ALPHA LIPOIC ACID

Alpha Lipoic Acid is a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to lower blood sugar levels, making it a potential aid for diabetes and weight loss. This organic compound is found in all human cells and assists enzymes in converting nutrients into energy inside the mitochondrion. Alpha Lipoic Acid is water- and fat-soluble, which means that it can be used by the body in every cell and tissue.

Most other antioxidants are either water-soluble or fat-soluble, but not both. Vitamins C and E, for example, are only fat-soluble. If you are looking for an antioxidant that can provide comprehensive support for your health, ALA is a great option.

What to Know About ALA

An organic compound found in all human cells is alpha-lipoic acid. It assists enzymes in converting nutrients into energy inside the mitochondrion, also known as the powerhouse of cells. ALA is a powerful antioxidant. The body can use alpha-lipoic acid in every cell and tissue because it is both water- and fat-soluble. In contrast, most other antioxidants are either water-soluble or fat-soluble. Vitamins C and E, for example, are only fat-soluble. ⁽¹⁾

A number of benefits have been linked to alpha-lipoic acid's antioxidant properties, including lower blood sugar levels, reduced inflammation, slowed skin aging, and improved nerve function. Alpha-lipoic acid is only produced in small quantities by humans. To optimize their intake, many turn to certain foods or supplements. Red meat and organ meats are good sources of alpha-lipoic acid, but broccoli, tomatoes, spinach, and Brussels sprouts are also good sources. ⁽²⁾

Benefits of ALA

Numerous studies have shown that alpha-lipoic acid may help with weight loss. There is evidence that it can reduce the activity of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in the hypothalamus of the brain. ⁽³⁾⁽⁴⁾

In comparison to placebo, the higher dose of ALA resulted in significant weight loss and BMI reduction throughout the study. The lower dose of ALA led to significant weight loss in the first weeks of the study, but this effect did not last. ⁽⁵⁾⁽⁶⁾

Hunger may be increased when AMPK is more active. A suppressed AMPK activity, however, can result in more calories burned at rest. As a result, alpha-lipoic acid caused animals to burn more calories. ⁽⁷⁾

ALA, Blood Sugar, and Diabetes

The number of adults with diabetes worldwide exceeds 400 million. About one in ten Americans have diabetes, which affects 37.3 million people in the United States. One in five people with diabetes doesn’t know they have it. ⁽⁸⁾⁽⁹⁾

High blood sugar levels are a key feature of uncontrolled diabetes. Untreated, this can lead to vision loss, heart disease, and kidney failure. In both animals and humans, alpha-lipoic acid has been shown to lower blood sugar levels, making it a potential aid for diabetes. ALA has been shown to lower blood sugar levels by up to 64% in some studies. It has also been shown to lower fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels in adults with metabolic syndrome. Scientists believe alpha-lipoic acid lowers blood sugar by removing fat from muscle cells, which otherwise makes insulin less effective. ^(10)(11)(12)

Harm Reduction

Diabetes complications may be reduced by alpha-lipoic acid. Diabetes uncontrolled can lead to diabetic retinopathy (eye damage), which is proven to ease nerve damage symptoms.  ALA is known to have powerful antioxidant properties, which may explain this effect.  ALA has been shown to improve blood sugar control, but it is not considered a complete treatment for diabetes. In case you have diabetes and want to try ALA, you should first consult your doctor, as it may interact with your medication. ^(13)(14)(15)

Diabetes-related nerve pain can be relieved naturally with ala. In addition to lowering blood glucose, ALA may protect nerves from damage. High blood glucose, or hyperglycemia, can cause neuropathy in people with diabetes. When blood glucose levels are poorly controlled over an extended period of time, people with diabetes are at a high risk of nerve damage. Alpha Lipoic Acid can support a reduction in the symptoms. ^(16)(17)