Alpha Lipoic Acid

Lipoic acid, also known as alpha-lipoic acid, is a sulfur-containing fatty acid. It is found inside every cell of the body, where it helps generate the energy that keeps us alive and functioning. Lipoic acid is a key part of the metabolic machinery that turns glucose (blood sugar) into energy for the body's needs.

Lipoic acid is an antioxidant, which means it neutralizes naturally occurring, but harmful, chemicals known as free radicals. Unlike other antioxidants, which work only in water or fatty tissues, lipoic acid is unusual in that it functions in both water and fat. By comparison, vitamin E works only in fat and vitamin C works only in water. This gives lipoic acid an unusually broad spectrum of action.

Different antioxidants work together to keep free radicals under control. Antioxidants are a bit like kamikaze pilots, sacrificing themselves to knock out free radicals. One of the more interesting findings about lipoic acid is that it may help regenerate other antioxidants that have been used up. Some research also suggests that lipoic acid may be able to do the work of other antioxidants when the body is deficient in them. Thanks to its fat solubility, lipoic acid can get inside nerve cells, where it helps prevent free radical damage.

Because a healthy body makes enough lipoic acid to supply its energy requirements, there is no daily requirement for this supplement. However, several medical conditions appear to be accompanied by low levels of lipoic acid specifically, diabetes, liver cirrhosis and heart disease which suggests (but definitely does not prove) that supplementation would be helpful.

Liver and yeast contain some lipoic acid. Nonetheless, supplements are necessary to obtain therapeutic dosages. The typical dosage of oral lipoic acid for treating complications of diabetes is 300 to 600 mg daily, although much higher doses have been tried in studies. Be patient, as the results take weeks to develop. For use as a general antioxidant, a lower dosage of 20 to 50 mg daily is commonly recommended.

Lipoic acid appears to have no significant side effects at dosages up to 1,800 mg daily. Safety for young children, women who are pregnant or nursing, or those with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established.