These statements have not been evaluated by the Food &
Drug
Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or
prevent any disease. If pregnant or lactating, consult a physician before using.
| Azheimer type dementia |
| Treatment of high serum iron content and iron overload |
| Depression |
Alpha-lipoic acid or thioctic acid is an
antioxidant that is produced naturally in the body. It functions as a co-factor
for a number of important enzymes responsible for the conversion of our food to
energy (ATP). However, we still need to get most of our lipoic acid from our
diet or from supplements. In
nature, lipoic acid is found in the leaves of some plants and in red meat.
Unlike other antioxidants, lipoic acid is both
fat and water-soluble and is easily absorbed and transported across cell
membranes. This unique quality offers protection against free radicals both
inside and outside the cell while other antioxidants only provide extracellular
protection. Recent research has shown alpha-lipoic acid to be an efficient free
radical scavenger (1)*, effective in
numerous neurodegenerative disorders (2)*, and an agent that prevents deficits in nerve blood flow,
oxidative stress and distal sensory conduction (3).* With its
capabilities as a precursor to glutathione (GSH-a major antioxidant in the
body), alpha-lipoic acid has shown to be a potential therapeutic agent fighting
against HIV (4).* Lipoic acid has the ability to regenerate other
antioxidants like vitamin E, vitamin C and GSH for further use after they have
eradicated free radicals (5).* Numerous clinical trials have shown
the benefits of supplementing with lipoic acid for medical problems such as
moderating blood sugar concentrations, symptoms of cardiovascular ailments,
blurred vision and liver complication (6).*
Individuals
that display limitations in moderating blood sugar concentrations often have a
serious problem with glycation caused by higher than normal levels of blood
sugar due to low insulin production or insulin resistance. Glycation happens
when blood sugar reacts quickly and spontaneously with proteins to form damaging
cross-linking. This cross-linking causes severe tissue damage and leads to
kidney ailments, plaque build-up in the arteries, and retinopathy. Lipoic acid
curtails glycation and enhances the transfer of blood sugar into the cells by
stimulating insulin activity (7,8).*
One of the more severe complications of non-controlled blood glucose levels is
reduced circulation to the lower extremities. Studies show that patients
suffering from symptoms of diabetic neuropathy improved significantly when they
supplemented with 600 mg of lipoic acid daily (9).*
Alpha-lipoic acid as a new treatment
option for Azheimer type dementia.
Hager K, Marahrens A, Kenklies M, Riederer P, Munch G.
Department of Medical Rehabilitation and Geriatrics, Henriettenstiftung,
SchwemannstraBe 19, D-30559, Hannover, Germany
Oxidative stress and energy depletion are characteristic biochemical hallmarks
of Alzheimer's disease (AD), thus antioxidants with positive effects on glucose
metabolism such as thioctic (alpha-lipoic) acid should exert positive effects in
these patients. Therefore, 600 mg alpha-lipoic acid was given daily to nine
patients with AD and related dementias (receiving a standard treatment with
acetylcholinesterase inhibitors) in an open study over an observation period of,
on avarage, 337+/-80 days. The treatment led to a stabilization of cognitive
functions in the study group, demonstrated by constant scores in two
neuropsychological tests (mini-mental state examination: MMSE and AD assessment
scale, cognitive subscale: ADAScog). Despite the fact that this study was small
and not randomized, this is the first indication that treatment with alpha-lipoic
acid might be a successful 'neuroprotective' therapy option for AD and related
dementias.
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Berlition R 300 oral -- alpha-lipoic acid preparation for
the correction of body changes associated with high serum iron
content.
[Article in Russian]
Kundiev II, Lubianova IP, Mikhailik OM, Dudchenko NO, Lampeka EG.
Medication Berlition 300 oral, produced by "Berlin-Hemie", induces
lower serum iron content, decrease in transferrin content of whole blood and
serum proportionally to increased urinary iron excretion and lower serum
bilirubin and normalizes serum glucose level. Berlition 300 oral, lipoic acid
preparation made by "Berlin-He mie" (Menarini group), could be
recommended for treatment of high serum iron content and iron overload,
especially in association with diabetes mellitus.
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Alpha lipoic acid: a novel treatment for depression.
Salazar MR. Amherst College, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA.
Insulin resistance has been associated with people diagnosed with depression.
Conversely, it has also been documented that diabetics have an increased risk of
depression. Evidence suggests that insulin activity plays a role in serotonergic
activity by increasing the influx of tryptophan into the brain. This increased
influx of tryptophan has been shown to result in an increase in serotonin
synthesis. In accordance with the serotonin theory of depression, it may be
possible to treat depression by increasing insulin activity. The antioxidant
alpha lipoic acid has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity and is used to
treat people with diabetes. Therefore, the nutrient alpha lipoic acid should be
clinically tested as an adjunct treatment for depression.
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* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug
Administration (FDA).
This product is not intended to diagnose, cure or prevent any disease.
References:
(1) Biochem Biophys Res Commun.
208:161, 1995.
(2) Free Radic Biol Med. 22:359,
1997.
(3) Free Radic Biol Med. 21:631,
1996.
(4) Biochem Biophys Res Commun.
207:258, 1995.
(5) Biochem Biophys Res Commun.
204:98, 1994.
(6) Free Radical Biology &
Medicine. 19:227, 1995.
(7) Free Radical Research
Communications. 17:211, 1992.
(8) Diabetes. 1suppl:122A, 1994.
(9) Z Gesamte Inn Med. 48:223,
1993.
