Christy Williamson, MS
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Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is not classified as a vitamin, yet is synthesized by the body and is conditionally essential. Alpha lipoic acid benefits include supporting glucose metabloism, and this is perhaps it's best known feature.1,2,3 As a chiral molecule, it can be found in both isomeric forms (S and R) while the majority of non-specified supplemental forms are a racemic mixture of both.
Paying attention to the form is important. For example, if your target is healthy glucose metabolism, all oxidized forms (S, R, and racemic) will have an effect on glucose uptake; however, only the R form interacts with the insulin receptor itself.12 It is also important to be watchful of dietary and nutrient interactions. Co-ingestion with medium chain triglycerides inhibits the already limited bioavailability which is approximately 30%.13,14 Conversely, acetyl-L-carnitine has been studied in combination with alpha lipoic acid and, when taken together, may support mitochondrial biogenesis and act upon the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR), gamma and alpha.*16,24
ALA essentially has two purposes. Primarily, it acts as a co-enzyme in metabolic functions and secondarily to scavenge free radicals.* While it is a fatty acid by design, it is also water soluble suitable for both lipophilic and hydrophilic environments. It is also effective in both its oxidized and reduced forms.4 This unique motif equips ALA for the complex domain of the mitochondria and electron transport chain.*
In vivo, ALA’s cofactor role is to assist in the production of energy originating biomolecules like acetyl-CoA and mitochondrial energy powerhouse enzymes like pyruvate dehydrogenase and alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase.4 These enzymes seem to produce enough ALA endogenously and do not appear to respond to supplementation.4 Multiple basic science studies and clinical trials are aiming to fully understand the benefits of ALA.1,2,4,5,8,10,11,15,16,18,19,20,21,23
Specifically, ALA has been studied in basic sciences with N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC).8 In mice, researchers observed the effects of doses of 20mg/kg on lipid peroxidation and dopamine levels.*9,10 ALA is also of interest in its role in heavy mineral metabolism.* 11,15 In the diet, ALA can be found in muscle meats,4 spinach,5,6 kidney,5,6 liver,5,6 broccoli,5,6 and tomatoes.5,6 The amounts in foods are much less than in the dietary supplement form.
Many studies use 600 mg of oxidized alpha lipoic acid two to three times per day. Chronic high dosages of approximately 5-10 g per day have been shown to increase oxidative damage.4,24
REFERENCES
Last Updated:
05/23/2016
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