Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) has two main functions in the body. It partakes in the conversion of carbohydrates and fats into glucose (blood sugar) and fatty acids. The blood sugar is later transformed into energy in the cells. It also functions as a powerful anti-oxidant. For this reason, ALA can be used for just about any disease that will benefit from an antioxidant treatment. E.g. in the treatment of of cancer, HIV and AIDS, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, inflammatory- and toxic conditions, and diabetes.
It is especially well suited for the regeneration of injured liver tissue and for counteracting injuries to the nervous tissue. It enhances the funtions of insulin in the body and lowers the blood sugar level by increasing the glucose uptake of the cells. Likewise, it is used for averting the harmful effects of a stroke and for protecting against the injuries to the nervous system that arise during the years as a consequence of having diabetes.
ALA seems to be able of counteracting the outbreak of AIDS in HIV-positive patients.
In the U.S.A., lipoic acid is widely used for delaying symptoms of old age; these substances are collectively called anti-ageing.
In the body, lipoic acid is absorbed very quickly. Some of the lipoic acid will here be transformed into dihydro-lipoic acid which is an equally strong antioxidant. Lipoic acid prolongs the effect of vitamin C, vitamin E, glutathione, and co-enzyme Q10 in the body.
Alpha-lipoic acid can be found in several forms:
R-lipoic acid
A dextrogyrate lipoic acid which is the only naturally occuring form - in nature and in the human body. All the beneficial effects of lipoic acid is attributed to this form. The anti-inflammatory effect of R-lipoic acid is - among some scientists - said to be 10 times stronger than conventional lipoic acid. In old rats, R-lipoic acid has been able to increase the production of ATP (energy) whereas S-lipoic acid have shown to inhibit the ATP production.
The pure R-lipoic acid is more expensive to make but is expected to outstrip the conventional alpha-lipoic acid during a couple of years.
S-lipoic acid
A sinistrogyrate
Dosage
Conventional (racemic) alpha-lipoic acid: 200 - 500 mg a day.
Against nervous damage as a complication to diabetes: 300 - 600 mg. a day.
In some cases up to 1000 mg. a day. To be taken in connection with meals. If possible, spread the daily dose over several meals instead of taking it all at a single meal.
R-lipoic acid: In this case, you can use half the dose compared to conventional alpha-lipoic acid.
