Alpha Lipoic Acid
An essential antioxidant


    The search for disease prevention continues as scientists research not only the effects of free radical damage but also how to correct and prevent the destruction of cells.

    Alpha Lipoic Acid (Thioctic Acid) now joins Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Beta carotene, Selenium as an exciting free radical scavenging agent.

    Alpha Lipoic Acid is a naturally occurring coenzyme that inhibits oxyradical damage and potentiates antioxidant effects of other vitamins.

    The Alpha Lipoic Acid molecule is water and fat soluble which allows for optimum absorption.

    This supplement has been researched for 50 years for its effect on conditions such as diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, cerebral damage, heavy metal poisoning and radiation damage. The findings show that it is an effective radical scavenger, metal chelator and a metabolizer of glucose which assists brain and muscle energy metabolism. Early studies found that when used as a dietary supplement protected against symptoms of vitamin E and C deficiencies.

    Extensive studies on type I and II diabetes and Alpha Lipoic Acid have found results which suggest the suppression of the onset of diabetes as well as proper utilization and disposal of glucose. (Packer et al., 1995)

    Glucose utilization is an important aid to brain and skeletal muscle metabolism during exercise. (Barbiroli et al., 1995)

    Protection against atherosclerosis is another benefit offered to diabetics, a group which is more prone to heart disease.

    In Germany, Alpha Lipoic Acid is approved for use on diabetic neuropathy and studies reveal that when administered with other antioxidants showed improved biochemical function. (Packer et al., 1995)

    In cases where Alpha Lipoic Acid has been administered to subjects with ischemia reperfusion, it demonstrated protective effects against the damage which occurs when there is head trauma, stroke, or cardiac arrest. (Phillis et al., 1994 & Packer et al., 1995)

    Where radiation exposure is present, studies tested Alpha Lipoic Acid with Vitamin E treatments in subjects found that it helps restore normal organ function and battle oxidative damage. (Packer et al., 1995)

    The chelating properties of Alpha Lipoic Acid are also being explored for their effectiveness on heavy metal toxicity, especially arsenite, cadmium and mercury. (Peimian et al., 1995)

    To date, there have been no studies in vivo or in vitro which have shown serious side effects with Alpha Lipoic Acid. (packer et al., 1995)

    In my opinion, supplementation can yield amazing cell protection against oxidative damage, metal toxicity, aiding energy production and metabolizing glucose, to assist the body in maximum performance.

    When used in conjunction with the basic antioxidants, Alpha Lipoic Acid can be an excellent supplement choice to maintaining cell health and provide optimum free radical defense.

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