Summary

Many researchers and doctors believe that Alpha lipoic acid is the ‘ideal antioxidant’ because of the wide range and variety of conditions that it affects. A partial list includes diabetes, cataracts, glaucoma and Amanita mushrooms ingestion. There’s over 30 years of research and clinical studies as well as decades of actual clinical use to back up the reputation of alpha lipoic acid.

Alpha lipoic acid, often referred to as ALA, is regarded by many scientists as one of the most important and powerful antioxidants discovered to date. Alpha lipoic acid has been known since 1951, when it was discovered by Dr. Lester Reed and colleagues at the University of Texas ¹. Originally considered a vitamin, researchers later discovered that the body is able to synthesize limited amounts of ALA from other nutrients.

What Alpha Lipoic Acid Does:

Alpha lipoic acid functions as an antioxidant, and is considered the most versatile antioxidant currently known. Because it is both water and fat soluble, alpha lipoic acid (ALA), can reach tissues composed mostly of fat (like nerve and brain cells), and those made mainly of water (like the heart). This gives alpha lipoic acid the unique ability to scavenge free radicals in nearly every system in the body, giving it the nickname of the universal antioxidant.

Health Benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid:

Can Reverse Diabetic Neuropathy, damage to the nerve endings caused by uncontrolled diabetes. One of the most well-established uses of alpha lipoic acid is in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy, a condition resulting from diabetes. Alpha lipoic acid has been prescribed for treatment of diabetic neuropathy in Europe for over 30 years. In addition, because of ALA’s effect on glucose metabolism, it may facilitate and improve the body’s use of insulin. And in one far-reaching study at Amherst College in Amherst, MA, it has been suggested that because of the connection between diabetes, tryptophan and insulin production, alpha lipoic acid may be a novel and potent treatment for depression.

Treats Acute Poisoning by mushrooms, and other poisons that affect the liver, as well as being a common treatment in cases of cirrhosis and hepatitis.

Inhibits memory loss associated with aging, and there’s promising research that suggests alpha lipoic acid may help preserve brain functioning after a stroke or at the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

Prevents the formation of cataracts in animals, and may do the same in humans. Because alpha lipoic acid enhances the potency of vitamins C and E, both vitamins that protect eye health, it gives the body an extra boost in protecting the eye against damage from ultraviolet rays.

Increases blood flow to nerves which helps reduce incidence of tingling and numbness in the extremities. Because blood carries with it the nutrients that help repair and rebuild nerve cells, it increases the transmission of nerve impulses and may restore lost sensation due to nerve compression.

May prevent cancer, according to many preliminary studies. Since antioxidants prevent the growth of abnormal body tissues, scientists reason that alpha lipoic acid is likely to have far-reaching possibilities as a cancer preventative.

In addition to the specific benefits above, there are clinical studies suggesting that alpha lipoic acid is a powerful ‘potentiator’ – an anti-oxidant that helps the body better use many other proteins, vitamins and nutrients. Among those beneficial nutrients that ALA seems to enhance are ALC (for treatment of heart complications), insulin, creatine (an energy metablolizer), vitamins C and E, all the vitamin Bs and folic acid.

Possible Side Effects of Alpha Lipoic Acid

Those who take alpha lipoic acid at recommended dosages occasionally report mild stomach upsets, and there have been rare reports of allergic skin reactions.

Because the body only manufactures limited amounts of this blockbuster antioxidant, many nutrition experts recommend taking alpha lipoic acid in supplemental form. Neural-Natural Serenity from Extend-Life Natural Products is a specially formulated health supplement that is carefully balanced to provide the most benefit from each of its ingredients. Neural-Natural Serenity combines alpha lipoic acid with other key ingredients that have been proven by science to help your body repair damage to neurotransmitters and restore the nutritional balance that your brain and your body need for a full and happy life.  

1. Reed LJ, DeBusk BG, Gunsalus IC, et al. Crystalline Alpha-Lipoic Acid: A Catalytic Agent Associated with Pyruvate Dehydrogenase.