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what are the health benefits of alpha lipoic acid

by Lew Gulgowski Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Alpha-lipoic acid has strong antioxidant properties, which may reduce inflammation and skin aging, promote healthy nerve function, lower heart disease risk factors, and slow the progression of memory loss disorders.

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 ...

Can you lose weight with alpha lipoic acid?

Benefits. Alpha-lipoic acid can help you lose weight according to scientific research. A study published in the " American Journal of Medicine " in 2011, showed that obese people who took 1,800 mg of alpha-lipoic acid per day lost significantly more weight than people who used a placebo product.

What does alpha lipoic acid do for your body?

What Are The Health Benefits of Alpha-Lipoic Acid?

  • Improves Memory Loss. Alpha-Lipoic acid reverses memory loss by increasing acetylcholine levels in the hippocampus, improving cognitive function, learning, and memory.
  • Relieves Nerve Pain. ...
  • Protects Against Inflammation. ...
  • Helps To Manage Diabetes. ...
  • Promotes Weight Loss. ...
  • Fights Signs of Skin Aging. ...

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.

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What are the side effects of taking alpha-lipoic acid?

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.

What vitamins should not be taken with alpha-lipoic acid?

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.

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.

How much alpha-lipoic acid should a person take daily?

Dosing. Oral dosage of alpha-lipoic acid given in numerous clinical studies ranges from 200 to 1,800 mg daily.

Can I take vitamin D with alpha-lipoic acid?

No interactions were found between alpha-lipoic acid and Vitamin D3. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

Is it safe to take alpha-lipoic acid daily?

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).

What is alpha-lipoic acid used for Covid?

ALA can increase human host defense against SARS-CoV-2 by increasing intracellular pH. ALA treatment increases antioxidant levels and reduces oxidative stress. Thus, ALA may strengthen the human host defense against SARS-CoV-2 and can play a vital role in the treatment of patients with critically ill COVID-19.

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.

Can alpha-lipoic acid raise blood pressure?

Five studies indicate no significant effects for ALA supplementation on BP, but two trials show effects on BP. Unlike parallel-designed trials, two crossover-designed trials have shown similar results and both report no effect for ALA on BP. Several studies investigated the effect of ALA on BP.

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.

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.

Can you take alpha-lipoic acid long term?

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. And there are no dosage recommendations and little data on the potential effect of large doses taken over time.

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 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 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.

Why is ALA good for osteoporosis?

You may benefit from ALA if you have been suffering osteoporosis or another type of degenerative bone condition. 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.

Why is ALA good for you?

1. It Provides You with Antioxidant. You need to eat food that would trigger antioxidative activity in your body to protect you from cellular damage . You can get ALA from food sources such as yeast, broccoli, spinach, and organ meats, such as heart and liver. 2.

What foods can I eat to increase my ALA?

Some of the best options are broccoli, spinach, yeast, potatoes, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, beets, carrots, and rice bran.

Is alpha lipoic acid a proven treatment?

It is important to understand that alpha lipoic acid is not a proven treatment, so it is not clear exactly how much will work.

Does lipoic acid help with migraines?

Some studies have found that lipoic acid may help migraine sufferers find some relief. You may notice your migraine pain become less severe after taking a supplement of 600 mg of lipoic acid a day. It may also help reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.

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)

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 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 the function of alpha lipoic acid?

Alpha lipoic acid is an amino acid which functions as a so-called “building block” for proteins- chemicals which provide the body with energy. Beneficial ingredient works in conjunction with another important amino acid known as acetyl L carnitine; the main task of alpha lipoic acid is to help convert blood sugar ...

What is the benefit of lipoic acid?

Beneficial ingredient helps to protect against the thickening and hardening of penile tissue, making it an important deterrent for health issues such as Peyronie’s disease. 2. Prevention against Cell Damage: Alpha lipoic acid has powerful antioxidant properties which help the body to fight off environmental damage.

Is alpha lipoic acid good for the penis?

Penis Health Benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid. With a growing awareness of nutrition and other health issues, men are increasingly giving attention to important aspects of self-care, including eating better, exercising more often, and having regular physical exams. However, many men still ignore one important aspect of overall well-being – their penis ...

Does lipoic acid help with erections?

Men who use an lipoic acid supplement may find that they are able to maintain erections longer and enjoy more satisfying sex as a result of increased stamina and improved self image resulting from enhanced sexual activity.

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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 …
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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 …
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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.
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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…
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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.
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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…
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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…
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