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Lipoic Acid Benefits

Alpha lipoic acid, also called ALA, is a fatty acid produced in every cell in the body. It is water and fat soluble, which means it can be utilized by the entire body. One of its main functions is to produce energy. In addition to being produced in the body, ALA is also available in most foods--especially liver and other organ meats, spinach, yeast extract and broccoli. The amount of ALA found naturally in foods is typically low, so ALA supplements are usually a synthetic version that is easier and cheaper to produce.

  1. Antioxidant

    • Alpha lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants counter free radicals, which damage cells and cause aging. Because ALA is fat and water soluble, it is better utilized than most other antioxidants, which are either water or fat based, such as vitamin A and vitamin E. Most antioxidants eventually degenerate, but ALA has the ability to regenerate antioxidants to switch them back "on."

    Diabetes

    • Alpha lipoic acid is beneficial for diabetics, because it can help control glucose levels. It works by acting on the mechanisms that convert sugar into glucose to produce energy. ALA can also help with diabetic polyneuropathy (nerve damage) and protect against renal dysfunction. ALA can reduce incidences of cataracts and vascular damage by helping maintain lower, steady glucose levels. ALA can completely penetrate into nerve cells to protect against cellular damage, thus reducing nerve pain and degeneration. Autonomic nerve damage is also common with diabetics and can permanently damage the heart, but ALA also protects against this.

    Neurological Protection

    • Alpha lipoic acid passes the blood-brain barrier and is readily absorbed by brain cells. This prevents damage to brain and nerve tissue. ALA can be helpful for recovery and prevention of strokes, along with increasing the odds of surviving a stroke.

    Weight Loss

    • Alpha lipoic acid is beneficial for bodybuilders and dieters. It benefits bodybuilders by protecting against the extra free radicals produced during exercise. For dieters, ALA can regulate glucose and blood sugar levels, which accelerates weight loss even if you aren't diabetic.

    Dosage and Side Effects

    • You should use ALA only under the supervision of a health care provider. A typical dosage for someone wanting the benefits of the antioxidant properties is 10 to 50 mg daily. For diabetics, especially those with polyneuropathy, your practitioner might recommend as much as 1,600 mg daily, in multiple, smaller doses. The supplement is generally well tolerated with few side effects. ALA can lower blood sugar levels in diabetics and nondiabetics. People with low thyroid levels should have their thyroid hormone levels monitored regularly while using ALA, because it can moderately inhibit thyroid hormone production.

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