Alpha Lipoic Acid

What it is: a potent water antioxidant; a vital cofactor in producing energy reactions in the body

Also known as: Thioctic Acid, R-Lipoic acid, S-alpha lipoic acid

Water soluble and sulfur-containing

Conditionally essential

Absorbed in: the small intestine then distributed to the liver and other parts of the body; readily crosses the blood-brain barrier

Dosage: 600 to 1800 mg to treat various disorders (only under the guidance of a health professional)

Forms: supplements as Alpha Lipoic Acid or R-lipoic acid

Interactions:

sulfhydryl-containing drugs (eg. tiopronin, D-penicillamine, captopril) may cause a rash or skin eruptions
diabetic medications may increase hypoglycemic effects
chemotherapy drugs may decrease effectiveness
thyroid medications

Food Sources: red and organ meats, spinach, broccoli, potatoes, yams, carrots, beets, yeast

Cautions: may cause a thiamine deficiency so take extra vitamin B1

Benefits:

cofactor for oxidation of some branched-chain amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, valine)
possesses antioxidant and antioxidant-recycling activity (that is, a potent free radical scavenger in both water- and fat-soluble environments)
recycles other antioxidants including vitamins E and C, CoQ10, and glutathione
enhances energy production
approved in Germany as a treatment for diabetic and alcohol-induced neuropathies and liver disease
also used to treat cataracts and glaucoma, dementia, chronic fatigue syndrome, HIV/AIDS, cancers, liver disease, cardiovascular disease, intermittent claudication, Lyme disease, lactic acidosis
reduces wrinkles and improves skin condition after sun damage
increases aortic blood flow
anti-aging, including slowing brain aging
prevents scurvy by helping to recycle vitamin C
Hep C patients with elevated trasaminases were placed on a triple antioxidant thereapy (alpha lipoic acid, selenium, and milk thistle) did not have to undergo a liver transplant and were able to return to a normal working life. (University of Maryland Medical Centre website)

For more information see here under Coenzymes.

Pam Duff, RN, CSNC
July 2010