| Alpha Lipoic Acid |
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OVERVIEW & BENEFITS |
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| Alpha Lipoic Acid (thioctic acid) has been shown in numerous studies to slow the oxidative damage in cells and in many cases stabilize and even reverse the cell damage. However, little is known about the extremely powerful antioxidant nutrient that is available in alpha lipoic acid. Alph lipoic acid is a vitamin-like substance that contains sulfur. Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) plays an extremely important role in energy production within the cell. Alpha lipoic acid is effective as an anti-oxidant because it works on both water and fat soluble free radicals that cause oxidation and cell damage in the body. Alpha lipoic acid appears to be a wonder nutrient. Alpha lipoic acid has been used in connection with diabetes. Experimental studies show that it has a potential renal protective effect. Alpha lipoic acid increases glucose uptake in the cells and appears to reduce symptoms of diabetic complications including cataract formation, vascular damage, and polyneuropathy (nerve damage). A study published in Diabetic Medicine in 1999 showed that patients treated with 600 mg of ALA 3 times daily for 3 weeks had improvement of diabetic symptoms from polyneuropathy. In another study using 600 to 1,800 mg of ALA daily, individuals treated were found to have improvement of insulin sensitivity. In animal studies alpha lipoic acid has reduced oxidative DNA damage within heart cells. Based on recent studies it is now believed by many in the scientific community that alpha lipoic acid can actually reverse the damage in aging cells of the brain. Alpha lipoic acid has also been used both in oral and topical forms as a way for keeping skin healthy and young in appearance. There have been studies in the medical literature indicating that supplemental ALA can even be beneficial in patients with glaucoma. Dosage Studies have used 600-1,800 mg per day of alpha lipoic acid for optimal benefits in people with specific health concerns. If you are healthy and want to promote optimal health, a dose of 30 - 300 mg per day may be sufficient. Beware of products that contain 500 mcg (1/2 mg)-10 mg; these doses are probably too little to provide any benefit. [PayPal Button Here] | ||