CAN is characterized by damage to the nerve fibers that innervate the heart and blood vessels, leading to reduced heart rate variability variability in the time interval between heartbeats and increased risk of mortality Summary: Overall, the available research suggests that treatment with intravenous or oral lipoic acid may help reduce symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

The use of lipoic acid is currently approved for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy in Germany 4. It is important to note that many of the studies that examined the efficacy of lipoic acid in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy have been primarily conducted by one German research group and funded by the manufacturer of lipoic acid in Germany Chronic hyperglycemia can damage blood vessels in the retina and cause a potentially sight-threatening condition called diabetic retinopathy One placebo-controlled study examined the effect of lipoic acid on the visual capability of 80 participants of whom 12 had type 1 diabetes, 48 had type 2 diabetes, and 20 were diabetes-free.

The result showed that daily oral administration of mg of lipoic acid for three months prevented the deterioration of contrast sensitivity in patients with diabetes and improved it in healthy patients compared to placebo Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease of unknown etiology that is characterized by the progressive destruction of myelin and nerve fibers in the central nervous system , causing neurological symptoms in affected individuals There are four main types of multiple sclerosis defined according to the disease course: i clinically isolated syndrome, ii relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, iii secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, and iv primary progressive multiple sclerosis for more information, visit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society website Lipoic acid was found to effectively slow disease progression when administered either orally 87 , intraperitoneally 88 , or subcutaneously 89 to mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis EAE , a model of multiple sclerosis.

Only a few studies have examined lipoic acid supplementation in humans. In this study, higher serum concentrations of lipoic acid were associated with the lowest serum concentrations of MMP-9 — a marker of inflammation Another study suggested that an oral dose of 1, mg of lipoic acid in subjects with multiple sclerosis could help achieve serum lipoic acid concentrations similar to those found to be therapeutic in mice Supplemental lipoic acid also decreased the serum concentrations of some IFN-γ, ICAM-1, TGF-γ, IL-4 , but not all markers TNF-γ, IL-6, MMP-9 , cytokines and other inflammation In addition, lipoic acid supplementation did not reduce the severity of multiple sclerosis symptoms, as assessed by the Expanded Disability Status Scale EDSS scoring system 98, It is not known whether oral lipoic acid supplementation can slow cognitive decline related to aging or pathological conditions in humans.

However, the significance of these findings is difficult to assess without a control group for comparison. Interestingly, patients who took fish oil concentrate together with lipoic acid showed no worsening of global cognitive function as assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE] score system over 12 months as opposed to those who took either the fish oil concentrate alone or a placebo A meta-analysis of randomized , placebo -controlled trials found that lipoic acid supplementation in those with high body mass index BMI resulted in significant, yet modest, reductions in weight 9 studies and BMI 11 studies in the absence of caloric restriction except in one study There was no reduction in waist circumference with supplemental lipoic acid 5 studies Substantial weight and BMI reductions with lipoic acid supplementation in overweight or obese subjects were also reported in a prior meta-analysis R -lipoic acid is synthesized endogenously by humans see Metabolism and Bioavailability.

R -lipoic acid occurs naturally in food covalently bound to lysine in proteins lipoyllysine; see Figure 1. Although lipoic acid is found in a wide variety of foods from plant and animal sources, quantitative information on the lipoic acid or lipoyllysine content of food is limited; published databases are lacking.

Somewhat lower amounts of lipoyllysine ~0. Unlike lipoic acid in foods, lipoic acid in supplements is not bound to protein. Moreover, the amounts of lipoic acid available in dietary supplements mg are likely as much as 1, times greater than the amounts that could be obtained from the diet. In Germany, lipoic acid is approved for the treatment of diabetic neuropathies and is available by prescription Lipoic acid is available as a dietary supplement without a prescription in the US.

Most lipoic acid supplements contain a racemic mixture of R -lipoic acid and S -lipoic acid sometimes noted d,l -lipoic acid. Supplements that claim to contain only R -lipoic acid are usually more expensive, and information regarding their purity is not publicly available Since taking lipoic acid with a meal decreases its bioavailability , it is generally recommended that lipoic acid be taken 30 min prior to a meal see also Metabolism and Bioavailability 8.

R -lipoic acid is the isomer that is synthesized by plants and animals and functions as a cofactor for mitochondrial enzymes in its protein -bound form see Biological Activities.

Direct comparisons of the bioavailability of the oral racemic mixture and R -lipoic acid supplements have not been published. Both isomers were nonetheless rapidly metabolized and eliminated 6 , 8 , In rats, R -lipoic acid was more effective than S -lipoic acid in enhancing insulin -stimulated glucose transport and metabolism in skeletal muscle , and R -lipoic acid was more effective than R,S -lipoic acid and S -lipoic acid in preventing cataracts However, all of the published human studies have used R,S -lipoic acid racemic mixture.

It has been suggested that the presence of S -lipoic acid in the racemic mixture may limit the polymerization of R -lipoic acid and enhance its bioavailability At present, it remains unclear which supplemental form is best to use in clinical trials. In general, high-dose lipoic acid administration has been found to have few serious side effects.

Two mild anaphylactoid reactions and one severe anaphylactic reaction, including laryngospasm, were reported after intravenous lipoic acid administration The most frequently reported side effects of oral lipoic acid supplementation are allergic reactions affecting the skin, including rashes, hives, and itching.

Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and vertigo have also been reported, and one trial found that the incidence of nausea, vomiting, and vertigo was dose-dependent A retrospective observational study reported that daily oral supplementation with mg of lipoic acid racemic mixture during pregnancy and without interruption from a period spanning between week 10 and week 30 of gestation and until the end of week 37 was not associated with any adverse effect in mothers and their newborns In absence of further evidence, lipoic acid supplementation during pregnancy should only be considered under strict medical supervision.

The safety of lipoic acid supplements in lactating women has not been established and should thus be discouraged A case of intoxication was reported in a month old child The child was admitted to hospital with seizure , acidosis, and unconsciousness.

Symptomatic management and rapid elimination of lipoic acid led to a full recovery without sequelae within five days. The non-accidental ingestion of a very high dose of lipoic acid led to multi-organ failure and subsequent death of an adolescent girl In theory, because lipoic acid supplementation may improve insulin -mediated glucose utilization see Diabetes mellitus , there is a potential risk of hypoglycemia in diabetic patients using insulin or oral anti-diabetic agents Consequently, blood glucose concentrations should be monitored closely when lipoic acid supplementation is added to diabetes treatment regimens.

The chemical structure of biotin is similar to that of lipoic acid, and there is some evidence that high concentrations of lipoic acid can compete with biotin for transport across cell membranes , Originally written in by: Jane Higdon, Ph. Linus Pauling Institute Oregon State University.

Updated in July by: Jane Higdon, Ph. Updated in April by: Jane Higdon, Ph. Updated in January by: Victoria J. Drake, Ph. Updated in October by: Barbara Delage, Ph. Reviewed in January by: Tory M. Hagen, Ph. Principal Investigator, Linus Pauling Institute Professor, Dept.

of Biochemistry and Biophysics Helen P. Rumbel Professor for Healthy Aging Research Oregon State University. Reed LJ.

A trail of research from lipoic acid to alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase complexes. J Biol Chem. Carreau JP. Biosynthesis of lipoic acid via unsaturated fatty acids.

Methods Enzymol. Smith AR, Shenvi SV, Widlansky M, Suh JH, Hagen TM. Lipoic acid as a potential therapy for chronic diseases associated with oxidative stress. Curr Med Chem. Kramer K, Packer L. R-alpha-lipoic acid.

In: Kramer K, Hoppe P, Packer L, eds. Nutraceuticals in Health and Disease Prevention. New York: Marcel Dekker, Inc. Mayr JA, Feichtinger RG, Tort F, Ribes A, Sperl W. Lipoic acid biosynthesis defects. J Inherit Metab Dis. Hermann R, Niebch G, Borbe H, et al. Enantioselective pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of different racemic alpha-lipoic acid formulations in healthy volunteers.

Eur J Pharm Sci. Teichert J, Hermann R, Ruus P, Preiss R. Plasma kinetics, metabolism, and urinary excretion of alpha-lipoic acid following oral administration in healthy volunteers.

J Clin Pharmacol. Gleiter CH, Schug BS, Hermann R, Elze M, Blume HH, Gundert-Remy U. Influence of food intake on the bioavailability of thioctic acid enantiomers.

Eur J Clin Pharmacol. Brufani M, Figliola R. R -alpha-lipoic acid oral liquid formulation: pharmacokinetic parameters and therapeutic efficacy. Acta Biomed. Maglione E, Marrese C, Migliaro E, et al. Increasing bioavailability of R -alpha-lipoic acid to boost antioxidant activity in the treatment of neuropathic pain.

Breithaupt-Grogler K, Niebch G, Schneider E, et al. Dose-proportionality of oral thioctic acid--coincidence of assessments via pooled plasma and individual data. Evans JL, Heymann CJ, Goldfine ID, Gavin LA. Pharmacokinetics, tolerability, and fructosamine-lowering effect of a novel, controlled-release formulation of alpha-lipoic acid.

Endocr Pract. Keith DJ, Butler JA, Bemer B, et al. Age and gender dependent bioavailability of R- and R,S-alpha-lipoic acid: a pilot study. Pharmacol Res. Hiltunen JK, Autio KJ, Schonauer MS, Kursu VA, Dieckmann CL, Kastaniotis AJ. Mitochondrial fatty acid synthesis and respiration.

Biochim Biophys Acta. Bustamante J, Lodge JK, Marcocci L, Tritschler HJ, Packer L, Rihn BH. Alpha-lipoic acid in liver metabolism and disease. Free Radic Biol Med.

Jones W, Li X, Qu ZC, Perriott L, Whitesell RR, May JM. Uptake, recycling, and antioxidant actions of alpha-lipoic acid in endothelial cells.

Kozlov AV, Gille L, Staniek K, Nohl H. Dihydrolipoic acid maintains ubiquinone in the antioxidant active form by two-electron reduction of ubiquinone and one-electron reduction of ubisemiquinone.

Arch Biochem Biophys. May JM, Qu ZC, Mendiratta S. Protection and recycling of alpha-tocopherol in human erythrocytes by intracellular ascorbic acid. Upston JM, Terentis AC, Stocker R. Tocopherol-mediated peroxidation of lipoproteins: implications for vitamin E as a potential antiatherogenic supplement.

Faseb J. Valko M, Morris H, Cronin MT. Metals, toxicity and oxidative stress. Doraiswamy PM, Finefrock AE. Metals in our minds: therapeutic implications for neurodegenerative disorders. Lancet Neurol. Ou P, Tritschler HJ, Wolff SP. Thioctic lipoic acid: a therapeutic metal-chelating antioxidant? Biochem Pharmacol.

Suh JH, Zhu BZ, deSzoeke E, Frei B, Hagen TM. Dihydrolipoic acid lowers the redox activity of transition metal ions but does not remove them from the active site of enzymes. Redox Rep. Suh JH, Moreau R, Heath SH, Hagen TM. Dietary supplementation with R -alpha-lipoic acid reverses the age-related accumulation of iron and depletion of antioxidants in the rat cerebral cortex.

Yamamoto H, Watanabe T, Mizuno H, et al. The antioxidant effect of DL-alpha-lipoic acid on copper-induced acute hepatitis in Long-Evans Cinnamon LEC rats.

Free Radic Res. Patrick L. Mercury toxicity and antioxidants: Part 1: role of glutathione and alpha-lipoic acid in the treatment of mercury toxicity. Altern Med Rev. Rooney JP. The role of thiols, dithiols, nutritional factors and interacting ligands in the toxicology of mercury.

Hagen TM, Vinarsky V, Wehr CM, Ames BN. R -alpha-lipoic acid reverses the age-associated increase in susceptibility of hepatocytes to tert-butylhydroperoxide both in vitro and in vivo.

Antioxid Redox Signal. Busse E, Zimmer G, Schopohl B, Kornhuber B. Influence of alpha-lipoic acid on intracellular glutathione in vitro and in vivo.

Monette JS, Gomez LA, Moreau RF, et al. R -alpha-Lipoic acid treatment restores ceramide balance in aging rat cardiac mitochondria. Suh JH, Shenvi SV, Dixon BM, et al. Decline in transcriptional activity of Nrf2 causes age-related loss of glutathione synthesis, which is reversible with lipoic acid.

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. Suh JH, Wang H, Liu RM, Liu J, Hagen TM. R -alpha-lipoic acid reverses the age-related loss in GSH redox status in post-mitotic tissues: evidence for increased cysteine requirement for GSH synthesis.

Zhang J, Zhou X, Wu W, Wang J, Xie H, Wu Z. Environ Toxicol Pharmacol. Fratantonio D, Speciale A, Molonia MS, et al. Alpha-lipoic acid, but not di-hydrolipoic acid, activates Nrf2 response in primary human umbilical-vein endothelial cells and protects against TNF-alpha induced endothelium dysfunction.

Sena CM, Cipriano MA, Botelho MF, Seica RM. Lipoic acid prevents high-fat diet-induced hepatic steatosis in Goto Kakizaki rats by reducing oxidative stress through Nrf2 activation. Int J Mol Sci. Pilar Valdecantos M, Prieto-Hontoria PL, Pardo V, et al. Essential role of Nrf2 in the protective effect of lipoic acid against lipoapoptosis in hepatocytes.

Fayez AM, Zakaria S, Moustafa D. Biomed Pharmacother. Lin YC, Lai YS, Chou TC. The protective effect of alpha-lipoic Acid in lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury is mediated by heme oxygenase Evid Based Complement Alternat Med.

Segal AW. The function of the NADPH oxidase of phagocytes and its relationship to other NOXs in plants, invertebrates, and mammals. Int J Biochem Cell Biol. Dong Y, Wang H, Chen Z. Int J Endocrinol. Now that you are familiar with the two primary mercury chelating agents, I want to look further into the other nutrients needed to assist in the complete process of mercury detoxification.

These nutrients are not necessarily directly involved in the removal of mercury, but they play a key role in either protecting and repairing antioxidants, or helping the body to heal from the damage done as a result of mercury poisoning.

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About US Our Holistic Dentist Office Dr. This is how ALA supports a multitude of antioxidant reactions, including the detoxification pathways in the liver. Alpha lipoic acid has several researched benefits for diabetes and poor blood sugar control. It does this by allowing cells to respond better to insulin and reduce blood sugar levels.

At the same time, it can help people with diabetes with poor glucose control avoid adverse side effects. Essentially, excess blood sugar triggers potent free radical formation that results in damage to blood vessels and nerves.

This results in cardiovascular disease and peripheral neuropathy, two common side effects in those with diabetes. There is also substantial research showing improvement in nerve conduction and arterial flow when people with diabetes supplement with ALA.

Alpha lipoic acid's antioxidant powers allow it to have anti-aging properties that protect the body against environmental pollutants, UV rays, and other toxins that lead to aging. You can take alpha lipoic acid internally as a supplement.

Or, you can use it topically to protect your skin from free radical damage. In addition to protecting the skin, lipoic acid helps to protect blood vessels to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and can prevent nerve damage. Plus, it can help protect our eyes as we age.

This is because free radical damage exacerbates cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. Therefore, you can use lipoic acid to help treat these conditions. The body produces ALA in small amounts. Unfortunately, these amounts are generally inadequate due to our high free radical exposure.

You can take alpha lipoic acid supplements on their own. You can also find ALA in formulas to enhance liver health, prevent age-related disease, and balance blood sugar.

Lipoic acid supplements can be found in both the "S" and "R" forms. Regardless of which form you buy, your alpha lipoic acid supplement will be dual soluble. Because alpha-lipoic has a very short half-life in the body just over 20 minutes , the dosage timing is essential. Some lipoic acid supplements will contain a sustained release SR matrix.

This means they release continuous doses over several hours, allowing for a steadier amount throughout the day. Lipoic acid may alter blood sugar levels. It is advised that people with diabetes and hypoglycemia should take caution when using it.

Please be careful with other medications for glucose control. Skin rashes may occur in some people. You can use lipoic acid for anti-aging, diabetes and blood sugar support, and detoxification support.

Yes, it is safe to take ALA supplements. Take caution if you have Diabetes or blood sugar issues, or if you take medication that affects your blood sugar.

Alpha Lipoic Acid, or ALA, is a powerful antioxidant and coenzyme. It is needed to produce chemical energy and plays a role in forming nucleic acids, building blocks of DNA. ALA has antioxidant properties that can neutralise toxins in the cells, supporting detoxification.

It may also restore other important antioxidants like coenzyme Q10, vitamin C and vitamin E and may increase glutathione synthesis, one of the predominant antioxidants of the body.

Larger doses up to — milligrams per day are sometimes used in patients with diabetes or cognitive disorders but not recommended for the general public. Dosage recommendations differ depending on whom you ask, but below are some general guidelines that are within the safe range:. Who should not take alpha lipoic acid?

Some potential interactions, or circumstances where you want to speak to your doctor before taking extra alpha lipoic supplements, include:. Popular Nutrition Posts All Time This Week {position} Detox Your Liver: A 6-Step Liver Cleanse.

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Alpha Lipoic Acid, or ALA, is a powerful antioxidant and coenzyme. It is needed to produce chemical energy and plays a role in forming nucleic acids, building blocks of DNA.

ALA has antioxidant properties that can neutralise toxins in the cells, supporting detoxification. It may also restore other important antioxidants like coenzyme Q10, vitamin C and vitamin E and may increase glutathione synthesis, one of the predominant antioxidants of the body. Has been found to increase glucose uptake in fat and muscle tissues and is thought to have roles in cell signalling processes.

This is paired with a vitamin and mineral blend that aids the many reactions of the body by supporting cellular health, energy production and immunity. Alpha lipoic acid can protect cells and neurons involved in hormone production, offering protection against type 2 diabetes.

Alpha lipoic acid supplementation seems to help improve insulin sensitivity and might also offer protection against metabolic syndrome — a term given to a cluster of conditions like high blood pressure, cholesterol and body weight. Some evidence also shows that it can help lower blood sugar levels.

A systematic review and meta-analysis, along with a controlled clinical trial, showed that ALA is an effective drug in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy, which affects about 50 percent of people with diabetes. Diabetic neuropathy nerve damage causes symptoms like tingling, numbness and burning in the limbs.

About — milligrams per day in IV form has been shown to be beneficial. ALA is used to help relieve other complications and symptoms of type 2 diabetes too, such as cardiovascular problems, eye-related disorders, pain and swelling. Most studies show that high doses of ALA in IV form are more effective than eating ALA-rich foods.

According to a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, ALA also offers help in managing idiopathic pain pain of unknown origin in people without diabetes.

A major benefit of alpha lipoic supplementation in diabetics is the lowered risk for neuropathic complications that affect the heart, since around 25 percent of people with diabetes develop cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy CAN. CAN is characterized by reduced heart rate variability and is associated with an increased risk of mortality in people with diabetes.

Oxidative stress can damage nerves in the eyes and cause vision problems, especially in people with diabetes or older adults. Results from certain studies demonstrate that long-term use of ALA can halt oxidative damage that can result in modified DNA in the retina.

Some health care professionals use alpha lipoic acid supplements to further help prevent their patients from experiencing neuron damage, memory loss, motor impairment and changes in cognitive functioning due to its antioxidant activity.

ALA seems to easily make its way into the brain by passing the blood-brain barrier, where it can protect delicate brain and nerve tissue.

In adults, alpha lipoic acid supplementation also seems to positively impact patients with immune deficiency syndromes and serious viruses. It does this by restoring blood total glutathione levels and improving functional reactivity of lymphocytes to T-cell mitogens.

These are cells in the immune system that fight pathogens. When it comes to battling physical signs of aging on the skin, certain studies have found that topical treatment creams containing 5 percent alpha lipoic acid can help reduce fine lines caused by exposure to sun ways.

ALA is thought to act as an anti-aging substance because it helps restore skin tissues and epidermal structure while battling free radicals. Due to its ability to help convert foods into nutrients, ALA may help increase energy metabolism, which is why some athletes use ALA supplements for enhanced physical performance.

A meta-analysis of placebo-controlled trials also found that ALA treatment significantly reduced BMI and body weight and may protect against obesity. What are the side effects of taking alpha lipoic acid? Side effects of ALA in supplement form are generally rare, but for some people they can include :.

The best way to get any nutrients is ideally through real food sources, since this is how your body knows how to absorb and use various chemicals best. That being said, when you eat a whole food-based diet and vary the types of things you eat, chances are you consume a decent amount in addition to what your body already makes on its own.

Taking oral ALA supplements with a meal is believed to decrease its bioavailability, so most experts recommend taking it on an empty stomach or at least one hour before or after for the best results. How do you know if you should take ALA supplements? For example, what are symptoms of alpha-lipoic acid deficiency?

Most people make enough to prevent a deficiency, although supplements can be helpful for those prone to diabetes, stroke, heart disease or glaucoma. A true lipoic acid deficiency called lipoic acid synthetase deficiency is a rare type of neurometabolic disease.

When someone has this disease, that person works with a doctor to help treat symptoms using supplementation. A general dosage recommendation for alpha lipoic acid supplementation is between20—50 milligrams per day for adults.

This amount seems to be beneficial for general preventative health. Larger doses up to — milligrams per day are sometimes used in patients with diabetes or cognitive disorders but not recommended for the general public.

Dosage recommendations differ depending on whom you ask, but below are some general guidelines that are within the safe range:. Who should not take alpha lipoic acid? Some potential interactions, or circumstances where you want to speak to your doctor before taking extra alpha lipoic supplements, include:.

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