Supports Sugar Metabolism*
HOW PATIENTS MAY BENEFIT
- Superior antioxidant support*
- Promotes cellular energy production*
- Supports healthy nerve function*
BACKGROUND
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) plays a role in antioxidant synergism to fight oxidative
stress and free radical formation.* As a coenzyme, ALA is needed to break down
glucose for energy production.* ALA helps metabolize sugar in the body,
especially in muscles, where it promotes energy.*
PRODUCT DISCUSSION
PhysioLogics higher potency ALA 600 mg supplies this universal antioxidant that
recycles Glutathione, Coenzyme Q-10, and Vitamins C and E to help establish a
cellular antioxidant network.* Alpha Lipoic Acid also supports sugar metabolism
to help maintain healthy blood sugar level already within a normal range.*
STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION
ALA is a cofactor in the Krebs cycle, a major biochemical process that derives
energy from carbohydrates. Two central enzyme complexes, pyruvate dehydrogenase
and alpha-ketogluterate dehydrogenase, require ALA to generate citrate. Because
citrate is the first substrate in the Krebs cycle, the process cannot proceed
without adequate ALA. Alternate metabolic pathways may be stimulated in an
attempt to produce acetyl-CoA; however, an energy deficit remains, especially in
the central nervous system.
The body generates free radicals as natural by-products of metabolism. Free radicals can contribute to oxidative stress, which in turn may contribute to the premature aging of the cells. ALA is a "universal antioxidant" that helps neutralize cell-damaging free radicals in both the water-soluble and fat-soluble compartments of body cells.* In addition, it regenerates NADt from NADH as well as intracellular levels of Glutathione, Vitamins C and E, and Coenzyme Q-10.*
CLINICAL EVIDENCE
- A double-blind placebo controlled study with 33 men examined the relationship between alpha-lipoic acid, glutathione status and immune function. The subjects received either alpha-lipoic acid, 300 mg 3 times a day, or a placebo for 6 months. Blood glutathione levels increased significantly in the treatment group compared with placebo (p= 0.04). Proliferation of lymphocytes was significantly enhanced in the treatment group compared to declining levels in the placebo group. This study indicates that alpha-lipoic acid can support immune function via maintenance of glutathione status. (Jariwala et al, 2008)
- This randomized double-blind placebo controlled trial involved 181 participants receiving either 600 mg, 1,200 mg, 1,800 mg of alpha-lipoic acid or placebo for 5 weeks to determine its effect on nerve health. Participants in all 3 dosage groups experienced significant improvement in nerve health compared to placebo (p<0.05). This study indicates that alpha-lipoic acid may have value in maintaining healthy nervous system function. (Ziegler et al, 2006)
SUMMARY
PhysioLogics ALA 600 mg provides comprehensive antioxidant support against
oxidative stress.* As an integral part of the Krebs cycle, ALA works to
metabolize glucose into cellular energy.*
SUGGESTED DOSAGE
For adults, take one (1) capsule one to two times daily, preferably with a meal,
or follow the advice of a healthcare professional.
REFERENCES
Borcea V, et al. Lipoic acid decreases oxidative stress even in diabetic
patients with poor glycemic control and albuminuria. Free Radical Bio Med.
1999; 26:1495-1500.
Bustamante J, et al. Lipoic acid in liver metabolism and disease. Free Radical Bio Med. 1998; 24:1023-39.
Jacob S, et al. Oral administration of RAC-alpha lipoic acid modulates insulin sensitivity in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus: a placebo-controlled pilot trial. Free Radic Bio Med. 1999;27:309-14.
Jariwella RJ, et al. Restoration of blood total glutathione status and lymphocyte function following alpha-lipoic acid supplementation in patients with HIV infection. J Altern Complement Med. 2008;14:139-46.
Konrad T, et al. Alpha lipoic acid treatment decreases serum lactate and pyruvate concentrations and improves glucose effectiveness in lean and obese patients with Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes Care. 1999; 22:280-7.
Marangon K, et al. Comparison of the effect of alphalipoic acid and alpha-tocopherol supplementation on measures of oxidative stress. Free Radic Bio Med. 1999; 27:1114-21.
Packer L, et al. Alpha-lipoic acid as a biological antioxidant. Free Radical Bio Med. 1995;19:227-50.
Ruhnaut KJ, et al. Effects of 3 week oral treatment with the antioxidant thioctic acid (lipoic acid) in symptomatic diabetic polyneuropathy. Diabetic Med: J Brit Diab Assoc. 1999;16:1040-3.
Wagh SS. Mode of action of lipoic acid in diabetes. J Biosci. 1987;11:159-74.
Ziegler D, et al. Oral treatment with alpha-lipoic acid improves symptomatic diabetic polyneuropathy: The SYDNEY 2 trial. Diabetes Care. 2006;29:2365-70.
