What does lipoic acid do for the body?

Alpha-lipoic acid is used in the body to break down carbohydrates and to make energy for the other organs in the body. Alpha-lipoic acid seems to work as an antioxidant, which means that it might provide protection to the brain under conditions of damage or injury.

Also to know is, what is alpha lipoic acid good for?

Alpha-lipoic acid is an organic compound with antioxidant properties. It's made in small amounts by your body but also found in foods and as a supplement. It may benefit diabetes, skin aging, memory, heart health, and weight loss. Dosages of 300–600 mg seem effective and safe without serious side effects.

One may also ask, how much alpha lipoic acid should you take a day? But alpha-lipoic acid is an unproven treatment, there is no established dose. Studies have used between 600-1,200 milligrams daily for diabetes and neuropathy; one review concluded that the evidence is convincing for the use of 600 milligrams daily for three weeks on symptoms of diabetic neuropathy.

Also, what are the side effects of taking alpha lipoic acid?

Alpha-lipoic acid side effects

low blood sugar--headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness, fast heart rate, or feeling jittery; or.
a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out.

What foods contain alpha lipoic acid?

Many foods have alpha-lipoic acid in very low amounts. They include spinach, broccoli, yams, potatoes, yeast, tomatoes, Brussels sprouts, carrots, beets, and rice bran. Red meat -- particularly organ meat -- is also a source of alpha-lipoic acid.

32 Related Question Answers Found

Does alpha lipoic acid make urine smell?

The most common adverse events reported were urine odor and GI side effects. Three of the 15 subjects (one at 600 mg, one at 800 mg, and three at 1,200 mg) experienced upper GI side effects, including acid reflux, nausea, and stomach discomfort.

Can I take alpha lipoic acid every day?

Because alpha-lipoic acid is an unproven treatment, there is no established dose. However, studies have used between 600-1,800 milligrams daily for diabetes and neuropathy; one review concluded that the evidence is convincing for the use of 600 milligrams daily for three weeks on symptoms of diabetic neuropathy.

Does alpha lipoic acid raise blood pressure?

High blood pressure.

Research shows that taking 600 mg of alpha-lipoic acid daily with medication does not decrease blood pressure compared to medication alone.

How long should I take alpha lipoic acid?

Taking 600-1800 mg of alpha-lipoic acid by mouth or by IV seems to improve symptoms such as burning, pain, and numbness in the legs and arms of people with diabetes. It may take 3 to 5 weeks of treatment for symptoms to improve.

Should I take alpha lipoic acid on an empty stomach?

It's best to take a supplement on an empty stomach, as certain foods can lower its bioavailability and could cause nausea. The generally accepted dosage alpha lipoic acid is 300 to 600 mg per day to improve general health.

Is alpha lipoic acid good for the kidney?

Alpha-Lipoic Acid and Diabetic Kidney Disease. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA is an antioxidant which has been shown to aid in prevention of diabetic nephropathy. This study was done to demonstrate the ability of ALA to protect the energy producing centers (mitochondria) of kidney cells and prevent diabetic nephropathy.

What is the best form of alpha lipoic acid?

Alpha-Lipoic Acid Occurs In Different Forms

Alpha-Lipoic acid consists of a 50/50 mixture of the R-(natural) and S-(unnatural) enantiomers that are mirror images of each other and is called a 'racemic' mixture. It is the most widely available commercial form of alpha lipoic acid.

Does alpha lipoic acid cause insomnia?

Side effects are generally rare and may include insomnia, fatigue, diarrhea, and skin rash. Alpha-lipoic acid can lower blood sugar levels, so people with diabetes or low blood sugar should take alpha-lipoic acid only under the supervision of their health care provider.

Does Ala help you lose weight?

Weight loss

Some claim that ALA may help people lose weight. For example, one study on an animal model found that ALA could improve skeletal muscle energy metabolism, possibly increasing how many calories the body can burn. However, studies also show that the impact of ALA on weight loss is small.

Does alpha lipoic acid cause stomach upset?

Alpha-lipoic acid is very safe at commonly recommended dosages, although occasionally it causes mild stomach upset and in rare cases it can trigger an allergic skin rash. If you experience any of these reactions, reduce the dose or stop taking the supplement.

Is alpha lipoic acid good for the liver?

Both ALA and glutathione recycle vitamins C and E, two more antioxidants. By increasing the antioxidant power of glutathione, ALA helps liver cells recover from toxins. ALA also supports liver cells directly as an antioxidant. Cells have a protective lipid (fat- like) outside membrane and watery plasma inside.

Why does alpha lipoic acid burn?

Neuropathy causes sensory changes. These include stinging, burning, pain, and numbness in areas of the skin. Several small studies have also shown that ALA can help to increase insulin sensitivity. It can lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.

Does alpha lipoic acid interact with any medications?

Alpha-Lipoic Acid Interactions

Do not take alpha-lipoic acid without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications: insulin or oral diabetes medicine; medicines to treat underactive thyroid, such as levothyroxine (Synthroid) and others; or. cancer medicines (chemotherapy).

What drugs interact with alpha lipoic acid?

View interaction reports for alpha-lipoic acid and the medicines listed below.

acetylcysteine.
Aspirin Low Strength (aspirin)
biotin.
cinnamon.
Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone)
CoQ10 (ubiquinone)
Cymbalta (duloxetine)
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)

Is alpha lipoic acid an anti inflammatory?

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) has been used as a dietary supplement at different doses in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM) due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypoglycemic effects.

Does Glutathione help with weight loss?

Glutathione: Detox and Weight Loss* Glutathione is your liver's best friend. It is a simple molecule composed of three sulfur containing amino acids that help the body detoxify. Uncontrolled buildup of toxins leads to a condition where the body stores more fat and uses less calories making weight loss more difficult.

Is alpha lipoic acid good for your skin?

Alpha lipoic acid is an enzyme that, when applied topically on skin, appears to be a very good antioxidant. Taken internally, alpha lipoic acid is a water- and fat-soluble antioxidant capable of regenerating other antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E. It is also believed to exert numerous soothing effects.