Warning: Many supplements adversely interact with modern medicines and should only be taken after consulting with medical professionals. Use as directed by a health care provider. Always follow the manufacturers dosage guidelines!

LIPOIC ACID

Lipoic acid is an antioxidant that functions in both water and fat to destroy harmful free radicals in the body. ("Free radicals," are waste products created as the body turns food into energy. These free radicals cause chemical reactions that can damage the body's cells, making it harder to fight off infections and damaging organs and tissues.)

Vitamins C and E, beta-carotene and selenium are considered to be the other most important dietary antioxidants, and work well in conjuction with Lipoic acid.

There are many present uses for Lipoic acid as well a others under research:
-there is some evidence that intravenous lipoic acid can reduce symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
-Lipoic acid has also been shown to improve blood sugar metabolism, improve blood flow to peripheral nerves, and stimulate regeneration of nerve fibers.
-Lipoic acid aids in the treatment of burning mouth syndrome (BMS)
-for cancer patients it reduces the side effects of the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin.
-it inhibits formation of arterial lesions, lowers triglycerides, and reduces blood vessel inflammation and weight gain, improving cardiovascular health.
-as an antioxidant and anti inflammatory agent, Alpha lipoic acid helps deactivate a large array of cell damaging free radicals. This can prevent and treat many age related diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, dementia and Alzheimer's disease, as well as boosting energy, muscle strength, brain function, and the immune system.
-A cream containing 5% lipoic acid shows promise for treating sunburn.

Alpha-lipoic acid supplements can be purchased as tablets and capsules. (In Germany, under medical supervision it is used intraveniously in the treatment of diabetes).
The typical oral dosage of Lipoic acid for the treatment of diabetes is 100 to 200 mg 3 times per day.
To use Lipoic acid as a general antioxidant, a lower dosage of 20 to 50 mg per day is usually recommended.

Cautions:
Generally Lipoic acid appears to have no significant side effects with dosages up to 1,800 mg dailyand is noncarcinogenic.
Lipoic acid can lower blood sugar levels, so diabetic patients should take Lipoic acid only under the supervision of a medical doctor.
Young children, and pregnant or nursing women are are advised to refrain from taking Lipoic acid supplements.

Warning: Many supplements adversely interact with modern medicines and should only be taken after consulting with medical professionals. Use as directed by a health care provider. Always follow the manufacturers dosage guidelines!