ALA Flashcards
What is the standard dose of ALA and route?
250mg and IV only
Describe the administration of ALA.
Dilute in 250ml NS, y-site into primary line to infuse over at least 25 minutes (38 drops in 15 seconds). Adjust as tolerated.
If given by itself, clamp line and dilute 250 mg in at least 500 ml NS bag, mix well, and infuse.
What must you consider as the nurse when administering ALA?
May be caustic.
Can develop a fat embolism or other coagulopathies if administered to quickly
Can lower BG
Do not administer other ingredients concurrently with ALA
Other ingredients may be administered before or after ALA. If after ALA, first flush with 10ml of NS.
What are the benefits of ALA?
ALA is a universal antioxidant
Serves as a free radical scavenger
Critical in energy production and helps in the regeneration and augmentation of other antioxidants- glutathione, C, and E.
Fat and water soluble, naturally occurring
Required for healthy cell metabolism, esp in the mitochondria, playing a critical role in energy production
Help regenerate glutathione
Augements the function of other antioxidants such as vit C and E
How does ALA, Vitamin C, and E work together?
Taken together, the synergy of antioxidants reduces the oxidative stress in the body, preventing and reversing tissue damage and initiating cell repair to help reduce tissue inflammation and promote recovery from illness.
What are the general applications of using ALA?
Type 2 Diabetes
Weight loss and dyslipidemia
Cancer and precancerous conditions
Liver Disease
Neurological Disease
Peripheral Neruropathy
How may ALA help with type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance.
ALA has been demonstrated to improve glycemic control
May slow the progression of diabetes and prevent common illnesses that result as a consequence of poorly managed diabetes
Paired with lifestyle and dietary interventions may reverse insulin resistance or borderline diabetes
How may ALA help with weight loss and dyslipidemia?
ALA may aid in improving glucose control
ALA Inhibits formation of fat cells
ALA reduces inflammation associated with fatty tissue
ALA Increase HDL and reduces LDL
ALA and cancer
ALA may help in symptomatic management of certain cancers and may reduce the amount of lactate produced by cancer cells, slowing their growth rate
ALA and liver disease
ALA may Help the liver regenerate. Although mitochondrial damage can occur from excessively high doses and can ultimately lead to acute hepatic necrosis
ALA and neurological disease
Animal studies demonstrate ALA’s ability to promote functional recovery after stroke and may aid in recovery from TBI and ischemic brain injury
ALA and peripheral neuropathy
ALA is most effective when used prophylactically to prevent neuropathy
ALA contraindications
Pregnancy
breastfeeding
under 18 y.o
