Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)

Scientific Name(S): ): 1,2-dithiolane-3-pentanoic acid; 1,2-dithiolane-3-valeric acid; 6,8-thioctic acid; alpha-lipoic acid; 5-(1,2-dithiolan-3-yl) valeric acid.

Common Name(S): Alpha-lipoic acid, lipoic acid, thioctic acid, acetate replacing factor, biletan, lipoicin, thioctacid, thioctan.

Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant that is manufactured in the human body. Antioxidants are substances that work by attacking "free radicals," waste products created when the body turns food into energy.

Alpha lipoic acid can be found in foods such as meats, and veggies (ie. spinach). Alpha lipoic acid is also easily absorbed into the blood stream, and it can also cross the blood brain barrier.

Source: Lipoic acid is a fat-soluble, sulfur-containing, vitamin-like antioxidant. It is not a true vitamin because it can be synthesized in the body and is not necessary in diet of animals. Lipoic acid functions in the same manner as many B-complex vitamins. Good sources of lipoic acid are yeast and liver. Other sources include spinach, broccoli, potatoes, kidney, heart, and skeletal muscle.

History: In the 1930s, it was found that a certain "potato growth factor" was necessary for growth of certain bacteria. In 1951, a fat-soluble coenzyme factor was discovered from work done on lactic acid bacteria. Reed et al, isolated this naturally occurring d-form and found it to be an important growth factor for many bacteria and protozoa. This compound was isolated and identified as "alpha lipoic acid."

Uses of Alpha Lipoic Acid

Alpha Lipoic Acid has many benefits, and all types of people will benefit from taking ALA. ALA will be even more beneficial for individuals with some of the following conditions:

• Diabetes or higher than normal blood sugar levels
• Have high cholesterol levels
• Are affected by cataracts (in early stages)
• Cardiovascular problems such as hardening of arteries

Alpha Lipoic Acid Side Effects

Alpha lipoic acid has few if any side effects. The recommended daily dose is between 50mg to 100mg, and higher doses can cause nausea and upset stomachs, and excessive doses can even lead to low blood sugar. On the plus side, taking alpha lipoic acid can sometimes lead to a mild and relaxing feeling, and lead to a better feel of well-being.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Alpha-lipoic acid is available as a racemic mixture of D- and L- entantiomers. Some studies showing significant antioxidant effects have used doses of the racemic mixture of 600 milligrams daily.

Alpha-lipoic acid is available in Germany as a drug to treat polyneuropathy, such as diabetic polyneuropathy, and liver disorders. It is available for oral and parenteral use. Those with diabetic neuropathy use 300 milligrams daily of the oral preparation, taken in divided doses.

Toxicology:

No adverse effects from ALA supplementation have been reported in either animal or human studies, even with large doses or extended use. Its use in diabetes may warrant a reduction in dose of insulin or other oral diabetic medications. Close monitoring of blood sugar levels must be performed. In addition, ALA use may spare vitamins C and E, as well as other antioxidants.

Summary: ALA is a vitamin-like, "universal antioxidant." It functions to produce energy and has been studied in a number of areas. Its ability to scavenge free radicals has been clearly demonstrated. Its use in diabetes, AIDS, cancer, and liver ailments offer promising results such as reduction of pathologies associated with these diseases. No adverse events from ALA supplementation have been reported.