Does lipoic acid cause stomach problems?
You may experience stomach upset when you begin taking alpha-lipoic acid. In most cases, this stomach upset will dissipate with further use of the supplement. You may be able to avoid stomach upset by taking this supplement with food. Higher levels of alpha-lipoic acid may cause cramps, also known as spasms, to occur in your muscles.
Should a healthy adult take alpha lipoic acid?
Why You Should Be Taking Alpha-Lipoic Acid. Alpha-lipoic acid is a powerful supplement you can use to help prevent oxidative stress. It has the ability to scavenge free radicals in a very efficient manner and also enhances the production of glutathione. Glutathione is one of the main antioxidants your body naturally produces.
How does alpha lipoic acid help with weight loss?
Alpha Lipoic Acid for Weight Loss. ALA improves the conversion of carbohydrates to energy, which means that fewer carbs are stored as fat cells. Several large-scale trials have shown that ALA supplements have the potential to boost weight loss efforts when taken in combination with a calorie controlled diet: A study from early 2015, published in the Obesity journal, involved 77 overweight women who were randomly assigned to one of four groups: those in group one were given a placebo, group ...
Why do people take alpha-lipoic acid?
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant that you can take as a supplement. It's most often used to help with diabetic neuropathy, a complication of diabetes that causes symptoms like numbness, tingling, and burning pains in your legs and feet.
What should you not take with alpha-lipoic acid?
What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Alpha-Lipoic Acid (Alpha Lipoic)? Avoid using alpha-lipoic acid together with other herbal/health supplements that can also lower your blood sugar. This includes devil's claw, fenugreek, garlic, guar gum, horse chestnut, Panax ginseng, psyllium, and Siberian ginseng.
How much alpha-lipoic acid should you take a day?
Because alpha-lipoic acid is an unproven treatment, there is no established dose. However, studies have used between 600-1,800 milligrams daily for diabetes and neuropathy; one review concluded that the evidence is convincing for the use of 600 milligrams daily for three weeks on symptoms of diabetic neuropathy.
Is alpha-lipoic acid an anti inflammatory?
α-Lipoic acid has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties: an experimental study in rats with carrageenan-induced acute and cotton pellet-induced chronic inflammations.
When is the best time to take alpha-lipoic acid?
Studies show that roughly 30-40% of supplemental ALA is absorbed. As such, absorption might be enhanced when taken on an empty stomach [3]. The best time to take alpha-lipoic acid is typically first thing in the morning, at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking.
Does alpha-lipoic acid make you gain weight?
In animal studies, it has showed that ALA supplementation promotes the reduction of body weight and fat mass by decreasing food intake and enhancing energy expenditure, possibly by suppressing hypothalamic AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity (19-22).
What are the side effects of alpha-lipoic acid?
Side effects are generally rare and may include insomnia, fatigue, diarrhea, and skin rash. Alpha-lipoic acid can lower blood sugar levels, so people with diabetes or low blood sugar should take alpha-lipoic acid only under the supervision of their health care provider.
Can I take alpha-lipoic acid every day?
Alpha-lipoic acid is generally considered safe with little to no side effects. In some cases, people may experience mild symptoms like nausea, rashes, or itching. However, research shows that adults can take up to 2,400 mg without harmful side effects (38).
Does alpha-lipoic acid help joint pain?
Taking 300 mg of alpha-lipoic acid by mouth daily for 12 weeks does not seem to affect pain or inflammation in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Does alpha-lipoic acid help arthritis?
The ALA-fed mice showed a decreased incidence and severity of arthritis compared to the normal diet group. Radiographic findings revealed a dramatic decrease in bone destruction, and histological findings showed extensively suppressed pathological changes in the ALA-fed mice.
Is alpha-lipoic acid good for sleep?
The research shows that melatonin and alpha lipoic acid supplementation provides protection against cadmium-induced oxidative damage to the heart. Optimal dose - naturally restores good quality sleep and alleviates jet lag. Ultra-fast action for inducing drowsiness.
What food has alpha-lipoic acid?
ALA is an antioxidant. Antioxidants protect against damage to the body's cells. There are food sources of ALA such as yeast, organ meats like liver and heart, spinach, broccoli, and potatoes.
Is alpha-lipoic acid good for kidneys?
ALA treatment resulted in significant reduction in both kidney weight (p < 0.05) and kidney/body weight ratio (p < 0.05) compared to the diabetic control group (Table 1). Glucose levels during test period.
How much more alpha lipoic acid is in a supplement?
That said, supplements can pack up to 1,000 times more alpha-lipoic acid than food sources ( 3 ). Summary. Alpha-lipoic acid is an organic compound that works as an antioxidant. It’s made in the mitochondria of cells but also found in foods and supplements.
How much weight can you lose with alpha lipoic acid?
An analysis of 12 studies discovered that people who took an alpha-lipoic acid supplement lost an average of 1.52 pounds (0.69 kg) more than those taking a placebo over an average of 14 weeks ( 8. Trusted Source.
What foods contain alpha lipoic acid?
That’s why many turn to certain foods or supplements to optimize their intake. Animal products like red meat and organ meats are great sources of alpha-lipoic acid, but plant foods like broccoli, tomatoes, spinach, and Brussels sprouts also contain it.
Where is alpha lipoic acid found?
Alpha-lipoic acid is an organic compound found in all human cells. It’s made inside the mitochondrion — also known as the powerhouse of cells — where it helps enzymes turn nutrients into energy ( 1. Trusted Source. ). What’s more, it has powerful antioxidant properties.
Is alpha lipoic acid safe?
Alpha-lipoic acid is generally considered safe with little to no side effects.
Does alpha lipoic acid reduce wrinkles?
In one human study, scientists found that applying a cream containing alpha-lipoic acid to the skin reduced fine lines, wrinkles, and skin roughness with no side effects ( 18 ).
Is alpha lipoic acid a natural compound?
It’s an organic compound that acts as a powerful antioxidant in the body. Your body produces alpha-lipoic acid naturally, but it’s also found in a variety of foods and as a dietary supplement. Research suggests that it may play a role in weight loss, diabetes, and other health conditions.
What is lipoic acid?
Lipoic acid offers protection against toxic metal contaminants found in the food supply. It has the ability to inactivate dangerous agents such as cadmium, arsenic, mercury, and lead. This way, body can eliminate them with ease.
What is the purpose of alpha lipoic acid?
Alpha Lipoic Acid Benefits. Your body has the ability to make alpha-lipoic acid or ALA. This compound plays an important role in energy production. While many people are now trying different ALA supplements, your body can produce all the ALA when your general health is good. Experts are of the view that increasing your intake ...
What foods contain alpha lipoic acid?
Some of the best options are broccoli, spinach, yeast, potatoes, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, beets, carrots, and rice bran. Organ meat is also a great source of alpha-lipoic acid.
Does alpha lipoic acid help with wrinkles?
Using a cream containing 5% lipoic acid may decrease appearance of wrinkles and other aging effects.
Does alpha lipoic acid help with diabetic neuropathy?
3. It Improves Visual Health. One of many alpha lipoic acid benefits is that it supports optimal visual health.
Is alpha lipoic acid good for you?
Benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid. You will enjoy a number of alpha lipoic acid benefits by taking an ALA supplement. You can also include certain foods in your diet to promote ALA production. Here are some of the reasons why ALA is beneficial. 1.
Does lipoic acid help with bone loss?
It helps prevent the loss of bone density by reducing oxidative stress. It also proves beneficial because it inhibits prostaglandin E2 which causes inflammation in the body. 6. It Protects You from Metal Contaminants. Lipoic acid offers protection against toxic metal contaminants found in the food supply.
What is the role of alpha lipoic acid in the body?
Alpha-lipoic acid is a compound found naturally inside every cell of the human body. Its primary role is to convert blood sugar (glucose) into energy using oxygen, a process referred to as aerobic metabolism.
What are the side effects of alpha lipoic acid?
Common side effects of alpha-lipoic acid may include a headache, skin rash, muscle cramp, or a tingling "pins and needles" sensation. The side effects tend to be mild and will typically resolve once treatment is stopped.
How is alpha lipoic acid synthesized?
Alpha-lipoic acid is instead synthesized endogenously (in the body) through a series of biochemical processes involving fatty acids, proteins, and an enzyme known as lipoic acid synthase. If you eat a nutritious diet, your body will have all the raw materials it needs to make alpha-lipoic acid.
How does the body make alpha?
If you eat a nutritious diet, your body will have all the raw materials it needs to make alpha-lipoic acid.
What are the antioxidants that can be recycled?
Alpha-lipoic acid can also recycle "used" antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin E, and a potent amino acid compound known as glutathione. 1 Whenever these antioxidants neutralize a free radical, they destabilize and become free radicals themselves.
Where can I find alpha lipoic acid?
In addition to supplements, alpha-lipoic acid is synthesized in the body and found in many of the foods we eat, especially Brussels sprouts, spinach, broccoli, peas, brewer's yeast, potato, yams, carrots, rice bran, and organ meats .
Which country has approved the use of alpha-lipoic acid for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy?
Currently, only Germany has approved the use of intravenous alpha-lipoic acid for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy.
Why do people take ALA supplements?
Some people take ALA supplements with the intent to improve a variety of health conditions. Scientific evidence for the health benefit of supplemental ALA has been inconclusive.
What is ALA supplement?
In this Article. In this Article. ALA, the Antioxidant. ALA and Diabetes. ALA and Other Health Conditions. Side Effects and Precautions of ALA Supplement. Alpha-lipoic acid or ALA is a naturally occurring compound that's made in the body. It serves vital functions at the cellular level, such as energy production.
What is the purpose of ALA?
ALA is an antioxidant. Antioxidants protect against damage to the body's cells. There are food sources of ALA such as yeast, organ meats like liver and heart, spinach, broccoli, and potatoes. However, ALA from food does not appear to produce a noticeable increase in the level of free ALA in the body.
Is ALA good for diabetic neuropathy?
But the evidence for oral doses is not as strong. More research is needed to establish the effectiveness of oral ALA supplements for diabetic neuropathy. ALA has been suggested as a potential aid in stopping or slowing the damage done by a variety of other health conditions from HIV to liver disease.
Can you take ALA supplements if you are healthy?
As long as you're healthy, the body can produce all the ALA it needs for these purposes. Despite that fact, there has been a lot of recent interest in using ALA supplements. Advocates of ALA make claims that range from beneficial effects for treating conditions such as diabetes and HIV to enhancing weight loss.
Does ALA help with diabetes?
While studies are still sparse, there is some evidence that ALA may have at least two positive benefits for individuals with type 2 diabetes. A few studies have suggested that alpha-lipoic acid supplements may enhance the body's ability to use its own insulin to lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes.
Does ALA cause weight loss?
But again, there is no evidence that ALA has any effect on weight loss in humans, and more research needs to be done. Side effects from using ALA supplements appear to be rare and mild, such as skin rash. However, little is known about the possible effect of long-term use of ALA supplements.
Why is alpha lipoic acid used in diabetics?
Because alpha lipoic acid can protect cells and neurons involved in hormone production, one benefit is it offers protection against diabetes. ALA is considered an effective drug in the treatment of diabetic distal sensory-motor neuropathy, which affects about 50 percent of people with diabetes. ( 5)
Where is lipoic acid found?
Lipoic acid is found in the body and also synthesized by plants and animals. It’s present in every cell inside the body and helps turn glucose into “fuel” for the body to run off of. Is it “essential” that you consume a certain doseage of alpha lipoic acid every day? Not exactly.
What are the compounds that are called antioxidants?
There’s the fiber, vitamins and minerals, of course, but then there’s other important chemical compounds we call “antioxidants,” too — like alpha lipoic acid (ALA).
Why is ALA used for diabetics?
ALA is used to help relieve complications and symptoms of diabetes caused by nerve damage, including numbness in the legs and arms, cardiovascular problems, eye-related disorders, pain, and swelling. That’s why it should be part of any diabetic diet plan to treat this common disorder.
What is the role of ALA in the body?
ALA’s most valuable role in the body is fighting the effects of free radicals, which are dangerous chemical-reaction byproducts that form during the process of oxidation. Within our cells, ALA is converted into dihydrolipoic acid, which has protective effects over normal cellular reactions.
How does ALA work?
ALA seems to easily make its way into the brain by passing the blood-brain barrier, where it can protect delicate brain and nerve tissue. It’s also used to prevent strokes and other brain problems, including dementia in older adults.
Does alpha lipoic acid slow down cell growth?
Like other antioxidants, alpha lipoic acid can help slow down cellular damage that is one of the root causes of diseases like cancer, heart disease and diabetes.
What is alpha lipoic acid used for?
It is also made in the laboratory for use as medicine. Alpha-lipoic acid is most commonly used for nerve pain in people with diabetes ( diabetic neuropathy ). High doses of alpha-lipoic acid are approved in Germany for the treatment of these nerve-related symptoms.
How long does alpha lipoic acid help with weight loss?
Some research shows that taking alpha-lipoic acid for 2-48 weeks can slightly reduce body weight in adults who are overweight. Some research also shows that alpha-lipoic acid improves body weight in children who are overweight. Possibly Ineffective for. Liver disease in people who drink alcohol.
How long does it take to take 600 mg of alpha lipoic acid?
For obesity: 600-1800 mg of alpha-lipoic acid per day has been taken for 12-24 weeks. INTRAVENOUS: For nerve pain in people with diabetes (diabetic neuropathy): 600-1200 mg of alpha-lipoic acid per day administered by a health care provider. CHILDREN.
What drugs interact with alpha lipoic acid?
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with ALPHA-LIPOIC ACID
How long is alpha lipoic acid good for?
When taken by mouth: Alpha-lipoic acid is possibly safe for most adults when taken for up to 4 years. It is usually well-tolerated. The most common side effects are headache, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting. When applied to the skin: Alpha-lipoic acid is possibly safe for most adults when used as a cream for up to 12 weeks. It might cause a rash in some people.
When to start alpha lipoic acid?
Alpha-lipoic acid has been started as early as the 10th week of pregnancy and continued as late as the 37th week of pregnancy. Breastfeeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if alpha-lipoic acid is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Is alpha lipoic acid an antioxidant?
Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant. There is some concern that antioxidants might decrease the effectiveness of some medications used for cancers. But it is too soon to know if this interaction occurs.
What is the purpose of alpha lipoic acid?
It helps to detoxify the liver, assist other antioxidants during detoxification, and slow the aging process.
How does alpha lipoic acid work?
ALA works on the cellular level to help produce energy and eliminate free radicals. ALA takes a part in a multienzyme process preparing the fuel for the mitochondrion, the powerhouse of the cell. ALA also has the ability to prevent damage to the cell at the genetic level . Research demonstrates how beneficial Alpha Lipoic Acid is for our health.
Why is ALA important for the liver?
It helps to detoxify the liver, assist other antioxidants during detoxification, and slow the aging process. ALA is different from vitamins and minerals because our bodies manufacture it throughout our lives. As children, our liver and every one of our cells produce large quantities of ALA.
Which acid inhibits thymocyte apoptosis?
12. Antioxidant Inhibition of Thymocyte Apoptoxis by Dihydrolipoic Acid
Where can I find alpha lipoic acid?
ALA can be found in green vegetables, broccoli, potatoes, spinach, red meat, Brussel sprouts, tomatoes, peas, and brewer’s yeast. You can also take a high quality Alpha Lipoic Acid supplement. Source: The Alpha Lipoic Acid Breakthrough by Burt Berkson, M.D., Ph. D. Research:
How does T lymphocytes help the immune system?
Enhances functioning of immune system by keeping T-lymphocytes from committing suicide (12) and increases amount of helper T-cells in the blood and helps fight many disease processes, including cancer. (13) 8. Decreases the toxic side effects of cancer chemotherapy. (14)
Benefits
- Alpha-lipoic acid together with the other contents are used to treat various diseases. The workings of these substances is to prevent cell damage. This substance also restore levels of vitamin E and C in the body. Research shows Alpha-lipoic acid may improve the conduction and …
Treatment
- People with diabetes have low insulin levels in the body. Insulin useful to regulate blood sugar levels in the body. Alpha-lipoic acid helps reduce blood sugar levels in diabetics and balancing blood sugar in people without diabetes. However, for people with diabetes, it is better to consult with your doctor before taking Alpha-lipoic acid. High blood pressure is a condition that must be …
Clinical significance
- Some studies have found that Alpha-lipoic acid helps in the treatment of glaucoma, a disease that attacks the optic nerve. Glaucoma is a disease of the eye in which the fluid pressure inside the eye becomes too high, thus damaging the soft fibers of the optic nerve that carries visual signals from the eye to the brain. Various studies in vivo and in vitro have been conducted to test the pr…
Functions
- Alpha Lipoic Acid is also believed to have acted as a protector of the brain or neurons. Damage can occur in parts of the brain due to injury, malnutrition, or even conditions such as alcoholism and thyroid problems in their severity can be reduced or even reversed through supplementation. When Alpha Lipoic Acid is used earlier, then there is evidence even suggests that it works better…
Mechanism of action
- Alpha Lipoic Acid can suppress the inflammatory response by inhibiting the molecular signaling pathways that are activated by proinflammatory cytokines. Tumor necrosis factor pathway activates nuclear factor which is a mediator of inflammatory responses and gene-activating enzymes encodings. It makes Alpha Lipoic Acid is widely used in anti-cancer research. For exam…
Properties
- In addition to neutralizing free radicals, Alpha Lipoic Acid can also bind to and disable heavy metals such as iron-free (free iron), cadmium, magnesium, copper, mercury, zinc, nickel, cobalt, arsenic, manganese and lead. Alpha Lipoic Acid is hydrophilic and lipophilic (amphipathic), which allows it to reach every part of cells, including the mitochondria. The number of Alpha Lipoic Aci…
Results
- Very impressive to know how a molecule is relatively small and simple as lipoic acid turned out to have a myriad of functions for the continuity of optimal body system. Therefore, keep the level of Alpha Lipoic Acid in the body is essential for maintaining optimal health of our bodies.
Toxicity
- Alpha-lipoic acid can be taken thirty minutes before meals, without chewing or destroyed, the initial starting dose of 600 mg. This doses is either as a supplement or as a stand-alone drug. The maintenance dose, further doses and frequency of consumption of alpha-lipoic acid can vary according to the physical needs based on age, health condition, and the patients response to dr…
Synthesis
- Alpha-lipoic acid in a cream applied in moderation in the face and neck area. Note the dose on the packaging before you are taking alpha-lipoic acid.
Diet
- Alpha Lipoic Acid is highly recommended to be consumed by people over the age of 40 years, because of the increasing age of meal production Alpha Lipoic Acid in the body will decrease. Vegetarians are encouraged to consume Alpha Lipoic Acid because they do not eat meat is a major source of Alpha Lipoic Acid. In addition, patients with certain medical conditions as menti…
Side effects
- Alpha Lipoic Acid Side Effects Although Alpha Lipoic Acid is generally considered very safe and well tolerated in healthy people, there are some side effects that have been associated with its use. They are quite mild and can include skin rashes, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. There also has been no determination of a clear cut for long-term side effects that ca…
Uses of Alpha-Lipoic Acid
What Are The Side Effects of Alpha-Lipoic acid?
Precautions
Dosage: How Much Alpha-Lipoic Acid Should I take?
What Happens If I Take Too Much Alpha-Lipoic acid?
Interactions
Sources of Alpha-Lipoic Acid & What to Look For
Summary
- Alpha-lipoic acid is a fatty acid found naturally inside every cell of the human body. Its primary role is to convert blood sugar (glucose) into energy using oxygen. Many people use it to help with diabetes, nerve pain, weight loss, heart disease, and primary mitochondrial disorders. Side effects of using ALA appear mild and, when they're not, seem...