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Alpha Lipoic Acid (thioctic acid) has been shown in numerous
studies to slow the oxidative damage in cells and in many cases
stabilize and even reverse the cell damage. However, little is known
about the extremely powerful antioxidant nutrient that is available
in alpha lipoic acid. Alph lipoic acid is a vitamin-like substance
that contains sulfur. Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) plays an extremely
important role in energy production within the cell. Alpha lipoic
acid is effective as an anti-oxidant because it works on both water
and fat soluble free radicals that cause oxidation and cell damage
in the body.
Alpha lipoic acid appears to be a wonder
nutrient. Alpha lipoic acid has been used in connection with
diabetes. Experimental studies show that it has a potential renal
protective effect. Alpha lipoic acid increases glucose uptake in the
cells and appears to reduce symptoms of diabetic complications
including cataract formation, vascular damage, and polyneuropathy
(nerve damage). A study published in Diabetic Medicine in 1999
showed that patients treated with 600 mg of ALA 3 times daily for 3
weeks had improvement of diabetic symptoms from polyneuropathy. In
another study using 600 to 1,800 mg of ALA daily, individuals
treated were found to have improvement of insulin sensitivity. In
animal studies alpha lipoic acid has reduced oxidative DNA damage
within heart cells.
Based on recent studies it is now
believed by many in the scientific community that alpha lipoic acid
can actually reverse the damage in aging cells of the brain. Alpha
lipoic acid has also been used both in oral and topical forms as a
way for keeping skin healthy and young in appearance. There have
been studies in the medical literature indicating that supplemental
ALA can even be beneficial in patients with
glaucoma.
Dosage
Studies have used
600-1,800 mg per day of alpha lipoic acid for optimal benefits in
people with specific health concerns. If you are healthy and want to
promote optimal health, a dose of 30 - 300 mg per day may be
sufficient. Beware of products that contain 500 mcg (1/2 mg)-10 mg;
these doses are probably too little to provide any
benefit.
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