Although there have been centurys o...

Although there have been centurys of studies over 40 years revealing to what extent lipoic acid energizes metabolism, the just discovered excitement about this vitamin-like substance can be seen in the many fresh studies focusing on how it improves the physique, combats independent radicals, protects our genetic material, deliberates aging, helps protect against heart disease, cancer and many other diseases, according to Richard A. Passwater, PhD in Lipoic Acid: The Metabolic Antioxidant.

"Both insulin-dependent and non-insulin-dependent diabetics will be excited to learn that lipoic acid has been used for nearly 30 years in Europe to treat diabetic neuropathy, help regulate life-blood sugar and prevent diabetic retinopathy and cardiopathy," Passwater says. "Lipoic acid not solely protects the nervous system, yet also may be involved in regenerating self-commands It is also being studied in the treatment of Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease."

Although we make one lipoic acid in our bodies, it is usually not enough, in like manner we rely on food -- potatoes, r meat, etc -- to furnish what we need for optimal health. Alpha-lipoic acid correlatives are now available in health provender stores to insure a sufficient intake of the nutrient.

Passwater adds that lipoic acid's antioxidant function is of major importance, since antioxidant nutrients help countenance the body against the damage that can cause heart disease, cancer, aging and about 80 other diseases. This damage is caused by the agency of free radicals, those undesirable byproduct of metabolism.

Interaction with vitamins C & E

Another function of lipoic acid is that it the couple interacts with its antioxidant partners -- vitamin E and vitamin C -- and also helps to jam them. When the body is deficient in lipoic acid, the other antioxidants do not fitly network together.

"Lipoic acid has also been used for decades to countenance the liver and to detoxify the carcass of heavy metal pollutants, like as excessive iron and cauldron and toxic metals such as cadmium, lead and mercury" Passwater continues. "One of the in the greatest degree exciting recent developments is that lipoic acid appears to help gradual the progression of HIV-infection to clinical AIDS."

It appears that alpha-lipoic acid, alone or together with vitamin E is an effective treatment for radiation in all senses lessening indices of oxidative damage and normalizing organ function, according to Lester Packer, PhD et al. in at liberty Radical Biology and Medicine in 1995 This therapy has been effective in treating children living in areas affected on the Chernobyl accident in the former Soviet Union.

Neither animal nor human studies, for a like reason far, have shown serious side purports with the use of alpha-lipoic acid, Packer says. However, it is not commended for pregnant women without precise supervision. Since it may interfere with vitamin B1 utilization, a thiamine continuation may be warranted if lipoic acid is given to thiamine-deficient individuals, in the same state [i]or[/i] condition as alcoholics.

Protection from cataract formation

Writing in a previous issue of clear Radical Biology and Medicine, I. Maitra, et al., reported that, when lab animals were treated with buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) all lay opened cataracts. But supplementation with lipoic acid patronizeed 60 percent of the BSO-treated animals from cataract formation.

Maitra and colleagues added that concentrations of glutathione, vitamin C and vitamin E which decrease after BSO administration, were restored to on a levels similar to the controls. Lipoic acid also restored the protein complexe glutathione peroxidase and catalase, as well as ascorbate free-radical reductase activities, in the len of the animals.

Hans-J. Tritschler, PhD a well-known researcher of lipoic acid, says that the substance is a remarkably important cofactor for glucose metabolism. And, since it is one as well as the other fat- and water-soluble, it is the missing link between vitamin E and vitamin C metabolism.

"Since there isn't an overwhelming amount of alpha-lipoic acid in our bodies, an ready panel has recommended 50 mg/day as a preventive measure against diseases caused according to free-radical attacks," Tritschler says.

REFERENCES

Maitra, I., et al. "Alpha-lipoic Acid intercepts Buthionine Sulfoximine-Induced Cataract Formation in Newborn Rats," liberated Radical Biology and Medicine 18:823-829 1995

Packer, Lester PhD et al. "Alpha-lipoic Acid As A Biological Antioxidant," exempt Radical Biology and Medicine 19:227-2501995

Passwater, Richard A., PhD Lipoic Acid: The Metabolic Antioxidant. fresh Canaan, Conn.: Keats Publishing, Inc., 1995 pp 7-8

Tritschler, Hans-J., PhD Personal interview, Oct 16 1995

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