Alpha Lipoic Acid

By Bryan Kanner

Another favorite on my list of supplements is alpha lipoic acid AKA thiotic acid. Sometimes referred to as the "universal antioxidant" it potentiates the activity of all other antioxidants within the body. It is both water and fat soluble and therefore is active in both lipid and water constituents. it is also a precursor to Glutathione, one of the most important antioxidants in the body.

Until the 1980's this nutrient was considered only important as it related to its role in the TCA cycle. Most believed that since the body produced ALA that supplementation was unnecessary. Research has subsquently shown that higher amounts may offer additional health benefits.

Alpha Lipoic Acid has been used in Europe to treat peripheral neuropathy,a common condition known to affect diabetics. It helps reduce insulin resistance by enhancing insulin function. This can help those struggling with obesity that ultimately can contribute to heart disease. Some recent animal research has found that supplementation with ALA has a revitalizing effect on the function of the heart. A heart cell has many times the number of mitochondria compared to other cells in the body. By enhancing these cellular power plants you can increase the efficiency of the heart.

Unfortunately, naturally occuring substances receive little or no research money. If it's not a patentable analog of something natural no pharmaceutical company is interested in spending capital they cannot recover. Research will continue however to show this as another valuable nutraceutical worth adding to your regimen.

Take Care Bryan
House of Nutrition

Any information or suggestions by our Nutritionist not intended to cure or diagnose disease. It is offered as information only and should only be used in conjunction with the advise of your primary healthcare provider.

Questions? Comments? Feedback? Drop me a line at email - Bryan Kanner, BS CNC CNHP is our staff certified nutritionist at the Yonkers, NY office of House of Nutrition.