The body produces lipoic acid, also referred to as alpha-lipoic acid, naturally. It's a fatty acid found in every cell in the body and plays an important role in turning glucose into energy. It is also the only antioxidant that is water and fat-soluble. Antioxidants work to fight off free radicals, which can cause cellular damage, resulting in disease and damage to the organs. Small amounts of lipoic acid are found in foods like broccoli, spinach, and Brussels sprouts. Alpha-lipoic acid supplements are available as capsules. It may also be given by injection.
Alzheimer's Treatment
Lipoic acid has been shown to have protective properties when absorbed by the brain and can possibly be used in treatments of certain disorders like Alzheimer's. A study by the Department of Medical Rehabilitation and Geriatrics in Germany and published in 2007 in the "Journal of Neural Transmission. Supplementa" indicates stabilized cognitive functions and slower progression of the disease in patients receiving 600 mg of lipoic acid daily.
Cancer
Healthy individuals can take 150 to 300 mg a day of lipoic acid as part of cancer prevention. Lipoic acid can also be a complementary therapy agent for diagnosed patients receiving medical treatment for cancer. A study published in March 2005 in "Apoptosis" indicates that lipoic acid can cause apoptosis, or cell death, in cancer cells in the colon.
HIV
In the laboratory, lipoic acid appears to inhibit growth of the HIV virus, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center, but it isn't known whether the supplement would have the same effect in humans. However, because lipoic acid boosts the body's autoimmune function, it can still prove beneficial to patients with HIV. The virus attacks the immune system, making it difficult for patients to fight off infections like pneumonia. When antioxidants attack free radicals in the body to fight off disease, they are depleted in the process. Lipoic acid aids in antioxidant regeneration.
Diabetes
Diabetics often benefit from lipoic acid use. It can help to improve diabetic nerve damage and help lower blood sugar levels. Patients receiving doses intravenously have shown greater response versus those taking it orally, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center.
References
- "Journal of Neural Transmission. Supplementa"; Alpha-lipoic acid as a new treatment option for Alzheimer's disease--a 48 months follow-up analysis.; Hager K, et al; 2007
- LifeExtension.com; Cancer Adjuvant Therapy;
- "Apoptosis"; alpha-Lipoic acid induces apoptosis in human colon cancer cells by increasing mitochondrial respiration with a concomitant O2-*-generation.; Wenzel U, et al.; March 2005
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Alpha-lipoic acid; Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD; March 14, 2009
Member Comments