TREATMENT DATABASE

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA), or lipoic acid , is a an organic compound derived from caprylic acid. It is both fat and water soluble. ALA has been referred to as the “mother” of all antioxidants. Not only does it act as a potent free radical scavenger, it can transform an oxidant into an antioxidant. Notably, when glutathione is oxidized, ALA can transform it back into its reduced form, thus increasing the pool of glutathione.

ALA is produced throughout the body through the biosynthesis of fatty acids. Although it is found in many foods (especially organ meats, yeast extract and leafy green vegetables), alpha lipoic acid is not readily available through dietary sources. As a consequence, all alpha lipoic acid supplements must be synthesized.

Alpha lipoic acid has been studied for its effects on many disease states, including treatment for cardiovascular disease, prevention of migraines, preventing organ dysfunction, slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease, reducing inflammation, and the treatment of chronic diseases involving oxidative stress. A study conducted in 1999 by Kishi et al found that the reduced glucose uptake in diabetes was completely reversed with alpha lipoic acid, which not only corrected the deficit, but improved the peripheral neuropathy found in diabetics.

A proposal submitted to the National Cancer Institute by the Chemical Selection Working Group indicates that ALA may work best when combined with acetyl L-carnitine. Acetyl-L-carnitine facilitates the movement of fatty acids into the mitochondria for energy and is also used to generate acetyl coenzyme A, while ALA is involved in mitochondrial ATP production and can recycle other antioxidants. The authors propose that the combination of acetyl L-carnitine and ALA may have significant synergistic effects – increasing energy and reducing oxidative stress.

USES IN ME/CFS: Oxidative stress is a primary component in the cascade of ME/CFS symptoms. While it can affect every system in the body, oxidative stress has particularly deleterious effects on oxygen transport systems (blood). ALA has been shown to improve the integrity of red blood cells leading to elevated glutathione levels. Glutathione, one of the body's most potent antioxidants, is often diminished in ME/CFS patients.

Treatment rating for Alpha Lipoic Acid