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ALPHA LIPOIC ACID
Found in the food sources of liver, brewer's yeast and potatoes,
Alpha Lipoic Acid (also called Lipoic Acid or Thioctic Acid) was
first isolated in 1957. It is a sulphurous fatty acid that was
originally thought to be a member of the B vitamin family. It does
not
however qualify as a vitamin because the body can synthesis it in
limited amounts. Certain diseases, environmental conditions and age
can cause its depletion. Supplementation provides unique free
radical protection and may help improve energy
levels. Alpha Lipoic Acid is involved in reactions in the cell that
produce energy rich molecules from carbohydrates. It will dissolve
in both fat and water and is able to neutralize fat and water
soluble free radicals.
The Benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid
Antioxidant -
damage by free radicals may be the basis for the ageing process.
They cause harmful chemical reactions that can injure cells, making
it harder to fight off infections and lowering resistance to heart
disease.
Diabetics -
Alpha Lipoic Acid normalizes blood sugar levels in diabetes. As well
as increasing energy levels it also appears to reduce the secondary
effects of diabetes, including retinopathy, cataract formation,
nerve and heart damage.
Liver Protection -
it has been speculated that Alpha Lipoic Acid may help in conditions
where oxidative stress is involved and success has been recorded in
a number of conditions relating to liver disease, including
alcohol-induced damage.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) -
Alpha Lipoic Acid can penetrate eye tissue and protect both the lens
and the retina from free radical damage.
HIV -
there is evidence to suggest that Alpha Lipoic Acid maybe helpful in
treating HIV positive patients because it has antioxidant effects
and can reduce the activity of an enzyme responsible for the
replication of HIV from the DNA of white blood cells.
Properties
People with certain conditions such as diabetes, liver cirrhosis,
heart disease and HIV tend to have lower than normal levels of Alpha
Lipoic Acid and these seem to experience the greatest benefit. Alpha
Lipoic Acid is involved in chemical reactions at cell level that
produce energy from carbohydrates. It is generally thought that
Alpha Lipoic Acid regenerates or increases levels of other
antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and glutathione (an
antioxidant associated with longevity). There is however some recent
evidence from animal studies that suggests Alpha Lipoic Acid mimics
the effect of vitamin E rather than regenerating the vitamin E
itself. Alpha Lipoic Acid is able to neutralise fat-soluble and
water soluble free radicals, protecting both lipoproteins and
membranes. Lipoproteins transport cholesterol and other fats in the
blood and when damaged they can accumulate in the walls of blood
vessels and restrict flow.
Contra-indications / Precautions
Side effects with Alpha Lipoic Acid are rare and include a skin
rash. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) was found in human studies and
altered thyroid hormone function was found in animal studies, so
diabetics and people with thyroid disorders should take medical
advice before taking this product.
Not recommended for use during pregnancy or lactation.
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