Since there's still more research to do, scientists aren't certain of all the alpha lipoic acid benefits and side effects. In fact, even though scientists knew about the substance over 30 years ago, they only learned of it's ability to act as an antioxidant just seven years ago and are learning more about it each day. Your body naturally produces alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) in small amounts, but you can find it in supplement form or consume it in small amounts when you eat yeast or red meat. Another name for it is thioctic acid. It's a potent antioxidant that is actually more powerful than well-known ones, such as vitamin C or A. It's necessary for the body to produce the antioxidant known as glutathione. It's also necessary to create enzymes for the cell's mitochondria, the power plant of the cell.
ALA and Glutathione
When alpha lipoic acid enters the body, it converts to other substances such as glutathione. These substances are extremely beneficial to the body as antioxidants. If you want to increase glutathione levels, you can't just take glutathione. The process of digestion destroys it. Instead, you must take alpha lipoic acid, which in turn, increases the amount of glutathione.
Benefits
When looking for the alpha lipoic acid benefits and side effects, you first have to look at research that shows the benefits. One study showed that while eating foods containing LA doesn't increase the ALA in the cells or plasma, taking supplements of ALA does. This supplementation may not only increase the antioxidant effect throughout the body, but may also significantly reduce the symptoms caused by complications of diabetes, diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy occurs because of damage to the nerves to the extremities. It causes pain or loss of feeling in the arms, legs, hands, toes or feet.
Diabetics also may benefit in another way from alpha lipoic acid. Studies show that individuals with type 2 diabetes taking supplemental ALA orally utilized blood sugar better. Besides glucose uptake, decreased insulin sensitivity occurs with type 2 diabetes. Administering oral doses of LA to patients also increased the insulin sensitivity in diabetics.
Higher Survival Rate in Stroke
Lab studies on rats show that when scientists gave these ALA before a stroke, they had a higher survival rate. Other studies show that ALA is important in preventing tissue damage and cell damage from a heart attack due to its antioxidant abilities. Other studies on alpha lipoic acid benefits and side effects are not yet conclusive whether ALA is beneficial when taken for diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's or other neurodegenerative diseases. However, there is a consensus that not only is ALA an antioxidant; it also helps your body to regenerate other antioxidants that are "used up" by the free radicals they attack. Once oxidized by the free radicals, an antioxidant can't scavenge more, but ALA reduces it back to a usable form again. It's the body's way of recycling. Because of its action in creating glutathione, the fact that it's both fat and water-soluble and it's regeneration of other antioxidants, many considered it the most powerful aid to maintain health.
Side Effects
At this writing, there are few side effects known for ALA. For individuals allergic to alpha lipoic acid, there may be a rash or hives. People taking large doses of the supplement may have abdominal pain, diarrhea and nausea. Even though most studies show it safe, before you take any type of supplement, always consult your physician.
