Alpha Lipoic Acid

Uses	Nutritional Deficiencies
Therapy	Antioxidant

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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

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

When should one not use Alpha Lipoic Acid

Allergy to Alpha-Lipoic Acid or any components of the medicine.

Side effects

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

Pregnancy

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Dosage

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)

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.

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.

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