Every cell in your body uses alpha-lipoic acid in the production of energy from glucose. This antioxidant is not an essential nutrient because you produce it yourself, but it is found in some foods, such as red meats and brewer's yeast, and can be obtained in supplement form. Alpha-lipoic acid has been found to be helpful in preventing and treating a variety of health conditions, including nerve damage. Check with your doctor about using alpha-lipoic acid for a medical condition.
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Alpha-lipoic acid has been used as an approved drug for treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy -- nerve damage associated with diabetes -- since 1959, according to David Rakel, author of the book "Integrative Medicine." Alpha-lipoic acid protects nerves through its antioxidant effects, which improve blood flow to nerves and helps maintain rapid nerve conduction speed. It also increases activity levels of other antioxidants. Alpha-lipoic acid has also been shown to assist in repair of cranial nerves affected by diabetes in some people. Results have been obtained in as little as three weeks of supplementation, though you might expect longer time frames for better results. Higher doses are also more effective than lower doses; however adverse reactions, such as gastrointestinal upset and headaches may accompany high doses.
Oxidation and Inflammation
A study conducted by the Medical Officer, Department of General Medicine, Alexandra Hospital, Singapore, found that alpha-lipoic acid improves insulin resistance and quells oxidation and inflammation, which are destructive hallmarks of diabetes that lead to nerve damage and other complications. Its method of action makes alpha-lipoic acid an attractive target for possible development of pharmaceutical drugs to help manage nerve damage in diabetes and possibly other forms of nerve damage. Additionally, the antioxidant has proven to be safe and well-tolerated, even in patients with kidney and liver failure. The study was published in the December 2009 issue of the journal "Endocrine, Metabolic and Immune Disorders -- Drug Targets."
Parkinson's Disease
Patients with Parkinson's disease -- a degenerative brain disease -- may benefit from supplementation with alpha-lipoic acid, according to a study published in the February 2011 issue of the "International Journal of Neuroscience." The supplement may reduce oxidative stress on nerves in the substantia-nigra, the area of the brain that produces the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is deficient in Parkinson's disease. An advantage of alpha-lipoic acid over other antioxidants is its solubility in both water and fat, making it able to penetrate the blood brain barrier so that it can exert its benefits in the brain. The study was conducted at the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Brazil.
Dosage
Alpha-lipoic acid prevents formation of advanced glycation end-products, a degenerative process that occurs when excess glucose attaches to proteins and other molecules, causing them to become oxidized and unable to carry out their normal functions, according to Kedar N. Prasad, Ph.D., author of the book "Micronutrients in Health and Disease." Prasad recommends doses of 600 mg twice per day or up to 1.8 g once per day. Discuss taking alpha-lipoic acid and appropriate doses for your needs with your health care provider.
References
- "Integrative Medicine"; David Rakel; 2007
- "Endocrine, Metabolic and Immune Disorders Drug Targets"; A Current Update on the Use of Alpha Lipoic Acid in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus; Z. Poh, et al.; December 2009
- "International Journal of Neuroscience"; The Contributions of Antioxidant Activity of Lipoic Acid in Reducing Neurogenerative Progression of Parkinson's Disease: a Review; D.De Araújo, et al.; February 2011
- "Micronutrients in Health and Disease"; Kedar N. Prasad; 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Member Comments