Alpha Lipoic Acid Flashcards
(18 cards)
What is Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)?
A naturally occurring organosulphur compound and short-chain fatty acid made in humans and found in plants/animals.
What are the two forms of ALA and which is more potent?
R-form (natural, ~10x more potent) and S-form (synthetic).
Name three plant-based food sources of ALA.
Broccoli, spinach, Brussels sprouts.
Also: carrots, beets, peas, potatoes.
Name two animal-based food sources of ALA.
Red meat (e.g., lamb, beef) and organ meats.
What is ALA’s role in energy production?
It is a key coenzyme in the Krebs cycle, converting carbohydrates to energy.
Supports sperm energy production.
Which health issues can ALA help with due to its role in energy production?
Fatigue, chronic fatigue syndrome, mitochondrial support, sperm health.
What antioxidant properties does ALA have?
It’s both fat- and water-soluble, regenerates vitamins C & E, glutathione, and CoQ10.
Exogenous forms scavenges free radicals intra and extra-cellularly.
Anti-inflammatory.
List at least three therapeutic uses of ALA as an antioxidant.
Infertility, diabetes, and diabetes neuropathy, Alzheimer’s disease.
Also: multiple sclerosis, healthy ageing.
How does ALA supplementation help diabetes?
Improves insulin sensitivity, insulin resistance, fasting blood glucose, and HbA1c levels.
What is the ALA dosage range for diabetes support?
300–1200 mg/day.
How does ALA support metal detoxification?
Chelates metals like iron, mercury, copper, lead, and zinc.
How does ALA benefit peripheral neuropathy?
ALA supplementation reduces oxidation of the myelin sheath and relieves symptoms like pain, burning, numbness, prickling of the feet and legs.
What is the ALA dosage for peripheral neuropathy?
600 mg/day.
How does ALA promote weight loss?
Reduces oxidative stress, that promotes fat storage.
Suppresses appetite via it’s influence on the enzyme AMPK, and boosts energy expenditure.
What is the recommended ALA dosage for weight loss?
1800 mg/day.
When should ALA supplements be taken for best absorption?
On an empty stomach — 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
What are some possible side effects of ALA?
Rare skin reactions and gastrointestinal symptoms.
What are key interactions to watch for with ALA?
May compete with biotin; may enhance the effects of diabetic medication causing hypoglycaemia.
