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Alpha
Lipoic Acid
Alpha-Lipoic acid is an antioxidant that prevents free-radical damage
Discovered in the 1930's and extracted in 1957, alpha Lipoic acid is
a unique free-radical protector for our cells because it is the only
such nutrient which is both fat and water soluble. So alpha Lipoic acid
has excellent bio-availability and can easily travel across cell
membranes to fight free-radicals both inside and outside the cell! Once
inside the cell, alpha Lipoic acid is broken down to dihydrophilic acid,
an even more potent neutralizer of free-radicals.
Of particular importance to antioxidant researchers is alpha Lipoic acid's apparent ability to regenerate and actually prolong antioxidant
activity of such important nutrients as Vitamins C and E and glutathione;
offering enhanced protection. In fact, many of the beneficial effects of
alpha Lipoic acid may be due to its ability to regenerate glutathione, a
potent amino acid antioxidant, which in turn is a powerful immune
enhancer, liver protector, and heavy metal detoxifier. Because it is a
sulphur compound, alpha Lipoic acid can bind and help eliminate heavy
metals such as copper, iron, mercury and cadmium; risk factors for a
wide range of degenerative diseases. In German studies of Type II
diabetes (NIDDM), alpha Lipoic acid has shown promise as well as in
cataract studies at the University of California at Berkeley and in
cardiovascular studies concerned with LDL (bad cholesterol) levels.
Alpha Lipoic Acid Studies
Although there have been hundreds of studies over 40 years revealing
how Lipoic acid energizes metabolism, the new excitement about this
vitamin-like substance can be seen in the many recent studies focusing
on how it improves the physique, combats free radicals, protects our
genetic material, slows aging, helps protect against heart disease,
cancer and many other diseases, according to Richard A. Passwater,
Ph.D., In Lipoic Acid: The Metabolic Antioxidant.
"Both insulin-dependent and non-insulin-dependent diabetics will be
excited to learn that Lipoic acid has been used for nearly 30 years in
Europe to treat diabetic neuropathy, help regulate blood sugar and
prevent diabetic retinopathy and cardiopathy," Passwater says.
"Lipoic acid not only protects the nervous system, but also may be
involved In regenerating nerves. It is also being studied in the
treatment of Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease."
"Lipoic acid has also been used for decades to protect the liver
and to detoxify the body of heavy metal pollutants, such as excessive
iron and copper and toxic metals such as cadmium, lead and
mercury," Passwater continues. One of the most exciting recent
developments is that Lipoic acid appears to help slow the progression of
HIV-infection to clinical AIDS."
It appears that alpha-Lipoic acid, alone or together with vitamin E, is
an effective treatment for radiation exposure, lessening indices of
oxidative damage and normalizing organ function, according to Lester
Packer, Ph.D., et al. in Free Radical Biology and Medicine 1995. This
therapy has been effective In treating children living in areas affected
by the Chernobyl accident in the former Soviet Union.
Neither animal nor human studies, so far, have shown serious side
effects with the use of alpha-Lipoic acid, Packer says. However, it is
not recommended for pregnant women without proper supervision. Since it
may interfere with vitamin B-1 utilization, a thiamine supplement may be
warranted if Lipoic acid is given to thiamine-deficient individuals,
such as alcoholics.
Code VV6901 Alpha Lipoic Acid 100 mg. $14.95
Discontinued
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