Alpha lipoic acid is an organic antioxidant that helps regulate blood glucose levels and energy metabolism in muscle tissue. It is available in both natural foods and dietary supplements that you can buy in different stores, online shops, and pharmacies.
Foods that contain lipoic acid include potatoes, broccoli, spinach, and red meat. These are some of the sources rich in this substance, as well as complementary tablets and pills.
It is currently used for diabetes, neurological disorders, and to promote improved skin cell longevity. Because it has antioxidant properties, it supports the cellular system by reducing the signs of aging.
Below we tell you about its uses and benefits.
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Properties of alpha lipoic acid
It is recommended for kidney disease, liver disease, and diabetes, although its use is also indicated for other purposes. Generally, lipoic acid is taken to treat certain ailments, but nutritionists and dietitians also make use of this substance.
You can take advantage of its many benefits since it helps regenerate vitamins C and E during oxidative stress, providing a strong antioxidant effect when taken as part of a controlled nutrition plan.
Some of the properties of alpha lipoic acid are:
- Improves blood sugar levels.
- May support cardiovascular health prior to surgery.
- Reduction of diabetic nerve pain (leg pain, burning, etc.)
- Weight loss.
- Wound healing.
- Support for retinal damage.
- Supportive supplement in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
- May help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Improves the symptoms of altitude sickness.
- Protects the skin from sun damage.
- Stabilizes the central nervous system.
- Acts against neuropathy.
You need to be cautious because it can lower blood sugar levels, which may cause dizziness, headaches, or blurred vision. Fainting is a very common symptom of low blood sugar, and taking lipoic acid could trigger this.
When used properly, this property is very beneficial for diabetes. People who cannot regulate their blood glucose normally can benefit from this particular effect on how the body functions.
Another of its properties is that it aids carbohydrate metabolism and, together with glucose metabolism, plays an essential role in generating the body’s energy.
Also, unlike other types of acids and molecules, alpha lipoic acid is soluble in both water and fat — a characteristic that allows it to act throughout the human body, dissolving and reaching deep layers of nerves and body tissues.
Whenever you start taking a nutritional product or supplement, it is important to consider both the beneficial properties and the possible adverse reactions.
Side effects of alpha lipoic acid
It is a very safe substance, but some precautions must be taken when administered orally or intravenously, as doses can be high. The most common side effects typically appear as rashes or mild skin irritation.
Although adverse reactions are less common when 600 mg, 300 mg, and other doses are taken in capsule or tablet form, everyone who takes this substance should be aware of them.
Some of the contraindications and side effects of alpha lipoic acid are:
- Irritability and weakness.
- Nausea and tremors.
- Hunger.
- Drowsiness.
- Dizziness and headaches.
- Blurred vision.
- Confusion and difficulty concentrating.
- Stomach discomfort.
- Palpitations and rapid heart rate.
Most of the side effects described result from a drop in blood sugar. Because of this, the symptoms are similar to those you may experience when hungry, including discomfort and irritability. If you have ever experienced low blood sugar, these symptoms will likely be familiar to you.
If you have diabetes, you should monitor your blood sugar levels since taking alpha lipoic acid affects blood glucose levels.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should take precautions, as its effects on infants and young children during breastfeeding are unknown. It is best to avoid taking it during this period.
Alcohol consumption while taking lipoic acid is not recommended, as it lowers the body’s levels of vitamin B1 (thiamine). A deficiency of thiamine can cause various diseases. It may also have unwanted effects on thyroid disorders.
If any of these situations apply to you, consult your doctor or a nutrition specialist before taking it.
Similarities with L-carnitine for bodybuilding
Nowadays, some people use it to improve sports performance and weight training. Because its properties act directly on the body’s energy conversion processes, taking alpha lipoic acid for bodybuilding can enhance physical performance. Greater metabolism of glucose and fats may lead to a noticeable increase in strength output.
The recommended dose for sports use is lower than for other purposes. Always follow the instructions on the product you buy and those of your nutritionist. Supplement use should always be supervised by someone with knowledge and experience in sports nutrition. It is worth noting that, in this regard, its properties for improving body composition and performance are similar to those of taking L-carnitine.
Alpha lipoic acid brands
- Lamberts
- Solgar
- Solaray
- Tiobec
The great advantage of this type of supplement is that many quality brands are now available. You can buy alpha lipoic acid from different retailers and manufacturers. Prices on this type of product, as with dietary supplements in general, vary by date and online store.
The brands listed are the best known and best selling, but you can buy any other brand as long as it contains the same amount of the active ingredient. We encourage you to compare alpha lipoic acid prices before purchasing.
Very clear and well structured. Thank you.
Can it be given to patients with stage 5 chronic renal insufficiency??
I have subclinical hypothyroidism and insulin resistance, can I take the product
Thank you for the information,
Very interesting.
Which pharmacy can I get it at, I have problems with diabetic neuropathy, what would my dose be, please I would like more information
I take 600 mg of thioctic acid per day, I was already starting to have symptoms of neuropathy in my feet and with this medication they disappeared.-
Hello Daniel, I’m glad things are going well for you, it is a joy, truly. Stay strong.
I would appreciate it if you would be so kind as to send me more information about the benefits of alpha lipoic acid.
Thank you for the information.
On the blog you have several articles where we talk about the benefits of lipoic acid. Do you have any specific question?
I am 63 years old, I have controlled high blood pressure, I am recovering from a herpes outbreak on one leg and the pain and burning persist. A doctor suggested it to me, is the prescription correct?
Hello Rossy, follow your doctor’s instructions, she is the one who has your history and understands your current health condition. If she recommends taking alpha lipoic acid because of its properties, follow her advice.
I am leaving the hospital after having bleeding from a vein in my stomach, can I take alpha lipoic acid?
Pain in the groin and a little farther back around the hip, I was recommended to take tobic400, is it for muscle and bone pain?
Hello, I take many medications: insulin three times a day, Jaiance, enconcor, adiro, nitroglycerin patch, crestor, a blood pressure pill. I am more than tired of so much of it. I would like you to tell me if I can take it. (61) years old….THANK YOU
You need to speak with your specialist since you take several things a day and some of them could be contraindicated.
Can it be taken if you take half a tablet of an antidepressant and a quarter of an anti-anxiety pill a day?
Thank you for responding. Regards.
Probably yes, but mention it first since it always depends on the type of treatment. That way you can evaluate whether it has any side effect such as nervousness, which could also appear because of the reduction in the effects of the treatment you have.