprouts.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid is found in meats, particularly organ meat, such as:
- Kidney
- Liver
- Heart
- Red meats
Moreover, you can also get Alpha-Lipoic Acid from yeast, especially brewer’s yeast produced from single-celled fungus.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid Benefits and Uses
Let’s look into details of Alpha-Lipoic Acid’s benefits and uses.
Helps in Recycling Antioxidants
Alpha-Lipoic Acid neutralizes harmful free radicals, and it can also recycle the used antioxidants, vitamin C, and glutathione.
As per studies, Alpha-Lipoic Acid recycles endogenous antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, Coenzyme Q10, and glutathione, thus strengthening the body’s antioxidant network.
It may be beneficial in conditions associated with oxidative stress and, therefore, may help maintain healthy peripheral nerve function.
Remove Toxic Metal and prevent cell damage.
According to research studies, Alpha-Lipoic Acid facilitates the removal of metals from the body by chelation, thus minimizing the risk of cellular damage.
Because it is a sulfur compound, Alpha-Lipoic Acid can bind and help eliminate heavy metals such as copper, iron, mercury, and cadmium, risk factors for a wide range of degenerative diseases.
Further, studies have shown that Alpha-Lipoic Acid benefits prevent certain kinds of cell damage in the body. It will also restore vitamin levels like vitamin C and vitamin E.
Increases the Antioxidant Potential
ALA is both water and fat-soluble antioxidant, enabling it to work inside the cell membrane and the intracellular spaces.
Research studies have revealed that body cells rapidly take up Alpha-Lipoic Acid and reduce it to alpha-dihydrolipoic acid intracellularly, exhibiting antioxidant properties.
R-Alpha-Lipoic Acid is reduced to DHLA 28 times faster than S-Alpha-Lipoic Acid. ALA is effective against hydroxyl, hypochlorous acid, and single oxygen free radical.
By extending the life of other antioxidants such as vitamin C and glutathione, Alpha-Lipoic Acid increases the antioxidant potential of these nutrients so they can continue to protect against free radical damage.
Support for the Mitochondrial Function
Studies revealed that Alpha-Lipoic Acid is a co-factor involved in mitochondrial function and energy production.
Of the two isomers, only the R-isomer of Alpha-Lipoic Acid is natural. The body utilizes this form as a co-factor in mitochondrial energy metabolism.
Supplementation of Alpha-Lipoic Acid in combination with CoQ10 has benefited mitochondrial activity.
Support of Glucose Metabolism
According to studies, Alpha-Lipoic Acid is mainly known for its role in glucose metabolism, which is involved in transporting blood glucose into cells.
As a result, Alpha-Lipoic Acid may help maintain healthy blood sugar levels with a healthy diet and exercise.
Act as Potent Antioxidants
The benefits of antioxidants are numerous, and Alpha-Lipoic Acid stands strong among the other antioxidants due to its better penetration.
The common antioxidants such as vitamin C and E are thought to have fewer benefits than those with ALA due to their water and fat-soluble properties.
Thus, as per studies, it makes Alpha-Lipoic Acid a powerful antioxidant that can penetrate the fatty tissues of vital organs to render free-radical protection.
Protect from Age-related diseases
Alpha-Lipoic Acid can prevent aging symptoms and readily serves as a viable medication for age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
According to recent research, it was observed that Alpha-Lipoic Acid might delay the onset or slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
Moreover, the damage was done to the nervous system, and brain cells are reversed, which slows down the progression of these diseases. One thing that significantly amplifies the process of aging is mitochondrial decay.
Several features of Lipoic acid are similar to those of caloric restriction, which is perhaps the only known way to prevent aging.
Moreover, studies done in laboratories all around the globe have proven that Alpha-Lipoic Acid has increased the lifespan of mice to a considerable extent.
Thus, Alpha-Lipoic Acid can therefore be used to stall the problems accompanying old age.
Some preliminary studies suggest Alpha-Lipoic Acid dosage may help treat glaucoma, but there is not enough evidence to say whether it works.
Helps in Diabetes
Alpha-Lipoic Acid is strongly suggested in treating patients who have type 2 diabetes. Many studies have proved that it can improve insulin resistance.
Moreover, recent trials have shown that Alpha-Lipoic Acid helps treat neuropathy or nerve damage. Neuropathy may be a result of diabetes or cancer treatment.
Hence, Alpha-Lipoic Acid can cure the tingling sensation, pain, prickling, or burning sensation in the feet due to diabetes.
Several studies have suggested that Alpha-Lipoic Acid can lower blood sugar levels.
So, patients with diabetes or low blood sugar should take Alpha-Lipoic Acid only under the supervision of their health care provider.
In several studies, Alpha-Lipoic Acid has significantly improved diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Because of peripheral neuropathy, you will have pain, burning, itching, tingling, and numbness from nerve damage in your arms and legs.
Recent studies have also indicated that Alpha-Lipoic Acid may help another diabetes-related condition called autonomic neuropathy.
Autonomic neuropathy affects the nerves that control your internal organs.
There is evidence that Alpha-Lipoic Acid benefits can improve the function and conduction of neurons in diabetes.
Prevents Skin-Related Issues
Alpha-Lipoic Acid is both lipid and water-soluble so that this antioxidant can reach all portions of the cell.
It will help your body heal itself if there is any toxin present. Also, several studies have indicated that Alpha-Lipoic Acid can work in an effective way to fight inflammation resulting from acne lesions on a cellular level.
In this case, Alpha-Lipoic Acid can cure acne before it becomes severe.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid is also good in keeping Vitamin C and E levels in the skin.
Further, the studies have revealed that Alpha-Lipoic Acid can reduce steadily with constant exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid has proven to keep the skin healthy, is helpful to prevent aging cells, and expelling waste products in the cells.
Helps in Heart-Related Problems
Several studies have concluded that Alpha-Lipoic Acid helps in reducing bad LDL, Triglycerides and increases good HDL. Thus, Alpha-Lipoic Acid helps in reducing cardiovascular risk.
Moreover, other studies have revealed that Alpha-Lipoic Acid helps in reducing inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein, which could be the risk factor for heart disease.
One study found that Alpha-Lipoic Acid showed positive improvement in people with cardiac autonomic neuropathy that affects the heart.
It further stated that it shows fewer signs of the condition after taking 800 mg of Alpha-Lipoic Acid orally compared to a placebo.
Helps in Brain Related Issues
Several studies have concluded that Alpha-Lipoic Acid dosage can easily pass into the brain and may help protect the brain and neural tissue from damage.
Moreover, other studies were conducted to measure the effect of Alpha-Lipoic Acid dosage on cognitive performance in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). It has shown significant improvement in groups having Alzheimer’s Disease in the presence of diabetes.
Further, one study has also shown improved mitochondrial performance, protecting against Alzheimer’s Disease.
A recent study has shown that Alpha-Lipoic Acid is useful in treating acute ischemic stroke.
However, one study has indicated that Alpha-Lipoic Acid’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties have been shown to protect against Alzheimer’s Disease and Cognitive Impairment.
Protect Eye Related Disorders
Alpha-Lipoic Acid is also helpful in treating eye-related disorders, such as damage to cataracts, retina, glaucoma, and an eye disease called Wilson’s disease.
Some preliminary studies suggest Alpha-Lipoic Acid dosage may help treat glaucoma, but there is not enough evidence to say whether it works.
Due to the Antioxidant properties of Lipoic Acid, one study has revealed that Alpha-Lipoic Acid can penetrate eye tissue and protect both the Lens and the retina from degeneration.
One study has confirmed the positive role of Alpha-Lipoic Acid in the treatment of dry eye and diabetic retinopathy.
Moreover, the study on Alpha-Lipoic Acid has proven Wilson’s disease’s effectiveness and inexpensive treatment.
May Help in Weight Loss
Alpha-Lipoic Acid is used in the body to break down carbohydrates and make energy for the other organs.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid is indeed able to burn fat fast. Several studies have shown that Alpha-Lipoic Acid supplementation is an effective way to lose weight and body fat.
This is one of the reasons why more people are using this lipoic acid to lose weight today.
In an obesity treatment, the present study has revealed that Alpha-Lipoic Acid has significantly reduced body weight and BMI.
However, it would help if you did not depend on Alpha-Lipoic Acid completely to get an ideal weight. Along with it, you should do proper exercise too.
You will get incredible results with regular exercise, a proper diet, and lipoic acid.
Although lipoic acid itself provides you a great benefit, proper exercise is also essential to keep a healthy lifestyle for your high quality of life.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid dosage
A daily dose of 20 mg to 50 mg of ALA is the requirement of a healthy person.
In diabetics, for antioxidant protection, it is essential to administer a dose of 100mg twice a day to help prevent further complications.
Many clinical trials have shown no adverse effects on the administration of 1,200 mg/day (600mg, two times/day) for two years and 1,800 mg/day (600 mg, three times/day) for three weeks in diabetic neuropathy patients under medical supervision.
However, because of a lack of long-term safety studies, ALA should not be administered to pregnant and lactating women.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid Side effects
Alpha-Lipoic Acid has many health benefits, but it can also cause some side effects if you misuse it – in too high doses.
If you take the recommended dose of 50-100 milligrams, you will not experience adverse side effects.
However, overdosing Alpha-Lipoic Acid may have a negative impact on your health.
Taking high doses of Alpha-Lipoic Acid could result in numerous side effects. Fortunately, most of them are not very serious.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid side effects for diabetic patients
Alpha-Lipoic Acid is beneficial in reducing your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes.
However, a problem may occur when the Alpha-Lipoic Acid combines with your diabetes medications. Your blood sugar levels may fall too low, leading to hypoglycemia.
Hypoglycemia is a condition that can lead to dizziness, fainting, blurred vision, and, in extreme situations, even going into a coma.
The best thing to do when using Alpha-Lipoic Acid supplement and diabetes medications in combination is to readjust your medicines for diabetes under the supervision of your doctor.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid side effects in Chemotherapy
You may experience side effects when you use Alpha-Lipoic Acid with chemotherapy medications.
The supplement, which is believed to help you reduce the side effects of chemotherapy drugs, may end up competing with your chemotherapy medications.
Moreover, Alpha-Lipoic Acid may interfere with the efficacy of cancer drugs. It would be safe to consult with your oncologist before taking Alpha-Lipoic Acid supplements if you are a cancer patient.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid side effects in Thyroid Medication
When you use Alpha-Lipoic Acid supplements along with over-active or under-active thyroid medications, they may interfere with the functioning of the medicines.
For example, when you use the supplement with levothyroxine, you may suffer from lowered levels of thyroid hormones.
A doctor should monitor your blood hormone levels to avoid Alpha-Lipoic Acid side effects. Further, you monitor your thyroid function tests closely to detect any anomalies.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid side effects taking excess alcohol
Taking large amounts of alcohol can lead to a thiamine deficiency in your body.
With reduced thiamine levels, if you use Alpha-Lipoic Acid, you will most probably suffer from severe neurological and cardiovascular problems, as per studies.
To correct this, if you use excess alcohol simultaneously as you do Alpha-Lipoic Acid supplements, you should take thiamine supplements as well.
Other Alpha-Lipoic Acid side effects
Your skin may suffer allergic reactions to Alpha-Lipoic Acid, as per studies.
You may experience some skin conditions such as rashes, itching, and hives if this happens.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid may also make you suffer from one or several gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, and vomiting.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid may also cause you bouts of diarrhea and cause your urine to be malodorous.
Using very high doses of Alpha-Lipoic Acid may have other side effects such as:
- Headaches,
- Muscle cramps,
- Tingling sensations,
- Stomach upsets.
You may also feel over-stimulated, fatigued, and suffer from a lack of sleep.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid also has a positive side effect; it will bring you a feeling of mildness and relaxation known as a sense of well-being.
