The potent antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid and the B vitamin niacin play a crucial role in overall health since they protect the body against disease and illness. Alpha-lipoic acid not only helps destroy free radicals, which are responsible for damaging cells but also improves insulin sensitivity in individuals with type 2 diabetes, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Research indicates that niacin is vital for maintaining good cholesterol in the body and may reduce the risk for Alzheimer's disease.
HDL Cholesterol
In a 2008 study conducted by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and published in the "Journal of Lipid Research," researchers discovered the mechanism of how niacin helps maintain HDL, or the "good" cholesterol in the body. Niacin does not stimulate HDL production but instead prevents the liver from removing HDL cholesterol from the blood, which allows higher levels of HDL to be maintained in the body. Scientists suggest that this finding can be used to develop new drugs to raise HDL levels in the body.
Alzheimer's Disease
Niacin may provide protection against Alzheimer's disease, according to a 2004 study in the "Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry" reports the Nutra Ingredients website. Researchers found that participants taking more than 22 mg of niacin per day were significantly less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease compared with those with low intakes. Scientists noted that the results might be due to niacin's ability to act as a powerful antioxidant in brain cells.
Antioxidant Properties
The antioxidant properties of alpha-lipoic acid make it easier to fight off infections, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Alpha-lipoic acid not only acts as an antioxidant, but it stimulates the body's production of glutathione, an antioxidant that enhances the immune system. Furthermore,alpha-lipoic acid helps reactivate antioxidants vitamin E and C, which are depleted after neutralizing free radicals.
Type 2 Diabetes
In a 1999 study published in the journal of "Free Radical Biology and Medicine," researchers studied the impact of alpha-lipoic acid on insulin sensitivity in patients with type 2 diabetes. Increasing insulin sensitivity allows for cells to be more responsive to insulin, which can improve type 2 diabetes. During a four-week study, participants ingested alpha-lipoic acid or a placebo. Scientists found that the ALA group experienced an increase in insulin sensitivity compared with the placebo group.
References
- Science Daily: Niacin's Role In Maintaining Good Cholesterol
- Nutra Ingredients: Niacin appears to protect against Alzheimer's too
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Alpha-lipoic acid
- Free Radical Biology and Medicine: Oral administration of RAC-alpha-lipoic acid modulates insulin sensitivity in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus: a placebo-controlled pilot trial
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