Description

Alpha Lipoic Acid is Solvent-Free (AlipureTM) and formulated by a European extractor to insure high-quality standards for safe supplementation. Alpha Lipoic Acid is also known as thioctic acid and can be found widely in plant and animal sources.

Research

Anti-Aging

ALA is a potent antioxidant for neutralizing free radicals and oxidative stress[1],[2], which accelerate aging and lead to various health ailments. One study found a combination of ALA and acetyl-L-carnitine can restore mitochondrial function and lessen the aging process by reducing oxidative stress.[3]

Brain Function/Neurological Health

With its strong antioxidant properties, ALA can prevent free radical damage in the brain.[4] Several studies have found ALA may be an effective aid in hindering neurodegenerative ailments.[5] A review in Pharmacology Therapy suggests ALA has ability to scavenge lipid peroxidation, increase glutathione levels (antioxidant in every human cell), and increase acetylcholine (an essential nervous system messenger) to improve memory and concentration that declines with age.[6]

Bone Health

Researchers recently reviewed the relation between oxidative stress and a reduction in bone mineral density finding ALA is a potential aid in hindering bone erosion caused by oxidative stress.[7] ALA inhibits the formation of osteoclasts (bone-degrading cells) that are produced in inflamed bone conditions.[8]

Eye Health

Antioxidants are important to eye health in order to reduce the formation of oxidative stress that can negatively affect eyesight. An antioxidant combination, which includes ALA, has been shown to deter cone and rod cell death in the eyes that are associated with seeing a spectrum of colors and light.4

ALA increases glutathione (a strong antioxidant) production to protect the eyes from protein build up in the lens that causes blurred vision.[9] One study found that 75 mg/day of ALA for two months or 150 mg/day of ALA for one month could be effective in protecting the optic nerve and stabilizing fluid pressure in the eye.[10]

Balance Blood Sugar

ALA helps the body use glucose properly to maintain optimal blood sugar levels. Plus, it supports insulin sensitivity, as one study found ALA improved insulin sensitivity in overweight adults after four weeks of supplementation.[11]

ALA is also effective in reducing pain, numbness, tingling, burning sensations associated with insulin resistance. A three-week, double blind study of 328 insulin resistant patients found ALA significantly reduced these negative nerve effects.[12] A follow-up study found five-weeks of 600 mg/day of ALA oral treatment was effective in reducing stabbing pain, numbness, and burning among 181 insulin resistant patients.[13]

Liver and Heart Health

Free radical and mitochondrial damage contribute to premature aging and ailments of major body systems, including the liver and heart. ALA protects these organs from certain malfunctions by reducing oxidative damage. One study found 100 mg of ALA protects the liver from injury associated with ischemia-reperfusion (process of restoring blood circulation to blocked tissues or vessels).[14]

In combination with Acetyl-L-Carnitine, an eight-week, double-blind study found ALA can normalize blood pressure and vascular function by possibly reducing oxidative stress in the mitochondria. Normal mitochondria function is needed for optimal energy in the heart.[15]

Headaches

A preliminary study found ALA may provide headache relief. A three-month random-controlled trial recruited 54 headache sufferers to take 600 mg/day of ALA. Headache intensity and frequency modestly declined among the ALA group, in relation to the placebo group.[16]

Additional Information – Dosage & Interactions

Suggested Use

As a dietary supplement, take one capsule daily, or as directed by a physician.

Dosage

Up to 600 mg per day (based on G.I. tolerance)

Precautions

The maximum safe dosage of this supplement has not been determined for children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease. As with all supplement regimens, please consult your physician prior to use.

Those with B-12 deficiency should avoid Alpha Lipoic Acid, as should pregnant women and nursing mothers. Individuals with diabetes should have their blood glucose monitored while taking Alpha Lipoic Acid to avoid possible hypoglycemia.

Drug Interactions

Anti-diabetic medications (Alpha Lipoic Acid may lower blood glucose levels).

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Alpha Lipoic Acid

*Statements made herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

References

[1] Ceriello, A. New insights on oxidative stress and diabetic complications may lead to a "causal" antioxidant therapy. Diabetes Care. 2003 May; 26(5):1589-1596.

[2] Da Ros, R, Assaloni, R, Ceriello, A. Molecular targets of diabetic vascular complications and potential new drugs. Curr Drug Targets. 2005 Jun; 6(4):503-559.

[3] Ames, BN, Liu, J. Delaying the mitochondrial decay of aging with acetylcarnitine. Ann NY Acad Sci. 2004 Nov; 1033:108-116.

[4] Komeima, K, Rogers, BS, Lu, L, Campochiaro, PA. Antioxidants reduce cone cell death in a model of retinitis pigmentosa. Proc Natl Acad Sci. 2006 Jul 25; 103(30):11300-11305.

[5] Packer, L, Tritschler, HJ, Wessel, K. Neuroprotection by the metabolic antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid. Free Radic Biol Med. 1997; 22(1-2):359-378.

[6] Holmquist, L, Stuchbury, G, et al. Lipoic acid as a novel treatment for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Pharmacol Ther. 2007 Jan; 113(1):154-164.

[7] Kim, HJ, Chang, EJ, Kim, HM, et al. Antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid inhibits osteoclast differentiation by reducing nuclear factor-kappaB DNA binding and prevents in vivo bone resorption induced by receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Free Radic Biol Med. 2006 May; 40(9):1483-1493.

[8] Ha, H, Lee, JH, Kim, HN, et al. Alpha-Lipoic acid inhibits inflammatory bone resorption by suppressing prostaglandin E2 synthesis. J Immunol. 2006 Jan; 176(1):111-117.

[9] Maitra, I, Serbinova, E, Trischler, H, Packer, L. Alpha-lipoic acid prevents buthionine sulfoximine-induced cataract formation in newborn rats. Free Radic Biol Med. 1995 Apr; 18(4): 823-829.

[10] Filina, AA, Davydova, NG, Endrikhovskii, SN, Shamshinova, AM. Lipoic acid as a means of metabolic therapy of open-angle glaucoma. Vestn Oftalmol. 1995 Oct; 111(4):6-8.

[11] Kamenova, P. Improvement of insulin sensitivity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus after oral administration of alpha-lipoic acid. Hormones. 2006; 5(4):251-258.

[12] Ziegler, D, Hanefeld, M, Ruhnau, KJ, et al. Treatment of symptomatic diabetic peripheral neuropathy with the anti-oxidant alpha-lipoic acid. A 3-week multicentre randomized controlled trial. Diabetologia. 1995 Dec; 38(12):1425-1433.

[13] Ziegler, D, Ametov, A, Barinov, A, et al. Oral treatment with alpha-lipoic acid improves symptomatic diabetic polyneuropathy: the SYDNEY 2 trial. Diabetes Care. 2006 Nov; 29(11):2365-2370.

[14] Dulundu, E, Ozel, Y, Toaloglu, U, et al. Alpha-lipoic acid protects against hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats. Pharmacology. 2007; 79(3):163-170.

[15] McMackin, CJ, Widlansky, ME, et al. Effect of combined treatment with alpha-Lipoic acid and acetyl-L-carnitine on vascular function and blood pressure in patients with coronary artery disease. J Clin Hypertens. 2007 Apr; 9(4):249-255.

[16] Magis, D, Ambrosini, A, Sandor, P, et al. A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of thioctic acid in migraine prophylaxis. Headache. 2007 Jan; 47(1):52-57.

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.