All About Other Nutrients

Lipoic Acid (alpha-Lipoic Acid)
   print page print the page   Email email the page Follow VitalHealthZone on Twitter Bookmark and Share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why lipoic acid is good for you

Lipoic acid (also known as alpha-lipoic acid or thioctic acid) is a coenzyme which is present in the mitochondria of cells. Lipoic acid is an enzyme helper, which works with enzymes to produce energy by breaking down sugar (in the Krebs cycle).

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a powerful antioxidant which is both water and fat soluble. This means that lipoic acid can deactivate both water and fat soluble free radicals.

The body usually makes enough of its own lipoic acid, but if there is an excess then lipoic acid behaves like an antioxidant.

An important part of lipoic acid's antioxidant activity is that it actually helps to recycle the antioxidant activity of other antioxidants. Usually when an antioxidant scavenges for free radicals, the antioxidant is used up and disappears (along with the free radical), but lipoic acid can actually regenerate itself and other antioxidants so that they can all be used again and again to scavenge for free radicals.

Advertisement


Important lipoic acid facts

 

^ top



Types of lipoic acid supplementation

Lipoic acid is available in the following forms:

  • Capsules - lipoic acid powder is added into capsules
  • Tablets - lipoic acid powder is compressed and formed into a tablet
  • Soft gel Capsules - filled with lipoic acid liquid

People who wish to take a lipoic acid supplement should talk to a medical professional BEFORE taking it.

 

^ top



Lipoic acid supplementation checklist

 

Lipoic acid and health

People who wish to take a lipoic acid supplement should talk to a medical professional BEFORE taking it.

Advertisement


^ top



Lipoic acid in food

Lipoic acid is found in many foods

^ top



How to take lipoic acid

Dosage of lipoic acid depends on the condition that is being treated. A medical doctor and/or alternative health care provider can advise on individual cases - this information is provided as a guide only:

lifestage age Amount (per day)
INFANTS 0-12mths Not recommended
CHILDREN 1-8yrs Not recommended
CHILDREN 9-18yrs
Seek medical advice before taking it
ADULTS 19-50yrs
50-200mg per day
SENIORS 51+yrs 50-200mg per day
PREGNANT   Not recommended - seek medical advice
LACTATING   Not recommended - seek medical advice


People who wish to take an lipoic acid supplement should talk to a medical professional BEFORE taking it.

^ top



Lipoic acid works best with

 

 

 

Overdosage, toxicity and cautions for lipoic acid

Very few side effects have been reported from the use of lipoic acid. Skin rashes are the only sided effects that have rarely been reported.

CAUTIONS


Follow VitalHealthZone on Twitter Bookmark and Share

 


^ top

Last reviewed: 1 January 2010 || Last updated: 1 January 2010

 

Related Articles

 

references

 

^ top



NOTE: Mega doses of vitamins, minerals or other nutrients cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of nutrient supplement.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.