Regenerate Alpha Lipoic Acid

Discussion

Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) is an eight-carbon disulfi de water- and fat-soluble compound that is synthesized in small quantities in the liver and other tissues. Orally, supplementation readily crosses the blood brain barrier after it is absorbed in the small intestine, goes into the portal vein and is distributed via systematic circulation. Once in the tissues ALA can be found inside and outside the cells including inside the mitochondria where it functions naturally as a coenzyme for the oxidation of pyruvate, alpha ketoglutarate and branched-chain amino acids.

Researchers recently identifi ed lipoic acid's mechanisms of action in metabolic syndrome-related conditions. It has a direct binding site at the insulin receptor tyrosine kinase domain giving it potential as a model substance for the development of insulin mimetics. ALA appears to modulate 5' -AMP-activated protein kinase and PPAR-regulated genes, to activate PPAR-alpha and PPAR-gamma and to upregulate expression of PPAR-gamma mRNA and protein in heart tissue and smooth muscle of the aorta.[2]

Controlled-release technology improves the effi cacy of alpha-lipoic acid in blood sugar management. Data from a 12- week clinical study in patients with type 2 diabetes indicate that supplementation with regenerate (1200 mg per day, divided doses as add-on therapy with other anti-hyperglycemic medications) results in a signifi cant reduction of plasma fructosamine, along with a trend towards reduced C-peptide, an indication of increased insulin sensitivity.[3,4]

Complications of diabetes and decreased insulin sensitivity may be the result of oxidative stress. a Lipoic acid is a natural antioxidant that effectively neutralizes a variety of free radicals, including oxygen radicals and ionized metals. It increases tissue levels of glutathione, typically reduced in a variety of diseases, with aging and during moderate to strenuous excercise. a Lipoic acid regenerates vitamins C and E, and helps maintain the proper ratio of reduced to oxidized coenzyme Q10 in the mitochondria. It helps repair oxidized proteins, preventing DNA damage. In addition, alpha lipoic acid has metal-chelating activity.

In Germany, ALA is approved as a drug for diabetic/alcoholic neuropathies and liver disease. A comprehensive review of the clinical studies on ALA in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy has been published.[5]

Impairment of endothelial-mediated vasodilation is accepted as a surrogate marker for the eventual development of CVD. The cause may be decreased synthesis, bioavailability or action of nitric oxide (NO). Increased oxidative stress appears to play a significant role in neutralizing or inactivating NO. ALA's antioxidant properties, along with its demonstrated safety and potency qualify it as a prime candidate to evaluate for its ability to improve endothelial dysfunction.[6]

The ability of a-lipoic acid to improve energy metabolism and decrease oxidative stress alludes to its ability to at least partially reverse the decline in mitochondrial function and increase in oxidative stress associated with normal aging. Biotin has been added because chronic administration of lipoic acid lowers the activities of pyruvate carboxylase and betamethylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase in vivo by competing with biotin.[7]

Dosing

Take 1 tablet 30 minutes
before breakfast and 1 tablet
30 minutes before dinner
or as directed by your healthcare professional.

References

1. Teichert J, Kern J, Tritschler HJ, Ulrich H, Preiss R: Investigations on the pharmacokinetics of alpha-lipoic acid in healthy volunteers. Int.J.Clin.Pharmacol.Ther. 36:625-628, 1998
2. Pershadsingh HA. Alpha-lipoic acid: physiologic mechanisms and indications for the treatment of metabolic syndrome. Expert Opin Investig Drugs. 2007 Mar;16(3):291-302 [PMID: 17302525]
3. Evans JL, Goldfi ne ID: a-Lipoic acid: a multi-functional antioxidant that improves insulin sensitivity in patients with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Technol Therap 2:401-413, 2000
4. Jacob S, Ruus P, et al. Oral administration of RAC-alpha-lipoic acid modulates insulin sensitivity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a placebo-controlled pilot trial. Free Radic Biol Med 27:309-314, 1999
5. Ziegler D, Reljanovic M, Mehnert H, Gries FA. Alpha-lipoic acid in the treatment of diabetic polyneuropath in Germany: current evidence from clinical trials. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 107:421-430, 1999
6. Bojunga J, et al. Antioxidative treatment reverses imbalances of nitric oxide synthase isoform expression and attenuates tissue-cGMP activation in diabetic rats. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2004 Apr 9; 316(3):771-80 [PMID: 15033467]
7. Zempleni J. Trusty TA, Mock DM. Lipoic acid reduces the activities of biotin-dependent carboxylases in rat liver. J Nutr. 1997 Sep;127(9):1776-81 [PMID:9278559]
8. Foster TS. Effi cacy and Safety of {alpha}-Lipoic Acid Supplementation in the Treatment of Symptomatic Diabetic Neuropathy. Diabetes Educ. 2007 Jan-Feb;33(1):111-7 [PMID:17272797]
9. Alpha Lipoic Acid. www.naturaldatabase.com {accessed 3.06.07}
10. Diesel B. et. al. alpha-Lipoic Acid as a Directly Binding Activator of the Insulin Receptor: Protection from Hepatocyte Apoptosis. Biochemistry. 2007 Feb 27; 46(8):2146-2155. Epub 2007 Feb 3 [PMID: 17274632]

Cautions

Diabetics, those being treated for serum glucose control, and women who are pregnant or lactating should consult their physicians before using this product and take appropriate precautions. Consult your physician before use if you are allergic to alpha-lipoic acid or other sulfur-containing compounds.

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