to be able to ride longer.
https://draxe.com/nutrition/alpha-lipoic-acid/Alpha lipoic acid (also called lipoic acid or thioctic acid) is an organosulfur compound found in the body and also synthesized by plants and animals. It’s present in every cell inside the body and helps turn glucose into “fuel” for the body to use for energy.
Even though we can make some of it on our own without supplements or outside food sources, eating an antioxidant-packed diet plus potentially using ALA supplements can increase the amount circulating in the body. Studies show this can have far-reaching benefits.
ALA’s most valuable role in the body is fighting the effects of free radicals, which are dangerous, chemical-reaction byproducts that form during the process of oxidation. Within our cells, ALA is converted into dihydrolipoic acid, which has protective effects over normal cellular reactions, such as those involved in metabolic functions and neuron signaling.
Like other antioxidants, alpha lipoic acid can help slow down cellular damage that is one of the root causes of diseases. It also works in the body to restore essential vitamin levels, such as vitamin E and vitamin C, and acts as a cofactor for several important mitochondrial enzymes. Additionally, it helps the body digest and utilize carbohydrate molecules.
2. Fights Diabetes and Diabetic Complications
Alpha lipoic acid can protect cells and neurons involved in hormone production, offering protection against type 2 diabetes.
Alpha lipoic acid supplementation seems to help improve insulin sensitivity and might also offer protection against metabolic syndrome — a term given to a cluster of conditions like high blood pressure, cholesterol and body weight. Some evidence also shows that it can help lower blood sugar levels.
A 2012 systematic review and meta-analysis, along with a 2013 controlled clinical trial, showed that ALA is an effective drug in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy, which affects about 50 percent of people with diabetes. Diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage) causes symptoms like tingling, numbness and burning in the limbs. About 300–600 milligrams per day in IV form has been shown to be beneficial.
ALA is used to help relieve other complications and symptoms of type 2 diabetes too, such as cardiovascular problems, eye-related disorders, pain and swelling. That’s why it should be part of any diabetic diet plan to treat this common disorder.
3. Preserves Eye Health
Oxidative stress can damage nerves in the eyes and cause vision problems, especially in people with diabetes or older adults. Alpha lipoic acid is used to help control symptoms of eye-related disorders, including vision loss, macular degeneration, retina damage, cataracts, glaucoma and Wilson’s disease.
Results from certain studies demonstrate that long-term use of ALA can halt oxidative damage that can result in modified DNA in the retina.
4. Helps Prevent Memory Loss and Cognitive Decline
We know that an anti-inflammatory diet filled with various colorful “brain foods” helps protect memory. Some health care professionals use alpha lipoic acid supplements to further help prevent their patients from experiencing neuron damage, memory loss, motor impairment and changes in cognitive functioning due to its antioxidant activity.
ALA seems to easily make its way into the brain by passing the blood-brain barrier, where it can protect delicate brain and nerve tissue. It’s also used to prevent strokes and other brain problems, including dementia in older adults.
Recent experiments using rats have shown that ALA can help reverse damage in aging cells of the brain, improve performance in memory tasks, lower oxidative damage and improve mitochondrial function, although we still don’t know how well these benefits can apply to aging humans.
https://neuropathyreliefguide.com/alpha-lipoic-acid/Assessment of the antioxidant effectiveness of alpha-lipoic acid in healthy men exposed to muscle-damaging exercise [3]
This study concluded that taking ALA supplements led to a significant reduction in oxidative damage. It also showed that differences between trained and untrained subjects in their glutathione antioxidant system remained. It seemed to modulate a response that was pro-antioxidant, thereby reducing the damage to muscles caused by exercise.
Effects of 3-month treatment with the antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid in diabetic peripheral neuropathy [4]
This study concluded that there was clear evidence of the efficiency of ALA in treating diabetic peripheral neuropathy and that the treatment was completely safe as well. Results showed that nerve conduction velocity and clinical manifestations were clearly improved. That said, scientists are pushing to have placebo controlled trials in place as well so that it can be determined whether it can be used as a medication in treating people who suffer from diabetic neuropathy.
