Alpha Lipoic Acid
Molecule Description
Alpha-Lipoic Acid is a vitamin-like supplement that reduces cell damage in the
body, restores levels of certain vitamins, and improves the function of nerves in conditions like diabetes. It belongs to a class of medicines or supplements called ‘Antioxidants’ and is available in the form of tablets, cream, and injections.
Uses of Alpha Lipoic Acid
- Lowering blood glucose levels and treating diabetic nerve pain. By increasing the efficacy of insulin, Alpha-Lipoic Acid will lead to effective glucose control reducing the nerve damage caused by high sugars....
- To aid painful bladder syndrome, especially in women. One can also use as an add-on medication to regular treatment. Alpha-lipoic acid will relieve symptoms of painful urination and sex.
- To improve skin complexion, texture wrinkles, and any damage caused due to sunlight, stress, etc.
- Alpha-Lipoic acid is also beneficial in metabolic syndrome – disorders of metabolism (processing of food we eat) that lead to problems like diabetes, heart disease, and brain stroke.
Contraindications of Alpha Lipoic Acid
When should one not use Alpha Lipoic Acid
Allergy to Alpha-Lipoic Acid or any components of the medicine.
Side effects of Alpha Lipoic Acid
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Feeling sick (nausea), vomiting
- Stomach discomfort, loose motions
- Rashes
- Feeling dizzy, spinning of the head (vertigo), psychiatric complaints (mood changes, depression, etc.), anxiety and sleep disturbances (rare)
Precautions and Warnings of Alpha Lipoic Acid
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Alpha Lipoic Acid during pregnancy?
A:
Alpha-Lipoic Acid has proven to be safe during pregnancy even when taken in late stages (up to 37th week). Speak to your doctor if you have to use this medicine during pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Alpha Lipoic Acid while breastfeeding?
A:
Enough data is not available, and it is unknown if Alpha-Lipoic Acid secretes in breast milk. Hence it is advised to avoid this medicine during breast-feeding.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Alpha Lipoic Acid?
A:
Alpha-Lipoic Acid is not known to affect your driving ability, but experts advise attention in the presence of side effects such as dizziness, spinning of head, sleep disturbances, etc.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Alpha Lipoic Acid?
A:
Alpha-Lipoic Acid can cause problems if you are suffering from Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) deficiency, as alcohol is known to reduce Vitamin B1 levels in the body. Hence too much alcohol should be avoided. You may take a Thiamine supplement if you have to drink.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
Thyroid problems
Mode of Action of Alpha Lipoic Acid
How Does It Work?
Alpha-Lipoic Acid removes or binds harmful substances in the body that damage cells (free radicals). These substances can decrease the efficacy of insulin hormone in the body. Thus, by removing these substances, Alpha-Lipoic Acid performs a double benefit of reducing the harm and improves glucose control....
Interactions of Alpha Lipoic Acid
Interactions with other medicines
- Consolidation of Alpha-Lipoic Acid and other medicines that are used to treat diabetes or insulin (like Glimepride, Glipizide, Glyburide, Pioglitazone, Rosiglitazone, Chlorpropamide, Tolbutamide, etc.), may result in low blood glucose level...
- Levothyroxine (used to treat hypothyroidism)
- Anti-cancer medicines
Interactions with food items
Alpha-Lipoic Acid is usually taken 30 minutes before or 2 hours after a meal.
Dietary Restrictions of Alpha Lipoic Acid
Avoid foods or supplements which reduce blood sugar levels while taking Alpha-Lipoic Acid, such as fenugreek, garlic, guar gum, horse chestnut, Panax Ginseng, Psyllium, and Siberian Ginseng.
Dosage of Alpha Lipoic Acid
Overdose
Alpha-Lipoic Acid causes symptoms of overdosage at very high doses. It may not cause harmful effects at regular or above regular dose. Seek medical attention if you develop symptoms such as rashes, stomach upset, loose motions, drowsiness, vomiting, etc....
Missed a Dose
Take the forgotten dose as shortly as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is too late, do not take extra medicine or double dose to compensate for the missed dose.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Does my body produce Alpha-Lipoic Acid?
A: Yes, Alpha-Lipoic Acid is synthesized in our body naturally but in tiny amounts.
Rich sources of this supplement include spinach, broccoli, potatoes, rice bran, and peas. Non- vegetarian sources include animal heart, liver and kidneys.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid derived from natural sources will not be enough in conditions where there is demand, because the body can generate little of this supplement from foods.
Q: What are the benefits of Alpha-Lipoic Acid?
A: By binding and eliminating the harmful substances (free radicals), Alpha-Lipoic Acid improves the blood flow, functioning of antioxidants (substances that reduce cell damage due to fatty foods, high sugar, alcohol, etc.), and also boost levels of some vitamins and functioning of nerves.
Generally, patients who have a problem with their immune system or metabolism or whose immune system is at risk (diabetes, heart disease, infections, stroke, weight gain, skin aging, etc.) will benefit the most from Alpha-Lipoic Acid.
A person can take Alpha-lipoic acid for an extended period, but you are advised to discontinue if you start to develop any rashes.
A: In case of heart surgeries, Alpha-Lipoic Acid is started two months before surgery and is to continue until one month after surgery.
For weight loss, it is used for a period of two months to one year.
You may have to use it continuously in diabetes, but in people with mild and responsive symptoms, treatment for a month will show improvement in symptoms.
References
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Disclaimer
The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here for detailed T&C.
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