Alpha Lipoic Acid– Why Take It?
by kimberly Puffenbarger
- Published in: April-June, You May Never Be Sick Again|
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Alpha lipoic acid (often referred to as ALA) is a fatty acid found naturally inside every cell in the body. It is needed to produce the energy for our body's normal functions. ALA converts glucose (blood sugar) into energy.
ALA is also an antioxidant that neutralizes harmful free radicals. What makes ALA unique is that it functions in water and fat, unlike the more common antioxidants vitamins C and E, and it appears to be able to recycle antioxidants such as vitamin C and glutathione after they have been used up.
ALA is made by the body, however, as we age our bodies produce less. It and can be found in very small amounts in foods such as liver, spinach, broccoli, peas, Brewer's yeast, brussel sprouts, and rice bran.
ALA is taken in supplement form to help with a variety of health issues. The following issues have, through research, shown to benefit from ALA.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by injury, nutritional deficiencies, chemotherapy or by conditions such as diabetes, Lyme disease, alcoholism, shingles, thyroid disease, and kidney failure. Symptoms can include pain, burning, numbness, tingling, weakness, and itching. <more info>
ALA is thought to work as an antioxidant in both water and fatty tissue, enabling it to enter all parts of the nerve cell and protect it from damage.
Preliminary studies suggest that ALA may help. In one of the largest studies on the use of alpha lipoic acid, participants took 600 mg, 1200 mg or 1800 mg of ALA a day or a placebo. After 5 weeks, ALA improved symptoms. The dose that was best tolerated while still providing benefit was 600 mg once daily.
Brain Function
ALA can cross the blood-brain barrier and pass easily into the brain. It is thought to protect brain and nerve tissue by preventing free radical damage.
Age-Related Conditions
As an antioxidant, ALA neutralizes free radicals which can damage cells. Free radical damage is thought to contribute to aging and chronic illness. Because ALA works in water and fat, its benefits as an anti-oxidant are quite powerful.
Other Conditions
ALA has also been suggested for cataracts, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, burning mouth syndrome, Alzheimer's disease and stroke, but large, well-designed studies are needed to see if it's effective for these conditions.
Alpha lipoic acid may improve blood sugar control,
so people with diabetes who are taking medication to lower blood sugar, such as metformin (Glucophage), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase), should only take alpha lipoic acid under the supervision of a qualified health professional and have their blood sugar levels carefully monitored.
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