Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Alpha lipoic acid is manufactured by the body and is found in small amounts in several foods. These include spinach, broccoli, peas, Brewer's yeast, Brussels sprouts, rice bran, potatoes and organ meats (kidney, heart and liver).

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Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant that is made by the body and is found in every cell, where it helps turn glucose into energy. In several studies, alpha-lipoic acid appears to help lower blood sugar levels. Its ability to kill free radicals may help people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, who have pain, burning, itching, tingling, and numbness in arms and legs from nerve damage.  Because alpha-lipoic acid can pass easily into the brain, it may help protect the brain and nerve tissue. Researchers are investigating it as a potential treatment for stroke and other brain problems involving free radical damage, such as dementia.

Alpha-lipoic acid hasn' t been studied in pregnant or breastfeeding women, so researchers don' t know if it' s safe.  Side effects are generally rare and may include skin rash.  Alpha-lipoic acid can lower blood sugar levels. Animal studies suggest that people who don' t get enough thiamine (vitamin B1) should not take alpha-lipoic acid.

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