Alpha lipoic acid is an antioxidant that may help to reduce some symptoms of diabetes. Alpha lipoic acid is not the same thing as alpha linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that is also commonly abbreviated as ALA. Most people make enough alpha lipoic acid on their own and do not need to take supplements. Some people, however, such as diabetics may benefit from alpha lipoic acid supplements.
Antioxidant Properties
Alpha lipoic acid is most commonly known as an antioxidant. It is found in every cell in your body and helps chemical reactions that turn glucose into energy. Alpha lipoic acid is different from other antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E in that it is soluble in both fat and water. Antioxidants play an important role in protecting your cells from damage that can cause your cells to age and become diseased. The dual water and fat solubility may give alpha lipoic acid the ability to scavenge free radicals in places that other antioxidants can not. The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that alpha lipoic acid may also help to regenerate the antioxidant properties of other antioxidants in your cells.
Diabetes
Alpha lipoic acid can be used intravenously to reduce many symptoms of diabetes such as itching and burning associated with peripheral neuropathy. The Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University notes that it has not yet been determined if taking supplements orally can have the same effect. Some studies described by the Linus Pauling Institute suggest that taking 600 mg a day of alpha lipoic acid may help to alleviate diabetes symptoms, but not to the same degree as medicinal grade intravenous injections. To learn more about how intravenous injections of alpha lipoic acid can help diabetes symptoms, talk to your doctor.
Other Indications
Preliminary studies described by the University of Maryland Medical Center suggest that alpha lipoic acid may benefit a variety of chronic health conditions. Alpha lipoic acid may be able to help people with liver damage associated with long-term alcohol use. Studies in laboratory animals shows that alpha lipoic acid may also help to reduce brain damage immediately after a stroke. Researchers are also looking into the potential of alpha lipoic acid to treat glaucoma.
Suggestions
If you have diabetes and are interested in alpha lipoic acid treatments for peripheral neuropathy, talk to your doctor. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, alpha lipoic acid is not toxic and can safely be taken as a supplement at levels of 600 mg per day. The University of California Berkeley Wellness Guide acknowledges that alpha lipoic acid has the potential to treat many different chronic disease, however, not much is known about the long-term effects of supplementation.
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