Features
Alpha-lipoic acid is involved in energy production. Alpha-lipoic acid works together with vitamin E and vitamin C to protect the entire cell from oxidative stress. As an antioxidant it is a very small molecule that is efficiently absorbed and easily crosses cell membranes. Alpha-lipoic acid is both fat- and water-soluble, so it can quench free radicals both inside and outside the cell. It also directly recycles vitamins C and glutathione and indirectly recycles vitamin E.
Alpha-lipoic acid is an approved drug in Germany for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy (nerve disease). Several double-blind studies have shown lipoic acid supplementation (300 to 600 mg daily) does improve diabetic neuropathy.
Although the body does make alpha-lipoic acid, supplementation is advised because the body uses the available alpha-lipoic acid for metabolic function with very little left over for antioxidant function.
Benefits
Ingredients
Each capsule contains:
Alpha-lipoic acid.............................100 mg
Dosage
2 capsules, 3 times daily taken at least 30 minutes before meals or as directed by a health care practitioner. Use a minimum of 3 weeks for full effects to develop. Keep out of the reach of children.
Contraindications
- Alpha-lipoic acid may affect insulin in insulin-dependent diabetes or drugs that lower blood sugar levels in non-insulin dependent diabetes such as glyburide (Diabeta, Micronase) and metformin (Glucophage®).
- Consult a health care practitioner to discuss proper monitoring of blood sugar levels before taking alpha-lipoic acid.
Additional Information
Children: Suitable for children at one-half the adult dosage.
Pregnancy and Nursing: Generally regarded as safe, but as the effects of lipoic acid during pregnancy and lactation have not been sufficiently evaluated, it should not be used during these times unless directed to do so by a health care practitioner.
Seniors: No special precautions are known.