Alpha Lipoic Acid: The Natural Anti-Inflammatory

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Alpha Lipoic Acid: The Natural Anti-Inflammatory

Unlike Vitamin C, which is water soluble and Vitamin E, which is fat

soluble, Alpha Lipoic Acid is a unique antioxidant that is both water

and fat soluble, which allows it to enter all parts of the cell to

neutralize free radicals. Alpha Lipoic Acid contributes to and is

important for the production of energy inside the cell by utilizing

sugar to produce energy contributing to mental and physical stamina,

reducing muscle fatigue and neutralizes free radicals. Alpha Lipoic

Acid recycles and enhances the effects of both Vitamin C and Vitamin E.

Scientists first discovered the importance of alpha lipoic acid in the

1950s, and recognized it as an antioxidant in 1988. It has been the

subject of research around the world, some being done at UC Berkeley by

Dr. Lester Packer, a leading expert in the area of antioxidants and a

professor of molecular and cell biology at the University of California

at Berkeley. He believes that Alpha Lipoic Acid could have far-reaching

consequences in the search for prevention and therapy of chronic

degenerative diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Because it's the only antioxidant that can easily get into the brain,

it could be useful in preventing oxidative stress and damage from a

stroke. [21].

Alpha Lipoic Acid is easily absorbed when taken orally and once inside

cells is quickly converted to its most potent form, dihydrolipoic acid.

Because both Alpha Lipoic Acid and dihydrolipoic acid are antioxidants,

their combined actions give them greater antioxidant potency than any

natural antioxidant now known. This also makes it important for

regulating aspects of the immune system, in particular, T-lymphocytes.

[22].

The incidence of inflammatory diseases such as arthritis increases with

age. Free radicals promote inflammatory reactions, which antioxidants

have been successful at diminishing.

Scientists recently stimulated the inflammatory response of white blood

cells, resulting in an increase of Intracellular Adhesion Molecule 1

(ICAM-1), which encourages white blood cells to stick to other cells,

thereby inflaming tissues. Alpha-lipoic acid, a potent antioxidant, was

then added to the mix. Researchers said the acid reduced the activity

of ICAM-1 to levels in normal, un-stimulated cells in a dose-dependent

manner. It also lowered the activity of NFkB. According to the study,

these changes suggest that alpha-lipoic acid may help reduce the

effects of inflammatory diseases such a rheumatoid arthritis and

psoriasis. [23].

Suggested dosage for Alpha Lipoic Acid is 100-200 mg in divided doses daily.

SIDE EFFECTS: with alpha lipoic acid are rare but can include:

• Skin rash and the potential of hypoglycemia in diabetic patients.

• People who may be deficient in vitamin B1 (such as alcoholics) should

take vitamin B1 along with alpha lipoic acid supplements.

• Chronic administration of alpha lipoic acid in animals has interfered

with the actions of the vitamin, biotin. Whether this has significance

for humans remains unknown.11A.

Pacholyk, MS. L.Ac

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