Alpha-Lipoic Acid
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent any disease. If pregnant or lactating, consult a physician before using.
| Azheimer type dementia | | Treatment of high serum iron content and iron overload |
| Insulin Resistance & Depression | | Diabetic
neuropathy |
Alpha-lipoic acid or thioctic acid is an antioxidant that is produced naturally in the body. It functions as a co-factor for a number of important enzymes responsible for the conversion of our food to energy (ATP). However, we still need to get most of our lipoic acid from our diet or from supplements. In nature, lipoic acid is found in the leaves of some plants and in red meat. Unlike other antioxidants,
lipoic acid is both fat and water-soluble and is easily absorbed and transported across cell membranes. This unique quality offers protection against free radicals both inside and outside the cell while other antioxidants only provide extracellular protection. Recent research has shown
alpha-lipoic acid to be an efficient free radical scavenger (1)*, effective in numerous neurodegenerative disorders (2)*, and an agent that prevents deficits in nerve blood flow, oxidative stress and distal sensory conduction (3).* With its capabilities as a precursor to glutathione
(GSH-a major antioxidant in the body), alpha-lipoic acid has shown to be a potential therapeutic agent fighting against HIV (4).* Lipoic acid has the ability to regenerate other antioxidants like vitamin E, vitamin C and GSH for further use after they have eradicated free radicals (5).* Numerous clinical trials have shown the benefits of supplementing with lipoic acid for medical problems such as moderating blood sugar concentrations, symptoms of cardiovascular ailments, blurred vision and liver complication (6).*
Individuals that display limitations in moderating blood sugar concentrations often have a serious problem with glycation caused by higher than normal levels of blood sugar due to low insulin production or insulin resistance. Glycation happens when blood sugar reacts quickly and spontaneously with proteins to form damaging cross-linking. This cross-linking causes severe tissue damage and leads to kidney ailments, plaque build-up in the arteries, and retinopathy. Lipoic acid curtails glycation and enhances the transfer of blood sugar into the cells by stimulating insulin activity (7,8).* One of the more severe complications of non-controlled blood glucose levels is reduced circulation to the lower extremities. Studies show that patients suffering from symptoms of diabetic neuropathy improved significantly when they supplemented with 600 mg of lipoic acid daily
(9).* Alpha-lipoic acid as a new treatment option for Azheimer type dementia.
Hager K, Marahrens A, Kenklies M, Riederer P, Munch G.
Department of Medical Rehabilitation and Geriatrics, Henriettenstiftung, SchwemannstraBe 19, D-30559,
Hannover, Germany
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Oxidative stress and energy depletion are characteristic biochemical hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD), thus antioxidants with positive effects on glucose metabolism such as thioctic
(alpha-lipoic) acid should exert positive effects in these patients. Therefore, 600 mg
alpha-lipoic acid was given daily to nine patients with AD and related dementias (receiving a standard treatment with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors) in an open study over an observation period of, on
avarage, 337+/-80 days. The treatment led to a stabilization of cognitive functions in the study group, demonstrated by constant scores in two neuropsychological tests (mini-mental state examination: MMSE and AD assessment scale, cognitive subscale:
ADAScog). Despite the fact that this study was small and not randomized, this is the first indication that treatment with
alpha-lipoic acid might be a successful 'neuroprotective' therapy option for AD and related dementias.
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Berlition R 300 oral -- alpha-lipoic acid preparation for the correction of body changes associated with high serum iron content.
[Article in Russian]
Kundiev II, Lubianova IP, Mikhailik OM, Dudchenko NO, Lampeka EG.
Medication Berlition 300 oral, produced by "Berlin-Hemie", induces lower serum iron content, decrease in transferrin content of whole blood and serum proportionally to increased urinary iron excretion and lower serum bilirubin and normalizes serum glucose level. Berlition 300 oral, lipoic acid preparation made by "Berlin-He
mie" (Menarini group), could be recommended for treatment of high serum iron content and iron overload, especially in association with diabetes mellitus.
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Alpha lipoic acid: a novel treatment for depression.
Salazar MR. Amherst College, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA.
Insulin resistance has been associated with people diagnosed with depression. Conversely, it has also been documented that diabetics have an increased risk of depression. Evidence suggests that insulin activity plays a role in serotonergic activity by increasing the influx of tryptophan into the brain. This increased influx of tryptophan has been shown to result in an increase in serotonin synthesis. In accordance with the serotonin theory of depression, it may be possible to treat depression by increasing insulin activity. The antioxidant alpha lipoic acid has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity and is used to treat people with diabetes. Therefore, the nutrient alpha lipoic acid should be clinically tested as an adjunct treatment for
depression.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). This product is not intended to diagnose, cure or prevent any disease.
References:
(1) Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 208:161, 1995.
(2) Free Radic Biol Med. 22:359, 1997.
(3) Free Radic Biol Med. 21:631, 1996.
(4) Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 207:258, 1995.
(5) Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 204:98, 1994.
(6) Free Radical Biology & Medicine. 19:227, 1995.
(7) Free Radical Research Communications. 17:211, 1992.
(8) Diabetes. 1suppl:122A, 1994.
(9) Z Gesamte Inn Med. 48:223, 1993.
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