Alpha-Lipoic Acid

Alpha-lipoic Acid (ALA) is an essential fatty acid. It is essential in the production of cellular energy due to its role as a co-factor in the Kreb’s cycle. It is also a powerful free radical scavenger, making it an extremely efficient antioxidant.

It also regenerates other antioxidants through the donation of a molecule. Alpha-Lipoic Acid is both fat and water soluble. This unique compound is able to penetrate the blood brain barrier and improve the oxygenation in all cells. Alpha-Lipoic Acid is naturally occurring and can be found in certain fruits and vegetables in small amounts. ALA may be given by IV infusion or taken by mouth. Much higher blood levels are reached when ALA is given by IV infusion.

Anti-Aging

Oxidative stress and free radicals are primary contributors to the aging process, damaging skin cells, vital organs and cellular mitochondria. ALA’s powerful antioxidant properties fight oxidative stress and protect cells from damage, slowing the aging process. ALA also fights systemic inflammation which is a major contributor to metabolic disorders like heart disease, hypertension and diabetes.

Unlike other antioxidants, which work only in water (such as vitamin C) or fatty tissues (such as vitamin E), alpha-lipoic acid is both fat- and water-soluble. That means it can work throughout the body. In addition, antioxidants are depleted as they attack free radicals, but evidence suggests alpha-lipoic acid may help regenerate these other antioxidants and make them active again.  One example of this is it’s ability to recycle glutathione- the body’s main antioxidant use to defend against free radicals.

One of the main reasons people choose Alpha-Lipoic Acid is for its antioxidant properties.

Healthy Metabolism Support

Alpha-Lipoic Acid enhances your cells’ ability to use glucose to produce energy. Greater energy expenditure tips the scales in your favor as you burn more fuel, helping you to reduce fat stores and rev up your metabolism.

A 2017 review of studies from the Yale University found that alpha-lipoic acid supplements, ranging in dose from 300 to 1,800 mg daily, helped prompt an average weight loss of 2.8 pounds compared to a placebo.

Fight Inflammation and Chronic Illness

ALA is a powerful antioxidant that can strengthen your body’s natural defenses and protect cells from harmful molecules called free radicals. When free radicals accumulate, they can promote a state known as oxidative stress, which has not only been linked to aging, but also to many chronic diseases.

One of the most important medical discoveries of the past two decades has been that the immune system and inflammatory processes are involved in not just a few select disorders, but a wide variety of mental and physical health problems including depression, heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and autoimmune and neurodegenerative conditions.

ALA infusions increase your blood antioxidant levels and can help the body’s natural defenses fight inflammation which can help prevent or manage chronic illness.

Diabetes

Current evidence indicates that alpha-lipoic acid may have a role in improving insulin sensitivity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus Oftenas well as improving symptoms in patients with diabetic neuropathy. Alpha-lipoic acid can lower blood sugar levels in diabetic patients and has been used for years to treat peripheral neuropathy in Germany. ALA’s ability to remove free radicals may help reduce pain, burning, itching, tingling, and numbness in people who have nerve damage caused by diabetes (called peripheral neuropathy).

A 2018 systematic review and meta-analysis of 20 randomized controlled trials of people with metabolic disorders (some had type 2 diabetes, others had other metabolic disorders) found that lipoic acid supplementation lowered fasting blood glucose, insulin concentration, insulin resistance, and blood hemoglobin A1C levels

Brain Health and Cognition

Studies suggest that oxidative stress and inflammation near the brain, spine, and nerves can increase the risk of dementia. ALA is able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier to protect the mitochondria in brain tissue. Researchers are investigating it as a potential treatment for stroke and other brain problems involving free radical damage, such as dementia.

Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathy is the medical term used to describe the pain, numbness, and abnormal sensations caused by nerve damage. Oftentimes, the damage is caused by the oxidative stress placed on the nerves by chronic diseases such as diabetes, Lyme disease, shingles, thyroid disease, kidney failure, and HIV. IV ALA infusion therapy is used to treat peripheral neuropathy and neuropathic pain caused by diabetes, cancer treatment, nerve damage or other mechanisms. ALA is one of the most popular and effective oral supplements, used for brain health and nerve pain reduction.

A 2012 review of studies from the Netherlands concluded that a daily 600-mg intravenous dose of alpha-lipoic acid given over three weeks provided “significant and clinically relevant reduction in neuropathic pain.” As with the previous diabetes studies, oral alpha-lipoic acid supplements were generally less effective or had no effect at all.

Other Benefits of Alpha-Lipoic Acid

ALA can also be used for cardiac autonomic neuropathy, retinopathy, cataracts, dementia, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), HIV/AIDS, cancer, liver disease, Wilson’s disease, cardiovascular disease, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), intermittent claudication, and Lyme disease.