Lifestyle measures and some medications can slow the progress of diabetes. Is there also a role for herbs and supplements? Find out more. Vitamins play a role in hair health, but can they reduce hair loss? Learn what the research says about vitamins and other products for reducing hair…. Eating a high protein diet can help people to lose fat and build muscle.
By reducing intake of other types of food, such as carbohydrates and fats, it…. Some people choose natural supplements to help treat fertility issues. In this article, learn about the research behind these supplements and whether…. Alpha-lipoic acid: Everything you need to know. Medically reviewed by Dena Westphalen, Pharm. Overview Uses and benefits Does it work? Possible side effects Takeaway We include products we think are useful for our readers.
What is ALA? Uses and benefits. Does it work? Because alpha-lipoic acid can pass easily into the brain, it may help protect the brain and nerve tissue. Researchers are investigating it as a potential treatment for stroke and other brain problems involving free radical damage, such as dementia. So far, there's no evidence to say whether or not it works. Preliminary studies suggest alpha-lipoic acid may help treat glaucoma. But there is not enough evidence to say for sure whether it works.
Studies show ALA binds with toxic metals, such as mercury, arsenic, iron, and other metals that act as free radicals. Preliminary studies also suggest that ALA may play a role in managing other conditions including erectile dysfunction and cancer.
And preliminary studies suggest it may reduce complications associated with otitis media ear infections. If you are healthy, your body makes enough alpha-lipoic acid. It is also found in red meat, organ meats such as liver , and yeast -- particularly brewer's yeast. Alpha-lipoic acid supplements are available as capsules.
Your health care provider can also give it by injection. Pediatric Alpha-lipoic acid has not been studied in children, so it is not recommended for pediatric use. Check with your doctor regarding dosing recommendations. Studies are mixed about whether or not to take ALA with meals.
Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications, you should take dietary supplements only under the supervision of a health care provider. Alpha-lipoic acid hasn't been studied in pregnant or breastfeeding women, so researchers don't know if it's safe. Alpha-lipoic acid can lower blood sugar levels, so people with diabetes or low blood sugar should take alpha-lipoic acid only under the supervision of their health care provider.
Animal studies suggest that people who don't get enough thiamine vitamin B1 should not take alpha-lipoic acid. B1 deficiency is associated with long-term alcohol abuse. If you are being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use alpha-lipoic acid without first talking to your health care provider.
Apha-lipoic acid can combine with these drugs to lower blood sugar levels, raising the risk of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. Ask your provider before taking alpha-lipoic acid, and watch your blood sugar levels closely. Your provider may need to adjust your medication doses.
Alpha-lipoic acid may interfere with some chemotherapy medications. Always ask your oncologist before taking any herb or supplement, including alpha-lipoic acid. Apha-lipoic acid may lower levels of thyroid hormone. Your provider should monitor blood hormone levels and thyroid function tests closely.
Alpha lipoic acid can lower the level of vitamin B1 Thiamine in the body. Meanwhile, most other antioxidants are either water- or fat-soluble 2. The antioxidant properties of alpha-lipoic acid have been linked to several benefits, including lower blood sugar levels, reduced inflammation , slowed skin aging, and improved nerve function.
Humans only produce alpha-lipoic acid in small amounts. Animal products like red meat and organ meats are great sources of alpha-lipoic acid, but plant foods like broccoli, tomatoes, spinach, and Brussels sprouts also contain it. That said, supplements can pack up to 1, times more alpha-lipoic acid than food sources 3.
Alpha-lipoic acid is an organic compound that works as an antioxidant. Research has shown that alpha-lipoic acid may affect weight loss in several ways.
On the other hand, suppressing AMPK activity may increase the number of calories your body burns at rest. Thus, animals who took alpha-lipoic acid burned more calories 6 , 7. An analysis of 12 studies discovered that people who took an alpha-lipoic acid supplement lost an average of 1.
Another analysis of 12 studies found that people who took alpha-lipoic acid lost an average of 2. Though alpha-lipoic acid has properties that may promote weight loss, its overall effect in humans seems negligible. Diabetes affects more than million adults worldwide A key feature of uncontrolled diabetes is high blood sugar levels. If left untreated, this can cause health problems, such as vision loss, heart disease, and kidney failure.
Other studies in adults with metabolic syndrome have shown that it may reduce insulin resistance and lower fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels. Scientists believe that alpha-lipoic acid helps lower blood sugar by promoting processes that can remove fat that has accumulated in muscle cells, which otherwise makes insulin less effective Alpha-lipoic acid has been shown to reduce insulin resistance, improve blood sugar control, ease symptoms of nerve damage, and lower the risk of diabetic retinopathy.
In one human study, scientists found that applying a cream containing alpha-lipoic acid to the skin reduced fine lines, wrinkles, and skin roughness with no side effects Moreover, alpha-lipoic acid raises the levels of other antioxidants, such as glutathione , which help protect against skin damage and may reduce signs of aging 21 , Memory loss is a common concern among older adults.
However, only a handful of studies have investigated alpha-lipoic acid and memory loss-related disorders. Conditions such as diabetes may be helped by antioxidants such as ALA.
Doses of ALA range from to mg per day. There is no evidence for a specific dose. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should talk with a healthcare provider before taking any supplements. There are no known food or medicine interactions. But ALA can reduce the amount of insulin or oral diabetes medicine needed.
0コメント