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Volume 4 - 2
ALPHA LIPOIC ACID: AN ESSENTIAL ANTIOXIDANT
The search for disease prevention continues as scientists explore more and more about free radicals. There is a plethora of studies which are conducted worldwide not only on the effects of free radical damage but also on how to correct and prevent the destruction. The basic antioxidants (Vitamins C, E, beta carotene, selenium) have been the most popular deterrents of damage thus far, however, science is reaching a new and exciting level of research which is exploring other free radical scavenging agents.
a Lipoic Acid, also known as Thioctic acid, and is a naturally occurring coenzyme that inhibits oxyradical damage and potentiates antioxidant effects of other vitamins as well. The a Lipoic Acid molecule is water and fat soluble, which allows for optimal absorption. This supplement has been researched in the past five decades for its affect on conditions such as diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, cerebral damage, heavy metal poisoning and radiation damage. Its popularity as an antioxidant is increasingly growing and the findings repeatedly show that this nutrient is an effective radical scavenger, metal chelator and a metabolizer of glucose which assists brain and muscle energy metabolism.
Early studies first found that administering a Lipoic Acid as a dietary supplement protected against the symptoms of vitamin E and C deficiencies. Extensive studies on type I and II diabetes and a Lipoic Acid have been conducted finding results which suggest the suppression of the onset of diabetes as well as proper utilization and disposal of glucose.(Packer et. al 1995) The glucose utilization is an important aid to brain and skeletal muscle metabolism during exercise, as well.(Barbiroli et.al., 1995) Protection against atherosclerosis is another benefit a Lipoic Acid may offer to diabetics, a group which are more prone to heart disease. In Germany, a Lipoic Acid is approved for its use on diabetic neuropathy and studies reveal that a Lipoic Acid supplementation, when administered with other antioxidants, showed improved biochemical function.(Packer et. al.,1995) In cases where a Lipoic Acid has been administered to subjects with ischemia reperfusion, it demonstrated protective effects against the damage which occurs when there is head trauma, stroke, or cardiac arrest.(Phillis et. al, 1994 & Packer et. al, 1995) Where radiation exposure is present, studies tested a Lipoic Acid with vitamin E treatments in subjects and found that it helps restore normal organ function and battle oxidative damage.(Packer et. al., 1995) The chelating properties of a Lipoic Acid is also being explored for its effectiveness for heavy metal toxicity, especially arsenite, cadmium and mercury.(Peimian et. al., 1995)
To date, there have been no studies in vivo or vitro, which have shown serious side effects with a Lipoic Acid .(Packer et.al., 1995) Supplementation can yield amazing cell protection against oxidative damage and metal toxicity as well as its use in aiding energy production and metabolizing glucose, assisting the body in maximum performance. When used in conjunction with the basic antioxidants, a Lipoic Acid can be an essential supplement to maintaining cell health and providing overall free radical defense.
References:
Barbiroli, B. et. al, "Lipoic (thiotic) acid increases brain energy availability and skeletal muscle performance as shown by in vivo 31P-MRS in a patient with mitochondrial cytopathy." Jour Neurology 242-7 (July 1995): 472-7.
Packer, L.et al., "Alpha-Lipoic acid as a biological antioxidant." Free Radical Biol. Med 19-2 (August 1995): 227-50.
Peimian, OU.et al., "Thioctic (lipoic) acid: A therapeutic metal chelating antioxidant?" Biochem Pharmacol 50-1 (June 29, 1995): 123-6.
Phillis, JW et al., "The free radical scavenger, alpha lipoic acid, protects against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in gerbils." Free Radical Research 23-4 (October 1995): 365-70.
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