Alpha Lipoic Acid

WHAT IS ALPHA LIPOIC ACID?
Alpha Lipoic Acid is a sulfur containing substance that is readily converted to and from it's reduced form dihydrolipoic acid. Although Alpha Lipoic Acid isn't a newly discovered compound it is probably the most popular and effective glucose disposal agent around today. Research has shown that Alpha Lipoic Acid has a positive effect on insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and stimulates basal glucose transport. The process could well be a part of a powerful insulin-signaling pathway for which ALA could play a major role.

WHAT IS A GLUCOSE DISPOSAL AGENT?
A glucose disposal agent (or a Glycemic Response Modifier) is used to dispose of more nutrients into muscle and not fat cells making it a useful tool for athletes and non athletes alike. Especially since more and more people are suffering glucose/insulin related health problems each and every year. Such a growing problem that in the US alone more than half of the population suffer from glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. Any nutrient that effects glucose (any carbohydrate we ingest eventually becomes glucose) will effect insulin metabolism and as a nation our modern day diets and highly processed foods are causing severe havoc to our bodies natural means of disposing of these nutrients. Insulin is a well known metabolic and highly anabolic hormone, mainly due to the fact that it stimulates muscle cells to uptake glucose. When insulin is optimized it may allow more nutrients like glucose, amino aids, protein and creatine etc to be taken into the muscle cell. 

Insulin is secreted in the pancreas in response to the ingestion of food, primarily carbohydrates. Insulin then drives these nutrients into every organ of the body including muscle tissue and body fat. Insulin is therefore termed a 'storage hormone'. Apposed to the positive benefits of insulin the down side is that in excess secretion it can inhibit enzymes that promote fat burning and actually upgrade the activity of other enzymes that promote body fat accumulation. Therefore managing insulin secretion properly is critical to muscle growth and bodyfat regulation. Evidence also exists to show lipoic acid may help stimulate insulin production without the presence of carbohydrates (especially useful on zero or low carb diets). This means that lipoic acid may help cause beta islet cells of the pancreas to release insulin independent of carbohydrates. 

LIPOIC ACID AS A MEDICINE
In Germany alpha lipoic acid is prescribed for adult onset diabetes (type II diabetes mellitus) in dosages ranging from 600 to 800 mg per day and has been used there for more than 30 years. For increased energy production, glycogen storage in the muscles, and the possibility of decreased fat storage, athletes normally supplement with dosages of about 400 - 600 mg per day.

As an antioxidant ALA is both fat and water soluble making it extremely effective and possibly one of the most powerful anti oxidants available to us. For this purpose many people supplement with around 200mg per day. Two studies looking at the antioxidant properties of ALA showed that lipoic acid helps protect red blood cells and fatty acids from both oxidative damage (the type usually experienced from intense training) and UVA damage from intense exposure to sun light. 

There has been research also done showing Alpha Lipoic Acid's ability to cleanse the liver, especially when it comes to chemical poisons. Many internal and external stressers can elevate liver enzymes to the point that the livers detoxifying abilities are diminished. If the condition persists, liver degeneration occurs, often leading to death. Alcohol abuse, for example, can cause cirrhosis. Numerous studies have shown lipoic acid to enhance the production of glutathione, the main antioxidant within cells. Glutathione plays a major role in mopping up and neutralizing various toxins and free radicals. Other evidence suggests lipoic acid may slow the progression of HIV-infection in AIDS patients. 

WHERE DOES IT COME FROM?
Lipoic Acid is naturally occurring in the mitochondria of both plant leaves (such as spinach) and red meat. the best food sources of lipoic acid are potatoes, yeast and liver, although ingesting a substantial dose from a naturally occurring diet is virtually impossible. To obtain 200mg of lipoic acid, for example, one would have to eat 200 pounds of spinach.

Many people combine the use of alpha lipoic acid with a creatine mix drink (creatine transport) as research has shown that creatine is absorbed much better by the presence of insulin. Lipoic Acid is thought to act similarly to insulin in that it may bind to the insulin receptor machinery in muscle cells. Thus stimulating glucose and creatine uptake.

Lipoic Acid also plays a crucial role in the production of energy or adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Research has shown that ALA can in fact increase cellular ATP and glucose by upto 40 percent. 

HOW DO I USE ALA AND WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT TO SEE?
When using Lipoic Acid the user should experience speedier recovery from training, increased endurance, fuller, more pumpable muscles and increased ability to loose body fat. It should be noted that this is a very potent product and anything that effects insulin should always be approached with caution. Taking too much of this supplement in one go can cause low blood sugar resulting in possible fatigue, anxiety, jitteriness, confusion, frustration etc. The dose of ALA should be taken with a meal and beginners should start with around 100mg and slowly work upto maybe 600 - 800 mg a day.

As stated earlier alpha lipoic acid can be used sensibly, with doctors consent, for any minor blood sugar ailments.