Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)

Alpha lipoic acid

The universal antioxidant

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA), also known as thioctic acid, is a potent antioxidant. It is both fat-soluble and water-soluble, thus it has been called the "universal antioxidant". It is absorbed readily from an oral dose and is effective in both its oxidized and reduced forms; unlike other compounds, such as glutathione, that are effective only in reduced forms.

ALA is capable of regenerating vitamins C and E. Researchers also have found that ALA increases intracellular glutathione and coenzyme Q10 levels. It appears to have the ablility to chelate certain metals such as copper, manganese and zinc. It also has been found to protect from arsenic poisoning, reduce liver damage from cadmium and chelate mercury from the kidneys.

ALA is used in many therapeutic situations including treatment of diabetes, cataracts, glaucoma, amanita mushroom poisoning, alcoholic liver disease and other liver diseases.

Diabetes: ALA is known to protect the pancreatic islet cells (which produce insulin) from destruction by free radicals. It also has been found to increase glucose uptake by muscle cells in a similar manner as insulin (i.e., it moves glucose from the blood into the cells). ALA is used extensively in Germany for diabetic neuropathy, a condition where distal nerves (in feet, legs and hands) are damaged and loss of feeling and burning are experienced. There are many medical studies which show the effectiveness of this therapy.

Cataracts: The enzyme aldose reductase plays a major role in the development of cataracts. ALA has been shown to inhibit aldose reductase activity, thus reducing the incidence of cataract formation.

Glaucoma: Double-blind studies have shown that the administration of ALA at 150mg daily for one month, showed improvement in visual function in patients with glaucoma.

Amanita mushroom poisoning: ALA is effectively used in patients who have been poisoned by amanita mushrooms. In a study from 1974 to 1978, 89 percent (67 of 75 patients) recovered after an ALA infusion as compared to 10 to 50 percent of those who did not receive the infusion.

Liver diseases: ALA is used in all liver diseases, including alcoholic liver disease (fatty liver), cirrhosis and hepatitis. As an antioxidant, it helps protect the hepatocytes (liver cells) from damage from free radicals and viruses.

It can also be used cardiac conditions such as atherosclerosis, for detoxification from drugs, heavy metals and pollution.

ALA appears to be safe. Allergic reactions are minimal, except for an occasional skin reaction. The only "side effect" which I have observed in clinical use is a strong, sweet odor to the urine. This means the ALA has been absorbed. There are no studies demonstrating its safety during pregnancy, so use it cautiously if you are pregnant.

The recommended dosage of ALA, if you have an active condition is 600mg per day in divided doses, i.e. 200mg three times a day, or 300mg twice a day. If you do not have an active condition but want to take it as an antioxidant, take 200 to 300mg per day. Since ALA is water soluble (removed by the kidneys), it is important to take all doses in divided daily doses in order to maintain therapeutic blood levels during the day.

For diabetic neuropathy I would treat the patients with doses from 1,800 mg to 3,000 mg a day, again in divided doses.