Alpha-Lipoic Acid Benefits for Brain Health, Neuropathy and Diabetes

Alpha-lipoic acid is an organosulfur compound that is naturally derived from octanoic acid. It is a byproduct of fatty acid biosynthesis in the body and is a cofactor for five different enzyme systems in the body.

Alpha-lipoic acid benefits include it use as an anti-oxidant to protect cells from free-radical damage. Free radicals are atoms with unpaired electrons that are created during the energy metabolism process.

These waste products can cause harmful damage to cellular structure, resulting in impaired immunity and damage to organs and tissues. Free radical damage is associated with faster aging and increased risk of cancer.

Anti-oxidants help to neutralize and scavenge these free radical particles to prevent the types of damage they are linked to. As an anti-oxidant, alpha-lipoic acid is unique in that it works to support other anti-oxidants and it is both fat and water soluble, which means it can benefit a greater number of systems within the body.

ALA also helps the body convert food into energy and can be found in every cell within the human body. Within our cells, alpha lipoic acid gets converted into dihydrolipoic acid.

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Anti-Oxidant Supplement

Anti- Oxidant

Blood Sugar

Anti- Aging

How It Works:

• Neutralizes free radicals & oxidative damage
• Regulate blood glucoses levels
• Supports mitochondrial energy metabolism

Dosage:

Between 300 - 1,200 mg per day

Safety:

Generally Well Tolerated

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Should you Use Alpha-Lipoic Acid?

Alpha-lipoic acid can be found in both plants and animals, including broccoli, spinach, brewer’s yeast, beef liver, kidney and hearts as well as lesser amounts in Brussels sprouts, peas and tomatoes.

However, research shows that dietary consumption of ALA has low impact on providing this anti-oxidant to the body and does not produce significant health benefits.

This is because Alpha-lipoic acid is bound in foods to lysine and it cannot circulate freely. Enzymes in our digestive system cannot separate alpha-lipoic acid from lysine and therefore ALA is not bioavailable from food sources.

For this reason, supplementation is necessary to increase consumption of this nutrient to any significant degree. According to Jane Higdon, Ph.D from the Linus Pauling Institute, the dosages of ALA found in supplement may be 1,000 times greater than those able to be obtained from food.

Deficiencies in lipoic acid are rare, but optimal health may require larger daily intakes than what it currently thought to be adequate. ALA deficiency may be associated with low anti-oxidant activity including memory impairment, a weakened immune system and a decrease in muscle mass.

For the best benefits, oral dosages of alpha-lipoic acid fall within the range of 200 – 600 mg per day. Higher dosages of 200 – 300 mg per day are used to treat diabetic neuropathy in Europe. As an anti-oxidant, it is typical to use between 300– 6000 mg a day.

Speak to your doctor for personalized dosage advice. Many alpha-lipoic acid supplements come in a combination formula with acetyl l-carnitine, another nutrient which offers significant anti-oxidant benefits.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid Benefits

Alpha-lipoic acid is often used as a brain supplement to support memory and mental function in aging individuals.

Unlike many other anti-oxidant supplement, ALA is capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier to pass into the brain from circulating blood. Here, it may help to prevent premature damage to neurons and nerve cells.

Research shows that it may be a beneficial adjunct therapy for the treatment of strokes and dementia which are both linked to oxidative stress and free radical damage. While research is still preliminary, the anti-oxidant nature of this supplement suggests that there is a clear mechanism of action for this supposed benefit.

There is significant evidence that alpha-lipoic acid supplements can help to raise insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels. This can reduce the risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome and diabetes.

Insulin sensitivity is a measure of how sensitive the body’s cellular receptors are to insulin. It refers to the amount of insulin that is required to deposit glucose within a cell to be burned for energy.

Individuals who have a high level of insulin resistance tend to have higher blood sugar levels and may develop diabetes. Another benefit of Alpha-lipoic acid is that it is observed to have anti-diabetic effects by making it easier for your body to store and burn glucose for energy.

Medicinal Uses of ALA

Due to its positive effects on insulin sensitivity and its anti-oxidant effects, this supplement has also been used to treat diabetic neuropathy. Neuropathy is a condition in which the peripheral nerves in the arms and legs become damaged, causing pain, burning, tingling, numbness and itching sensations.

ALA works to reduce nerve damage by neutralizing free radicals. Studies have shown that it is more effective than a placebo at reducing symptoms of diabetic neuropathy.

It may also help in the treatment of autonomic neuropathy in diabetics which affects nerves that connect internal organs. In one study, participants with cardiac autonomic neuropathy (affecting the heart) experienced fewer symptoms when they were given 800 mg of oral alpha-lipoic acid a day compared to a placebo.

Additional studies have looked at alpha-lipoic acid benefits for glaucoma and liver health with inconclusive result so far. There is also interest in using ALA in topical skin cream formulations to slow down signs of aging. In one study, a cream prepared with 5% ALA was found to reduce fine lines on skin caused by sun damage.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid Side Effects

Alpha-lipoic acid is considered to be very safe when taken within the advised dosage range. However, some minor side effects have been reported including skin rashes, itching, hives, headaches and muscle aches.

Excess doses may cause thiamin (Vitamin B1) to be used in the body more rapidly and may lead to a deficiency if quantities are not sufficient in the diet. There have been no serious side effects reported when used on its own and no instances of overdosing.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use this supplement as it has not been researched sufficiently to determine whether it can have an effect on developing or nursing babies.

As with any supplement, it is important to speak to your doctor before you begin taking alpha-lipoic acid to determine whether there is potential for interactions with other drugs or supplements you may be taking.

Possible interactions may occur when combined with drugs used to treat diabetes. ALA may cause blood sugar levels to decrease and may cause hypoglycemia when used in conjunction with these drugs. An adjustment in dosages may be necessary for these individuals.

In some instances, ALA may cause a decrease in thyroid hormone and it should not be used with Levothyroxine. Individuals with thyroid problems may need blood tests and thyroid function tests to determine whether this supplement is appropriate for them.

A noted alpha-lipoic acid benefit is its effects as an anti-oxidant. Because of this, it may interfere with the effects of certain chemotherapy medications. Speak to your oncologist to determine whether it is safe for you to use this supplement if you are currently undergoing cancer treatment.

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