What is Alpha-Lipoic Acid?
Alpha-Lipoic Acid (AlA). Sounds like a mean prize fighter doesn't it. Essentially its an antioxidant that is made by the body and is found in every cell, where it helps turn glucose into energy. Antioxidants are substances that attack "free radicals," waste products created when the body turns food into energy. Free radicals cause harmful chemical reactions that can damage cells in the body, making it harder for the body to fight off infections. They also damage organs and tissues.
Benefits of ALA
One of the beauties of ALA is that its both water and fat soluble, which in layman terms means it works throughout the entire body. But one of the best benefits of ALA is that it appears to lower blood sugar levels. This of course is important for individuals who are diabetic. But this also mean it can assist with weight loss. Essentially, if you are able to control your bodies sugar levels, then you in turn control its insulin response. This mean the body is better at utilizing sugar for energy, and not storing it as fat.
How do we get ALA
A healthy body makes enough ALA. It is also found in red meat, organ meats (such as liver), yeast (particularly Brewer's yeast), and in very small quantities in spinach. But ALA can also be supplemented through 30 to 100mg tablets.
Recommended Daily Allowance For Adults
There are no recommended daily allowances. But for general antioxidant support, the rule of thumb from most sources seems to be 20-50mg per day. "However, oral ALA is reported to be well tolerated in doses up to 600 milligrams per day, and 200-300 mg a day is frequently used in Europe as a therapeutic adjunct in treating diabetic neuropathy." But as I always say to clients, check with your doctor before doing any supplementation.
Side Effects
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center Website:
No evidence suggests whether or not alpha-lipoic acid is safe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, so such women should not take alpha-lipoic acid.
Side effects are generally rare and may include skin rash.
Alpha-lipoic acid can lower blood sugar levels, so people with diabetes or hypoglycemia should take alpha-lipoic acid only under the supervision of their doctor. (See "Interactions" section.)
Results of animal studies suggest that people who are deficient in thiamine (vitamin B1), a condition often associated with alcoholism, should not take alpha-lipoic acid.
Possible Interactions:
If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use alpha-lipoic acid without first talking to your health care provider.
Insulin and drugs that lower blood sugar -- Apha-lipoic acid can combine with these drugs to further reduce blood sugar levels, resulting in hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Tell your doctor before taking alpha-lipoic acid and monitor your blood sugar levels closely; your doctor may need to adjust your medication doses.
Thyroid-regulating medications, Levothyroxine -- Apha-lipoic acid may lower levels of thyroid hormone. Blood hormone levels and thyroid function tests should be monitored closely in people taking thyroid hormones who are also taking alpha-lipoic acid.
No comments:
Post a Comment