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Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) – also known as thioctic acid, was discovered in 1951 as a molecule identified in the acetyl group transfer phase as well as a coenzyme in the Krebs cycle.

In the 1980s, the scientific community realized that ALA is also a powerful antioxidant.

Several defining properties of ALA over other antioxidants:

  • ALA neutralizes free radicals in both fatty and liquid areas of the cell, compared to vitamin C that is only soluble in water and vitamin E which is only soluble in fat.
  • ALA also acts as an antioxidant in both reduced and oxidized form.
  • Pharmacologically, ALA is readily absorbed oral administration and is rapidly converted into the reduced form of acid-dihydrolipoic (DHLA) in most tissues of the body.
  • The effects of ALA and DHLA are both intracellular and extracellular. DHLA can directly regenerate ascorbic acid from the exhausted form of dihydroascorbic acid. It also indirectly can regenerate vitamin E. Researchers have found that ALA increases the intracellular level of glutathione and Coenzyme Q10.
  • ALA can chelate certain heavy metals forming stable complexes such as excessive copper, manganese and zinc. Chelates also arsenic, cadmium (especially in the liver), mercury (especially in the kidneys).
  • ALA is also useful in diabetic disease, preventing glycolysis of proteins and inhibiting the conversion of glucose into sorbitol. Sorbitol accumulations lead to the pathogenesis of complications of diabetic disease including ocular cataract. There is clinical evidence that ALA can help prevent diabetes, help control glucose and prevent certain chronic complications of hyperglycemia such as diabetic neuropathy. By acting as a powerful antioxidant, DHLA protects the pancreas against reactive oxygen species.

DIABETES

In a placebo-controlled, multi-center clinical trial, 600 mg ALA twice a day for 4 weeks increased insulin sensitivity by 27% by increasing glucose processing and elimination rates.

CATARACT

Alpha Lipoic acid has been extensively studied in Europe for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy through 3 large placebo-controlled trials (ALADIN studies). Improvement in conduction parameters and nerve function was noted. In another placebo-controlled trial, coded under the name SYDNEY, ALA-registered group experienced a substantial improvement in the symptoms of neuropathy (burning sensation, numbness)..

GLAUCOMA

In a clinical trial of glaucoma diabetic patients using 150-300 mg / day of ALA, significant improvements in eye disease were observed by improving visual function.

REPERFUSION LIQUID

The reperfusion injury is a consequence of ischemia caused by a myocardial infarction or a stroke. If an area is free of blood for a while, as happens in cases of stroke or myocardial infarction caused by a blood clot, reperfusion causes a shock by releasing a large contingent of free radicals. Several studies have led to the conclusion that ALA is a neuroprotector after ischemia. One week after ischemia, ALA-treated patients had significantly higher sensory amplitude and velocity than the placebo group.

ALCOHOLISM

Preliminary studies in alcohol-induced liver disease indicate benefits of ALA treatment, particularly for peripheral neuropathy.

COGNITIVE FUNCTION

Alpha Lipoic acid can have positive effects in patients with Alzheimer’s disease, as well as other memory dysfunctions due to trauma or stroke. By reducing the oxidative lesions of the central nervous system caused by free radicals, ALA can reduce the severity of sequelae. ALA protects brain cells against neurotoxicity, considered one of the causes that can lead to Alzheimer’s disease.

INTOXICATION WITH HEAVY METALS

Clinical studies in vitro and in vivo suggest that supplementation with Alpha Lipoic Acid is a beneficial component in treating the toxicity of heavy metals in particular: lead, mercury and cadmium.

WARNING

Because taking ALA can lead to low blood sugar, consult your doctor if you are diabetic and are taking hypoglycemic drugs or insulin in order to avoid lowering too much your blood sugar.

Provita Nutrition offers the ALA-300 product that provides a minimum daily dose of 300 mg of Alpha Lipoic Acid (per 1 capsule).

The recommended daily therapeutic dose is 1 capsule twice a day.

ALA-300 – standardized to 100% alpha lipoic acid

  • Very good metabolic antioxidant and strong detoxifier for liver steatosis (fatty liver), hepatitis, exhausted liver (hepatoprotection).
  • Very effective in treating diabetes (hyperglycemia) and helping to recycle other antioxidants.
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Posted on by PNro-admn in Health News, Healthy Life, The doctor's advice
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