What is Alpha Lipoic Acid?

Alpha lipoic acid or ALA is also known as thioctic or lipoic acid. It is a fatty acid which contains sulfur and is present inside each cell of the human body. Basically, the main purpose of alpha lipoic acid is to produce the necessary energy to keep organisms living and functioning.

Alpha lipoic acid performs a major role in various and important energy-producing reactions within the body which convert blood sugar or glucose to energy. Take note that alpha lipoic acid is a powerful biological antioxidant which has been seen to slow down oxidative cell damage. In numerous cases, alpha lipoic acid has the ability to reverse or stabilize cell damage.

The best thing about alpha lipoic acid is its effectivity as an anti-oxidant due to its ability to work with either fat-soluble and water-soluble free radicals. Believe it or not, the exact process involved in alpha lipoic acid's medicinal effects have yet to be completely understood.

Research also reveals that particular nerve diseases take place due to free radical damage. Due to alpha lipoic acid's capacity to reach every part of the nerve cell, it is more than able therefore to protect nerve cells. Experimental studies also confirm that alpha lipoic acid provides a renal protective effect to those who have diabetes. Thanks to ALA, glucose uptake is increased within the cells. It also helps reduce the manifestation of diabetic complications such as vascular damage, cataract formation or nerve damage.

Evidence also show that ALA is helpful to those who suffer from damaged autonomic nerve cells in diabetics. These nerves basically control internal organ functions. When the same condition is present in the heart, the problem is called cardiac autonomic neuropathy which eventually leads to heart rhythm irregularities.

Experts in the scientific community are also convinced that alpha lipoic acid could reverse any brain cell damage caused by aging. Take note that ALA is also used topically and orally as a means to keep skin looking young and healthy. Medical literature documents also reveal that supplemental alpha lipoic acid is beneficial to patients who are suffering from glaucoma.

The usual dosage of ALA for those with diabetes complications is 100-200mg daily, three times a day. However, there are also studies which indicate that as much as 600-1,800mg of ALA per day is necessary in order to receive its optimal benefit especially for those with serious health issues such as liver cirrhosis, diabetes and atherosclerosis.

However, those who are healthy and only need to take ALA as a means to optimize their health, only 30-300mg each day of ALA is required.

Side effects brought about by alpha lipoic acid include a "pins and needles" tingling sensation, headache, muscle cramps and skin rash. So far, it is still unknown how safe alpha lipoic acid is to children, nursing or pregnant women as well as those who have liver or kidney disease.

Believe it or not, alpha lipoic acid is made by the body and can be found in very small amounts in foods such as spinach, broccoli, peas, Brewer's yeast, brussel sprouts, rice bran, and organ meats. Alpha lipoic acid supplements are also available in capsule form at health food stores, or drugstores both online and offline. For maximum absorption, the supplements should be taken on an empty stomach.