Showing posts with label lipoic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lipoic. Show all posts
Alpha Lipoic Acid Boosts Cellular Energy and Regenerates Mitochondria Function
Friday, May 16, 2014
Mitochondria are the small powerhouse organelles that control the energy output for each of the trillions of cells that function synergistically within the human body. Every cell houses dozens to hundreds of mitochondria, depending on the particular function and energy requirement of the component organ. More than 85% of the oxygen contained in every breath is consumed by these tiny energy producers, so it is easy to understand how low mitochondrial function typically seen with aging can lead to low energy levels and ultimately cellular death.
Cutting edge research published in the Journal of Nucleic Acids and Metabolism furnishes details to explain that the naturally occurring antioxidant alpha lipoic acid can significantly reduce mitochondrial decay and boost energy levels to improve longevity parameters in aging humans.
Alpha Lipoic Acid Reduces Free Radical Stress and Improves Energy Production
Since the early 1970`s scientists have proposed and validated the `mitochondrial theory of aging` that demonstrates how a lifetime of accumulated damage to mitochondrial DNA leads to increased free radical stress and lowered cellular energy production and chronic disease. Researchers examined aging mice that were broken into two groups, one supplemented with alpha lipoic acid in their drinking water and the other a control group, for a period of 30 days. Both groups were tested for metabolic functions relating to glucose metabolism, energy production and antioxidant status.
Authors of the study found that the alpha lipoic acid supplemented group experienced mitochondrial biogenesis, a process that rejuvenates and replaces damaged and aging mitochondria. Prior bodies of research postulated that mitochondrial regeneration and genesis were not possible and cell death was always the final result of mitochondrial dysfunction. Through a very intricate metabolic process, lipoic acid supplementation was found to improve body composition, glucose tolerance, and energy expenditure in the aged mice.
Alpha Lipoic Acid May Aid Weight Management and Improve Insulin Control
Researchers noted this was the first time a natural compound was able to effectively revitalize mitochondria in aging cells, and concludedthat alpha lipoic acid supplementation “increases lean mass loss possibly by suppressing protein synthesis in the skeletal muscle by down-regulating the mTOR signaling pathway. Thus, lipoic acid may be a promising supplement for treatment of obesity and/or insulin resistance in older patients.”
Subsequently, research conducted by Dr. Bruce Ames found that combining the bioactive `R` isomer of lipoic acid and acetyl-l-carnitine decreases oxidative damage leading to mitochondrial decay and may help prevent degenerative diseases of aging including cancer, cognitive decline (dementia) and diabetes while restoring the vital energy needed to live an active lifestyle. Nutrition experts recommend supplementing with `R` alpha-lipoic acid (100 – 300 mg daily) and acetyl-l-carnitine (1000 mg daily) to restore energy levels lost to mitochondrial decline.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Thursday, January 16, 2014
You may be familiar with vitamins C and E, both for their essential role in maintaining healthy tissues and organs, and for their antioxidant abilities. Maybe you regularly take supplements of these vitamins, with the expectation theyll reduce free-radical damage, a condition more common in people with diabetes. (High blood glucose levels increase free radical production.)
If so, you may want to consider adding another antioxidant to your supplement regimen: alpha-lipoic acid.
Alpha-lipoic acid, known as thioctic acid in Europe, is a naturally occurring compound involved in energy production in our body. Its also a potent antioxidant and has the ability to regenerate vitamins C and E when theyve lost their antioxidant capacities in the process of neutralizing free radicals.
A number of studies in the last decade have investigated alpha-lipoic acids therapeutic value for lessening symptoms of diabetic neuropathy - a condition that can be worsened by the oxidative damage wrought by free radicals:
A note of caution: Alpha-lipoic acid can improve insulin sensitivity.9 Although this is a desirable effect, it may necessitate changes to any diabetes medications youre taking to avoid bouts of hypoglycemia. If you use insulin, consult with your doctor before supplementing with alpha-lipoic acid. If you dont use insulin, its still a good idea to monitor your blood glucose while taking the supplement and report changes to your doctor.
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1 Treatment of symptomatic diabetic peripheral neuropathy with the anti-oxidant alpha-lipoic acid. A 3-week multicentre randomized controlled trial (ALADIN Study)
2 Treatment of diabetic polyneuropathy with the antioxidant thioctic acid (alpha-lipoic acid): a two year multicenter randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial (ALADIN II)
3 Treatment of symptomatic diabetic polyneuropathy with the antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid: a 7-month multicenter randomized controlled trial (ALADIN III Study)
4 Effects of treatment with the antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid on cardiac autonomic neuropathy in NIDDM patients. A 4-month randomized controlled multicenter trial (DEKAN Study)
5 Effects of 3-week oral treatment with the antioxidant thioctic acid (alpha-lipoic acid) in symptomatic diabetic polyneuropathy. The Oral Pilot (OPRIL) Study
6 The sensory symptoms of diabetic polyneuropathy are improved with {alpha}-Lipoic Acid: The SYDNEY Trial
7 Neurological Assessment of Thioctic Acid in Neuropathy Study (NATHAN)
A long-term multicenter study in North American and Europe. NATHAN I investigates oral therapies. NATHAN II investgates intravenous therapy.
8 Thioctic Acid for Patients with Symptomatic Diabetic Polyneuropathy: A Critical Review
9 Oral administration of RAC-alpha-lipoic acid modulates insulin sensitivity in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus: a placebo-controlled pilot trial
If so, you may want to consider adding another antioxidant to your supplement regimen: alpha-lipoic acid.
Alpha-lipoic acid, known as thioctic acid in Europe, is a naturally occurring compound involved in energy production in our body. Its also a potent antioxidant and has the ability to regenerate vitamins C and E when theyve lost their antioxidant capacities in the process of neutralizing free radicals.
A number of studies in the last decade have investigated alpha-lipoic acids therapeutic value for lessening symptoms of diabetic neuropathy - a condition that can be worsened by the oxidative damage wrought by free radicals:
- ALADIN I Study (1995)1
- ALADIN II Study (1999)2
- ALADIN III Study (1999)3
- DEKAN Study (1997)4
- OPRIL Study (1999)5
- SYDNEY Trial (2003)6
- NATHAN Study (Ongoing)7
A note of caution: Alpha-lipoic acid can improve insulin sensitivity.9 Although this is a desirable effect, it may necessitate changes to any diabetes medications youre taking to avoid bouts of hypoglycemia. If you use insulin, consult with your doctor before supplementing with alpha-lipoic acid. If you dont use insulin, its still a good idea to monitor your blood glucose while taking the supplement and report changes to your doctor.
1 Treatment of symptomatic diabetic peripheral neuropathy with the anti-oxidant alpha-lipoic acid. A 3-week multicentre randomized controlled trial (ALADIN Study)
2 Treatment of diabetic polyneuropathy with the antioxidant thioctic acid (alpha-lipoic acid): a two year multicenter randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial (ALADIN II)
3 Treatment of symptomatic diabetic polyneuropathy with the antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid: a 7-month multicenter randomized controlled trial (ALADIN III Study)
4 Effects of treatment with the antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid on cardiac autonomic neuropathy in NIDDM patients. A 4-month randomized controlled multicenter trial (DEKAN Study)
5 Effects of 3-week oral treatment with the antioxidant thioctic acid (alpha-lipoic acid) in symptomatic diabetic polyneuropathy. The Oral Pilot (OPRIL) Study
6 The sensory symptoms of diabetic polyneuropathy are improved with {alpha}-Lipoic Acid: The SYDNEY Trial
7 Neurological Assessment of Thioctic Acid in Neuropathy Study (NATHAN)
A long-term multicenter study in North American and Europe. NATHAN I investigates oral therapies. NATHAN II investgates intravenous therapy.
8 Thioctic Acid for Patients with Symptomatic Diabetic Polyneuropathy: A Critical Review
9 Oral administration of RAC-alpha-lipoic acid modulates insulin sensitivity in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus: a placebo-controlled pilot trial
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