Thioctic Acid

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Thioctic Acid

Thioctic acid, also known a lipoic acid or alpha-lipoic acid, is a

liver protectant nutrient comprised of lipoic acid and fat-soluble

thiamine. An essential micronutrient in liver cell metabolic

pathways, lipoic acid is rapidly depleted during stress-induced

processing. 2,3 People diagnosed with liver cirrhosis, diabetes

mellitus, atherosclerosis and polyneuritis have been found to have a

reduced level of endogenous lipoic acid. 4,5 Lipoic acid works in

catabolic and anabolic pathways with other coenzymes. 6,7 As the

liver processes a high toxic load, indicated by elevated liver

enzymes in the blood; thioctic acid renders these toxins harmless and

opens pathways to accommodate the toxins. Thus liver enzyme levels

(SGOT and SGPT) are lowered which reduces strain on the liver that

jeopardizes its function. 9 The fat-soluble vitamin thiamine

tetrhydrofurfuryl disulfide must be present in complementary amounts

to work with and enable lipic acid. 10 Thioctic acid has been used in

treatment of alcoholics as a liver protectant. 8,9 Physicians are

learning to use it as a therapeutic agent for virally- or drug-

induced liver damage, and in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy.

4,5 Additionally, laboratory studies on HIV-infected T-cells treated

with thioctic acid showed inhibition of HIV by reducing replication

rates of active virus. 10,11

Thioctic acid is manufactured by Cardiovascular Research of Concord,

California; and is packaged in capsule form (50 mg/capsule).

Supplemental thioctic acid ensures a supply of this micronutrient as

the liver demands, and allows efficient processing of blood

metabolites. Toxicity has only been documented in animals when fed

thioctic acid 1/3(!) of their body weight or more. Two hundred to 250

mg daily is needed to achieve the results desired, lower liver enzyme

levels and an easing of stress on the liver. You will observe results

(decreases in SGOT and SGPT) within one to two weeks.