Alpha lipoic acid

Alpha lipoic acid or ALA is a vitamin-like compound. Although we make it in our bodies and eat it in small amounts in our food, we may not have enough of it in times of cellular stress, such as aging or disease, or when we are trying to lose weight.

One of the reasons that we get fatter as we age is that the fat burning machinery wears out. Our mitochondria do not function as well when they age. This is called mitochondrial dysfunction. The mitochondria actually rust; they suffer from the wear and tear of processing too many calories!

ALA has two functions in the body.

1. ALA is a cofactor in energy metabolism. It is a cofactor to key enzymes in the Krebs cycle, which is the final common pathway of cellular metabolism. Fats, carbohydrates, and protein are all converted into a form of cellular energy in the mitochondria. ALA can be considered the “catalytic converter” for these reactions. If ALA is in short supply, metabolism has to slow down.

2. ALA is an important antioxidant in the body. It helps preserve the mitochondria as well as the entire cell from free radical damage. Free radicals are destructive chemicals that are necessary by-products of metabolism. Oxidation reactions occur in our mitochondria which burn fat and metabolize our food, but can lead to the formation of free radicals. These act like rust – and they disable our metabolic machinery. To prevent our metabolic factories (our mitochondria) from rusting and becoming useless, it is helpful to supplement with ALA as well as coQ 10.

   ALA, as a powerful antioxidant and helps preserve mitochondrial structure and function. It also is able to recycle other antioxidants in the body, like vitamins C and E. It rejuvenates the most important antioxidants in the body glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase. These three essential antioxidants protect us from disease and aging. Without these critical defense mechanisms, we would age way before our time!

Research in rats has shown that ALA supplementation does increase the metabolic rate. It has been found to work especially well when combined with acetyl-l-carnitine. This combination also seems to give rats increased energy and memory power. This benefit can be seen in humans, too.

Many individuals who are “in the know” are now taking supplements of ALA combined with acetyl-l-carnitine in order to feel more energetic and improve their memory. Often these two supplements are united with coenzyme Q10 for an even greater benefit.

Alpha lipoic acid can lower blood sugar, especially in diabetics or those in the pre-diabetes stage. Supplementing with ALA may improve their blood sugar control. However, if you are taking glucose-lowering drugs or insulin, you need to be very cautious when adding ALA to avoid hypoglycemia. Speak with your doctor before adjusting medication doses on your own.

Adding ALA may have a role in lowering insulin resistance for those who are overweight and have this metabolic problem. Lowering insulin levels (by lowering blood sugar) will help the body burn stored fat and aid weight loss.

Note for diabetics: Research suggests that high doses (600 mg/day) of ALA may help reduce the severity of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, a painful burning sensation or actual loss of sensation that plagues diabetics. This progressive neurological damage is not only painful but can lead to injury of the feet and legs (and eventually to amputation in some cases). Again, you need to discuss this supplement with your doctor before taking such high doses. We are not able to give individual medical advice, and this information should not be construed as specific medical advice for any individual. Diabetes is a serious illness, and you should always follow up closely with your personal physician in order to manage this disease.

Supplements