Lipoic Acid Introduction
Lipoic Acid (also known as Alpha Lipoic Acid or Thioctic Acid) deficiency was first known in 1955 when high doses (25-50mg/day) were used intravenously to revive patients in hepatic coma. Since then, lipoic acid has played a significant role in the medical field.
Lipoic acid is a naturally found endogenously synthesized antioxidant. It is made from a fatty acid combined with cysteine ( an amino acid). Lipoic acid is essential for every cell in the body in order for it to produce energy for our bodily functions. Lipoic acid is also a powerful antioxidant that helps the body eliminate substances that may be harmful, and futhermore neutralizes these chemicals known as free radicals. Lipoic acid can be minimally found in certain foods such as red meats, spinach, broccoli, potatoes, carrots, and yeast. Due to the fact that lipoic acid is fat and water soluble, it is able to pass through the nerve cell walls and protect against potentially harmful substances.
The following are some of the many benefits that derive from lipoic acid:
• Lipoic acid strengthens and regenerates other antioxidants (for example, vitamin C and E), increasing the prevention and termination against free radical agents.
• It also is a powerful antioxidant that protects the body, removes toxic metals (such as mercury, arsenic, cadmium and lead), stimulates antioxidant biosynthesis, and protects against cataracts.
• By improving lipid profiles, it reduces high triglycerides and increases HDL.
• Through inducing apoptosis, it inhibits genes that cause cancer cells to develop.
• An anti-inflammatory, it preserves bone density and lowers triglycerides by inhibiting atheroscelerotic lesion formations.
• It mimics insulin, and supports healthy glucose levels.
• It increases metabolism and reduces high blood pressure.
Lipoic acid can be used for a variety of reasons. Let’s look at the three main uses: Peripheral Neuropathy, Brain Function, and Age-Related Conditions.
First, lipoic acid can assist with the prevention and healing of peripheral neuropathy (as well as other neurological diseases such as Parkinsons and Alzheimers), an abnormality with the nerves surrounding the brain and spinal cord, and works as an antioxidant to protect the nerves from damage.
Second, it protects the nerve cells and brain tissue by preventing the free radical chemicals.
Third, it can help decrease aging and chronic illnesses by preventing the chemical damage from free radicals.
Aside from these examples, lipoic acid is also useful for the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes (one of the most studied clinical uses of lipoic acid), liver and kidney disease, cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome, glaucoma, brain damage from a stroke, osteoporosis, migraines, multiple sclerosis, and alcoholism. Furthermore, lipoic acid can be a powerful antiaging nutrient, weight loss aid, and energy supplement.
How does lipoic acid work?
Lipoic acid is very beneficial to the body and works in three main ways: (a) As an antioxident, (b) Through regenerating other antioxidents, and (c) As a signal transduction and gene transcription. Lipoic acid can infiltrate through every cell in the body, as it is fat and water soluble.
How should you use lipoic acid? As previously mentioned, lipoic acid is fat and water soluble, allowing it to cross into the blood-brain barrier. To achieve the benefits of this acid, it can be taken orally, through an intravenous injection, or as a topical cream.
There are five forms of lipoic acid:
(a) R-Lipoic Acid (or RALA), a bioactive form, which is usually unstable and less soluble,
(b) S-Lipoic Acid, not found in nature, but used in racemic supplements,
(c) R/S- Lipoic Acid combinations (50%R – Lipoic Acid and 50% S– Lipoic Acid) which is the most commonly used form in clinical trials,
(d) Sodium-R-Lipoic Acid (Na-R-LA), which produces plasma concentrations quickly, and
(e) R-Dihydrolipoci Acid which has both immediate and substantial effects. The dosage amount that should be taken depends on the type involved (these mg amounts per day should be reduced to half if using R only):
• Diabetes: 600-1800 mg/day
• Glaucoma: 75 mg/day for two months and 150 mg/day for one month
• Energy and Overall Health: 300-1800 mg/day
• Anti-Aging: 5% lipoic acid topical cream
• Alzheimer Prevention: 600 mg/day
• CFS: 500-800 mg/day
It is recommended to take the oral form of lipoic acid along with a fat source (to increase absorption) every morning for at least four weeks. Over the age of 40, it is recommended to take 1800mg/day.
What are some side effects from lipoic acid?
Common side effects are headaches, tingling or numbness (“pins and needles” sensation), a skin rash and muscle cramping. Additional known side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and gastronintestinal upset.
If any of these symptoms are experienced, it is recommended to reduce your dose or consult your physician.
Conclusion: Lipoic Acid, also known as Alpha Lipoic Acid or Thioctic Acid, was first discovered in 1955 and has played an essential role in the body. As a powerful antioxident, Lipoic Acid relieves stress throughout the body in various ways, and prevents the nerve cells from damage of free radical agents.
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