February 16, 2020

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Alpha Lipoic Acid IV therapy Loveland Colorado

by Siegfried Emme FNP

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Alpha lipoic Acid For Human Body

Antioxidant scientists first discovered the importance of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) in the 1950’s. Alpha lipoic acid can be found in foods such as kidney, heart, liver, spinach, broccoli, and tomatoes, but it is also produced by the body in smaller amounts. Alpha lipoic acid is a fast-absorbing sulfurous fatty acid that can be synthesized in plants, animals, and humans, and functions as a co-factor for energy production. 

ALA recycles other antioxidants. One of the first benefits discovered when using alpha lipoic acid was its ability with helping to prevent scurvy. It was later shown that this effect was exerted by alpha lipoic acid due to it helping to recycle vitamin c and glutathione, which is one of the most powerful antioxidants found in the body´s tissue.

Alpha-lipoic acid , also known as lipoic acid and α-lipoic acid, is a compound of the fatty acid caprylic acid. It is produced in the human body where it is used to metabolize carbohydrates, making energy for use throughout the body. ALA has antioxidant properties and as such it prevents cell damage from free radicals. It also helps to restore levels of vitamins c and e.

All types of athletes, from endurance runners to competitive bodybuilders, have embraced the use of the supplements and eating more of the foods highest in alpha lipoic acid. This is because research has suggested it may benefit muscle growth and recovery post workout. How so? purportedly by increasing the amount of glucose transporter type 4 (glut4 transporters) which interact with skeletal muscle cells . This is said to allow more glucose to get into your muscles during and after a workout. That glucose is responsible for fueling and repairing the muscles and therefore, it is believed alpha lipoic acid benefits muscle growth.

What is it about foods like broccoli and spinach that make them so healthy? There’s the fiber, vitamins and minerals, of course, but then there’s other important chemical compounds we call “antioxidants,” too — like alpha lipoic acid (ala). Chances are you’ve heard a lot about the many benefits of various antioxidants and high-antioxidant foods — fighting inflammation, helping beat cancer or heart disease, warding off depression and cognitive decline, and so much more — but have you ever wondered what exactly antioxidants are and how they work in the body?.

Alpha lipoic acid (ala) which is characterized by its therapeutic effects, is described as a potent antioxidant derived from octanoic acid. ALA which has 8 carbons containing 2 sulfur atoms in the dithiol ring structure is an essential substrate for energy metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. It can naturally be synthesized by a number of enzymatic reactions from octanoic acid and cysteine in the liver and supplied a limited amount by de novo catabolism for the human body. Except for the synthesis of a limited amount in the body, it is present in some nutritional sources, such as red meat, liver, heart, kidney, spinach, tomato, broccoli, brussel sprouts and rice bran in small quantities. The ratio of ala naturally synthesized by human tissues is low level in the total body pool. Thus, ALA is regarded as an essential nutrient . For this reason, the possible health effects of ala are seen only after dietary reinforcement at 600-1800 mg/day. While absorption mechanism is not clearly known, it may be absorbed by multiple carriers such as monocarboxylic and sodium-dependent multivitamin carrier. Because of the confusing routes in absorption, it is considered that the absorption of ALA may be negatively affected by means of substrate competition. Moreover, it may be subject to transcriptional regulation of specific carrier proteins. The best form for systemic alpha lipoic acid absorbtion is through IV therapy. 

How does Alpha Lipoic Acid 600 mg support to healthy lifestyle

Multiple placebo-controlled studies have shown that daily doses of 600 mg to 1,800 mg of alpha lipoic acid (ala) can support glucose utilization, allowing you to keep healthy blood sugar levels.

Living a healthy, balanced lifestyle is the key to being your best self.  Alpha lipoic acid is known as the universal antioxidant for its ability to support antioxidant health, as well as regenerate the activity of other antioxidants in the body. 

Alpha lipoic acid helps reactivate the antioxidant vitamins c and e, helps defend against free radicals and supports healthy glucose metabolism. 

 

 

Why Can’t I Just Eat Food With Alpha Lipoic Acid?

Alpha lipoic acid is a naturally-occuring fatty acid. It’s found primarily in organ meat and some vegetables, although in small amounts. These include kidneys, spinach, liver, broccoli, heart tissue, and tomatoes. Not everyone is chomping at the bit to eat organ meat .

Alpha-lipoic acid (la) has become a common ingredient in multivitamin formulas, anti-aging supplements, and even pet food. It is well-defined as a therapy for preventing diabetic polyneuropathies, and scavenges free radicals, chelates metals, and restores intracellular glutathione levels which otherwise decline with age. How do the biochemical properties of ALA relate to its biological effects?  Though la has long been touted as an antioxidant, it has also been shown to improve glucose and ascorbate handling, increase eNOS activity, activate phase 2 detoxification via the transcription factor nrf2, and lower expression of mmp-9 and vcam-1 through repression of nf-kappa-b. ALA and its reduced form, dihydrolipoic acid, may use their chemical properties as a redox couple to alter protein conformations by forming mixed disulfides. Beneficial effects are achieved with low micromolar levels of ALA, suggesting that some of its therapeutic potential extends beyond the strict definition of an antioxidant. Current trials are investigating whether these beneficial properties of ALA make it an appropriate treatment not just for diabetes, but also for the prevention of vascular disease, hypertension, and inflammation.

One study that assessed the effect of oral administration of alpha-lipoic acid on insulin sensitivity with a dosage of alpha-lipoic acid (600 mg twice daily), for a period of 4 weeks found that insulin sensitivity in the patients increased significantly. Another study was conducted to evaluate the role of alpha-lipoic acid in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy. The study included 20 diabetes type 2 patients with diabetic neuropathy, divided into 2 groups depending on blood sugar control. Each of the patients was treated with oral anti-diabetics, insulin and alpha-lipoic acid preparation for 4 months. Before the treatment, all the patients felt a burning or prickling sensation in the hands, feet, legs or other parts of the body (a condition referred to as paresthesia). After the treatment, patients with good blood sugar control were found to have reduced symptoms of diabetic neuropathy.

Alpha lipoic acid, or ala, is a type of antioxidant. According to the National Institutes of Health , antioxidants are substances that help prevent or delay damage to the body’s cells. Antioxidants can be man-made or naturally occurring. ALA occurs naturally in the body, but its production slows down as we age. In fact, it’s found in every single cell of the human body. It helps the cells convert glucose, a type of sugar, into energy. During the process of turning glucose into energy, a number of waste products are created. They are known as free radicals.

Preliminary studies suggest alpha-lipoic acid may help treat glaucoma. But there is not enough evidence to say for sure whether it works. In one study on aging skin, a cream with 5% lipoic acid helped reduce fine lines from sun damage. Studies show ALA binds with toxic metals, such as mercury, arsenic, iron, and other metals that act as free radicals. Preliminary studies also suggest that ala may play a role in managing other conditions including erectile dysfunction and cancer. And preliminary studies suggest it may reduce complications associated with otitis media (ear infections).

Use of ALA in diabetes treatment

Alpha-lipoic acid is a naturally occurring substance, essential for the function of different enzymes that take part in mitochondria’s oxidative metabolism. It is believed that alpha-lipoic acid or its reduced form, dihydrolipoic acid have many biochemical functions acting as biological antioxidants, as metal chelators, reducers of the oxidized forms of other antioxidant agents such as vitamin c and e, and modulator of the signaling transduction of several pathways. These above-mentioned actions have been shown in experimental studies emphasizing the use of alpha-lipoic acid as a potential therapeutic agent for many chronic diseases with great epidemiological as well economic and social impact such as brain diseases and cognitive dysfunctions like alzheimer disease, obesity, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, burning mouth syndrome, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, some types of cancer, glaucoma and osteoporosis. Many conflicting data have been found concerning the clinical use of alpha-lipoic acid in the treatment of diabetes and of diabetes-related chronic complications such as retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, wound healing and diabetic cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy. The most frequent clinical condition in which alpha-lipoic acid has been studied was in the management of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in patients with type 1 as well type 2 diabetes. Considering that oxidative stress, a imbalance between pro and antioxidants with excessive production of reactive oxygen species, is a factor in the development of many diseases and that alpha-lipoic acid, a natural thiol antioxidant, has been shown to have beneficial effects on oxidative stress parameters in various tissues. 

Alpha lipoic acid (ala) has long been championed by Dr. Lester Packer of Berkeley, California, for the prevention and treatment of complications of diabetes. Examples are nerve damage and kidney disease. It is a natural antioxidant, one of the strongest for fighting inflammation in our bodies. It is sometimes known as thioctic acid, and it restores the activity of other antioxidants in the body such as vitamins c and e.

Alpha lipoic acid (ala/thiotic acid) is a very powerful endogenously secreted antioxidant that is presumed to be very effective in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy, diabetes mellitus, and dementia that is as a result of the human immunodeficiency virus and alzheimer’s disease. It can also be used to treat amanita mushroom poisoning, glaucoma, and alcoholic liver disease.

How Alpha Lipoic Acid Works for Diabetes

Lipoic acid has potential applications for many aspects of the pathology of diabetes. One important action of ALA is on the expression of ampk in the hypothalamus and peripheral tissues. The ampk complex is evolutionally a well-conserved serine/threonine kinase that functions as a fuel sensor in the cell and is activated when cellular energy is depleted and amp/adp ratio rises . The result of ampk activation is the inhibition of energy-consuming biosynthetic pathways and the activation of atp producing catabolic pathways. Ampk can also affect transcription of specific genes involved in energy metabolism, thereby exerting long-term metabolic control. The heterotrimeric protein ampk is formed by combination of the catalytic α sub-unit (with two isoforms α1 and α2) with β (two isoforms) and γ (three isoforms) subunits. The γ subunit includes four particular cystathionine beta synthase domains giving ampk its ability to sensitively detect shifts in the amp/atp ratio . The catalytic domain has a site of phosphorylation at a threonine residue (thr172) that is an important site for ampk activation by upstream kinases. Binding of amp to the regulatory γ subunit of ampk promotes (a) allosteric activation, (b) phosphorylation of thr172 by upstream kinases and (c) inhibition of dephosphorylation by protein phosphatases. Cellular stresses that cause an increase in the amp/atp ratio such as hypoxia, oxidative stress, hypoglycemia, exercise, or nutrient deprivation can affect cellular metabolic conditions partially through this pathway . After the discovery of the effect of insulin-sensitizing anti-diabetic drugs such as metformin and thiazolidinediones on the activation of ampk, much interest was generated toward targeting this pathway for the treatment of diabetes. In vivo and in vitro studies have shown that activation of ampk leads to reduce glucose output form the liver. Overexpression of hepatic ampk also leads to mild hypoglycemia in normal mice and prevented hyperglycemia in diabetic mice. This hypoglycemic effect of ampk activation is accompanied by down regulation of gluconeogenic gene expression and reduced glucose production in hepatocytes expressing activated mapk or treated with aicar . Activation of ampk in skeletal muscle, a major regulator of cellular energy metabolism, increases glucose uptake and fatty acid oxidation. Ampk stimulates glut4 translocation to the plasma membrane in an insulin independent manner and increases the expression of the glut4 gene through enhanced binding of the transcription factor mef-2 (myocyte enhancer factor-2) to promoters in the glut4 gene. Some studies have also shown that ampk regulates glucose transport through glut1.

Intravenous (IV) ALA can improve neuropathy symptoms when administered for three weeks, but symptom improvement with oral ALA is not clinically significant. There is no evidence evaluating long-term treatment. Hyperglycemia can increase production of free oxygen radicals. Increased levels of free radicals have been associated with diabetic complications. Antioxidants such as ALA could theoretically be effective in treating diabetic peripheral neuropathy. A  meta-analysis of four rcts (n = 653) evaluated the effectiveness of ALA vs. Placebo to reduce symptoms of preexisting diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Most of the participants had type 2 diabetes mellitus and were 18 to 74 years of age. Diabetic neuropathy was assessed using the total symptom score (range from 0 [asymptomatic] to 14. 6[constant and severe pain, burning, paresthesia, and numbness]). A 30% change (or at least 2 points for patients with a baseline score of at least 4) was considered clinically relevant. Compared with placebo, IV ALA  (600 mg per day for three weeks) decreased symptoms of neuropathy (two rcts, n = 448; standardized mean difference [smd] = −2. 8; 95% confidence interval [ci], −4. 2to −1. 5). Oral ala (600 mg or more per day for three to five weeks) led to minimal improvement in neuropathy symptoms compared with placebo, but did not meet the criteria for clinical significance (two rcts, n = 205; smd = −1. 8; 95% ci, −2. 5to −1. 1). IV ALA  therapy is more effective than oral therapy.

 

Role of R–Alpha Lipoic Acid in the body

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) offers multiple functions in the body. As an antioxidant, ALA protects our cells from damage due to free radicals, chemicals that are associated with oxidative stress that occurs during metabolism and dietary and environmental exposure and are implicated in the development of chronic diseases such as arteriosclerosis, heart disease, certain cancers and other age-related diseases. Ala also helps regenerate other antioxidants, plays a role in glucose.

We separately analyzed the results in subjects with bmi 27 to 30 kg/m2 plus additional risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, or hypercholesterolemia. Although the number of subjects in each subgroup was relatively small, the reductions in body weight and bmi were significantly greater in those treated with 1800 mg/d alpha-lipoic acid than in those treated with placebo. Subjects with diabetes randomized to 1800 mg/d alpha-lipoic acid showed a mean 0. 38% reduction from baseline in hemoglobin-a1c level (p<. 05). Treatment with alpha-lipoic acid, however, was not associated with significant reductions in blood pressure or fasting plasma glucose and cholesterol concentrations .

Alpha-lipoic acid is a compound found naturally inside every cell of the human body. Its primary role is to convert blood sugar (glucose) into energy using oxygen, a process referred to as aerobic metabolism. Alpha-lipoic acid is also considered an antioxidant, meaning that it can neutralize harmful compounds called free radicals that damage cells at the genetic level.

Close when it comes to health, there are some powerful molecules that remain relatively unknown by the general population. Alpha-lipoic acid is just one of these important molecules, acting as an antioxidant and playing an integral role in cellular energy metabolism. There are two forms of alpha-lipoic acid: r-lipoic acid and s-lipoic acid. R-lipoic acid is the biologically-active form the human body prefers. The na refers to the sodium salt that stabilizes the r-lipoic acid. The sodium makes it less likely to bind, keeping each molecule separate and more readily available for the body.

Scientists discovered the importance of alpha-lipoic acid (ala) in the 1950s, and recognized it as an antioxidant in 1988. The body needs ala to produce energy, since it plays a crucial role in mitochondria, the energy-producing structures in cells. The body actually makes enough alpha-lipoic acid for many important metabolic functions. This compound acts as an antioxidant, however, only when there is an excess of it and it is in the “free” state in the cells. There is little free alpha-lipoic acid circulating in your body, unless you consume supplements or get it injected.

In the body, alpha lipoic acid functions as a coenzyme that plays a role in the metabolism of carbohydrates from food that we eat. Endogenous alpha lipoic acid is found in high amounts in the mitochondria of our cells. These are our cellular power plants, involved in generating energy to fuel everything that we do.

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a naturally occurring compound produced by the body. Alpha lipoic acid plays an active role in your body at a cellular level. Alpha lipoic acid is naturally made by the body; however, if the body does not produce the necessary amount, it is not able to produce all the benefits one needs. Dietary supplementation alpha lipoic acid can help support gaining the ALA your body wants. 

Effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid on Body Weight in Obese Subjects

A 2018 meta-analysis of randomized , placebo -controlled trials found that lipoic acid supplementation in those with high body mass index (bmi) resulted in significant, yet modest, reductions in weight (9 studies) and bmi (11 studies) in the absence of caloric restriction (except in one study) . Subgroup analyses revealed that weight loss was greater in overweight versus obese participants, in unhealthy versus healthy participants, with daily doses ≤600 mg, and for intervention period shorter than 10 weeks. There was no reduction in waist circumference with supplemental lipoic acid (5 studies) . Substantial weight and bmi reductions with lipoic acid supplementation in overweight or obese subjects were also reported in a prior meta-analysis .

Alpha Lipoic Acid Skin Care Products: What’s the Buzz About?

Alpha-lipoic acid produces enzymes that digest collagen that can lead to wrinkles. Either the inner area of a cell or the area in-between cells part of a cell is being attached. Not only does it increase a cell’s metabolism, but then it gets rid of cross-linked collagen, which allows the cell to replenish itself with more nutrients and excrete wasteful toxins. This ingredient is a must in any anti-aging skincare routine.

Do not take alpha-lipoic acid without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications: levothyroxine (synthroid) and other thyroid medications; or insulin or oral diabetes medications such as metformin (glucophage), glyburide (diabeta, glynase), and others. This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with alpha-lipoic acid. Tell your healthcare provider about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your healthcare provider.

Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications, you should take dietary supplements only under the supervision of a health care provider. 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 insomnia, fatigue, diarrhea, and skin rash.

Alpha Lipoic Acid and Diabetic Neuropathy

In November 2006, the journal diabetes care published a piece of research that looked at a clinical trial in which oral administration of ALA was investigated. This was a multi-centered trial conducted in Israel and in Russia. Three groups of patients took part who received different dosages of alpha-lipoic acid per day (600mg, 1200mg, 1800mg). Patients received their dosage once per week for five weeks. After this time period, they found that those who took 600mg not only had the best improvements in neuropathy symptoms, but they were also the ones with the fewest side effects, including vertigo, vomiting, and nausea.

Cisplatin, a small platinum-containing molecule, is a widely used, highly effective anticancer drug. However, severe side effects have been found in cancer patients treated with cisplatin, including nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and ototoxicity. These cisplatin-induced side effects can have a major impact on patient quality of life, including social development problems in pediatric patients that develop hearing loss. Previous studies have suggested that the major cause of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity is abnormal accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ros) and oxidative stress. Alpha-lipoic acid (ala), one of the most effective antioxidants, is known to be involved in the cellular antioxidant system and may have a protective effect on cisplatin-induced ototoxicity. However, the therapeutic effect of ala on damaged hearing function and its detailed mechanism of action are not fully understood. This study focused on determining whether ala has a potential as a protective and/or therapeutic agent for cisplatin-induced ototoxicity. Histological and physiological analyses were performed using cisplatin-treated mouse cochlea and hei-oc1 culture cells in pre- and post-treatment with ala in vitro and in vivo. We found that ala contributes to protecting mitochondrial function by preventing ros accumulation and inhibiting apoptotic cell death. Importantly, post-treatment with ala consistently showed an almost equal restorative effect to pretreatment, in vitro and in vivo, supporting the possible use of ala as a therapeutic agent for cisplatin-induced ototoxicity. This study is the first report on a strong therapeutic potential of ala to rescue ototoxic hearing loss caused by cisplatin, and our data provide key evidence that ala may act as a reducing agent for glutathione disulfide to increase glutathione levels on behalf of glutathione reductase. This result was consistent in both cultured cells and the mouse model, which improves the clinical value of ala for therapy of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity.

As with any supplement or medication, you should always take it as recommended on the packaging or as directed by your doctor. Do not exceed the daily dosage listed on the package. Doing so can be dangerous and might cause side effects to emerge. If you are using alpha lipoic acid supplements to treat type 2 diabetes symptoms, a recommended daily dosage is anywhere between 600 and 1200 mg. Directions might differ based on the brand producing the supplements. For example, pure encapsulations recommends that consumers use anywhere between 100 and 1200 mg per day, divided into dosages, to be taken with meals. Some users like to take 600 mg with breakfast in the morning and 600 mg with dinner in the evening to alleviate their neuropathy symptoms.

In the February 2004 issue of “Diabetic Medicine,” researchers describe their meta-analysis of clinical data on the intravenous treatment of diabetic neuropathy with alpha-lipoic acid . Their analysis indicates that a treatment regimen consisting of an intravenous dose of 600 mg of alpha-lipoic acid per day for three weeks significantly alleviates the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy . In addition, patients receiving this therapy did not experience any serious side effects.

The effect of alpha lipoic acid is similar to the way B vitamins work. These drugs have a lipotropic property, the essence of which is the accelerated regimen of the fatty structure. It stimulates the spread of fatty acids in various organic tissues. As a medicament, alpha lipoic acid has a detoxification effect if the body is poisonous or saturated with heavy metal salts. 

Is IV Alpha Lipoic Acid Right for Me?

You can supplement with ALA orally. The problem is that the liver will use up that source very fast and the rest of your body will not get the benefit. When you get IV ALA therapy your whole body can benefit. While ALA is present in foods, it is only in small quantities. By supplementing you can get up to 1000 times more ALA. High doses are not recommended. We usually dose our IV ALA to 10mg/kg to a max of 15mg/kg. We also dilute our ALA in a liter of normal saline. If you are interested in this treatment give us a call and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have. 

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an Alpha Lipoic Acid IV infusion

 

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