Diabetes is the most common chronic disease in the world. Diabetes occurs when the body can not produce enough insulin needed for the metabolism of sugars present in foods. It can cause the accumulation of sugar in the blood stream called hyperglycemia, which leads to increased oxidative damage to the body and can trigger dangerous complications like heart disease, kidney failure, and nerve damage, or neuropathy. Alpha Lipoic Acid, or ALA, is a potent antioxidant that may be useful in the treatment of diabetes or some of its complications.
General Information about ALA
ALA is an antioxidant produced in small amounts by the human body. In addition, some foods can provide modest quantities of ALA. Food sources of ALA include organ meats like leaver, heart and kidney, and to a lesser degree some plant foods such as spinach, broccoli, tomatoes and brussel sprouts. Although food sources of ALA are somewhat limited, it can be easily absorbed by the body. Moreover, ALA is unique among other antioxidants because it is both water- and fat-soluble. This means it can work efficiently in every organ and tissue of the body. Furthermore, besides directly fighting free radicals, ALA is also able to restore other antioxidants in the body including vitamins C and E.
ALA and Insulin Sensitivity
Although ALA is involved in glucose utilization by the body's cells, research studies did not show a direct blood sugar-lowering effect of ALA. However, there are some indications that ALA can potentially improve insulin sensitivity in people with diabetes. In simple terms, insulin sensitivity is a cell's ability to recognize insulin with an attached sugar and let it inside the body cell.
Diabetic Vascular Disease
If you are a diabetic, you may have an increased risk for vascular disease. According to a 2000 issue of "Experimental and Clinical Endocrinology & Diabetes," ALA supplements can improve microcirculation and thus, decrease the risk of vascular disease in some diabetics, but further research studies need to confirm or disprove these findings.
Diabetic Neuropathy
Another common complication of diabetes is diabetic neuropathy. It is a painful condition that may negatively affect quality of life. According to the November 2006 issue of "Diabetes Care," ALA supplement, both in the forms of injection and oral agents, can improve the symptoms of neuropathy in people with diabetes.
Dosage and Safety
600 mg of ALA per day appears to be a sufficient and safe dose for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy. While a daily dose of 600 mg of ALA does not cause any side effects, higher doses of ALA, like 1,200 and 1,800 mg per day can cause nausea and vomiting in some people. As always, make sure to consult your healthcare provider before taking any supplements, including ALA.
References
- "Nutrition Reviews"; Alpha-Lipoic Acid Supplementation and Diabetes; Singh U, et al.; November 2008.
- Linus Pauling Institute; Lipoic Acid.
- "Experimental and Clinical Endocrinology & Diabetes"; Effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid on Microcirculation in Patients with Peripheral Diabetic Neuropathy; Haak E, et al.; 2000.
- "Diabetes Care"; Oral Treatment With Alpha-Lipoic Acid Improves Symptomatic Diabetic Polyneuropathy; Ziegler D, et al.; November 2006.
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