Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplements
Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplements
Alpha Lipoic Acid: What does it do?
Alpha lipoic , also known as ALA is an antioxidant, sometimes referred to as the “general antioxidant” since it is dissolvable in both fat and water.It is made in the body in little amounts, and is also in some foods, for instance liver and yeast.
ALA helps to regenerate some other antioxidants back to their active states, namely vitamin C,vitamin E, glutathione, and coenzyme Q10.
Alpha Lipoic Acid has some potential advantages for sufferers with type 2 diabetes, as it enhances the glucose uptake, and inhibits glycosylation (the uncharacteristic attachment of sugar to protein), and it has also been used to help improve and reduce diabetic nerve damage and also helping to reduce the pain associated with that nerve damage.
Oral Alpha lipoic Acid supplements have been shown to be partially helpful in treating diabetic neuropathy, whilst other evidence suggests that taking alpha lipoic acid for a month, can also improve visual function in people with glaucoma. ALA has also been shown to inhibit HIV replication (at least -in the test tube);
Where is Alpha Lipoic Acid found?
Small amounts of alpha lipoic acid are produced in the body, however at this stage there is only a limited knowledge about the food sources of this nutrient, although mitochondria containing foods such as red meats, are believed to provide the most alpha lipoic acid. Supplements are also available.
What happens with an Alpha Lipoic Acid deficiency?
Thought to be a vitamin when it was first discovered, it was subsequently determined that since it is created in the body it was is not classified as an essential nutrient. Hence deficiencies of alpha lipoic acid are not known to occur in humans.
How much Alpha Lipoic Acid is usually taken?
800 mg per day is the amount used in research studies to improve diabetic neuropathies, and 150 mg per day for glaucoma. However, much lower amounts, such as 20-50 mg per day, have been recommended by some doctors for general day to day antioxidant protection
Are there any side effects with Alpha Lipoic Acid?
Side effects with alpha lipoic acid are considered rare but can include skin rash and potential hypoglycemia in diabetic patients. There is also the suggestion that chronic administration of ALA in animals may interfere with the actions of the vitamin, biotin, and it is as yet unknown whether this has significance for humans.
For more information about Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplements, check out http://www.alphalipoicacidsupplements.info
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