Lipoic Acid

Description:

Lipoic acid, a vitamin-like substance that contains sulfur, is important to the body in the production of energy (ATP). It also effective against water- and fat-soluble free radical damage.

Physiologic Therapeutics:

• Antioxidant
• Helps reduce elevated liver enzymes
• Improves blood flow to peripheral nerves
• Improves blood sugar metabolism
• Inhibits glycosylation of tissue proteins
• Inhibits HIV replication by reducing the activity of reverse transcriptase
• Stimulates regeneration of nerve fibers
• Works synergistically with vitamins B1 and B3 to produce ATP

Clinical Indications:

• AIDS
• Alzheimer's disease
• Diabetes mellitus
• Hepatitis
• Amanita mushroom poisoning

Dosage:

• 20 - 50 mg. per day
• AIDS: 150 mg. TID
• Diabetes mellitus: 300-600 mg.

Drug/Nutrient Interaction:

• Since lipoic acid is an antioxidant, it spares other antioxidants like vitamins E and C

Adverse Reactions and Toxicity:

• If using an extremely high dose, vitamin B1 should also be given
• No known toxicities

Copyright 1998 - 2008 by L. Vicky Crouse, ND and James S. Reiley, ND. All rights reserved (ISSN 1527-0661).