Alpha-lipoic Acid
Alpha-lipoic Acid Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Alpha-lipoic Acid is a brand name. Its generic name is Lipoic acid.
Lipoic Acid Introduction
Alpha-lipoic Acid is a naturally-occurring antioxidant also known as thioctic acid, which is found in most living cells in the body. It is produced naturally in the cytoplasm from octanoic acid and is used to make energy. It is a powerful anti-oxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative damage caused by free-radicals. Alpha-lipoic Acid can also help improve insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake, as well as increase the production of glutathione, a potent anti-oxidant.
Uses for Lipoic Acid
Alpha-lipoic Acid is used for various purposes including weight loss, increasing physical performance, slowing down aging, relieving diabetic neuropathy, lowering high cholesterol levels, preventing and treating liver diseases, treating HIV/AIDS, improving blood flow, and treating cataracts. It is also used in some medical treatments, such as chemotherapy. In addition, it can help protect the heart and reduce blood pressure.
Mechanism of Action
The mechanism of action of lipoic acid is thought to involve its ability to promote glucose transport into cells and prevent lipid peroxidation (the breakdown of cells caused by free radicals). It may also increase the production of glutathione, which helps to neutralize free radicals and prevents oxidative damage. In addition, lipoic acid has anti-inflammatory properties and can protect nerve cells from damage.
How Long Does it Take to Work?
The effects of lipoic acid depend on the condition being treated and the dosage taken. In general, it can take weeks to months to see the effects of lipoic acid, as it must build up in the body for it to be effective. Alpha-lipoic Acid is known to have a relatively long half-life, meaning it stays in the body for a relatively long time.
Absorption
Alpha-lipoic Acid is easily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Studies have found that lipoic acid is rapidly and efficiently absorbed from the intestine, with peak concentrations occurring at about 2 hours after ingestion. After absorption, lipoic acid is quickly distributed throughout the body’s tissues.
Route of Elimination
Alpha-lipoic Acid is rapidly eliminated from the body through the kidneys, with peak concentrations in the urine occurring at about 6 hours after ingestion. It is quickly cleared from the circulation and its elimination half-life (the time it takes for the body to eliminate half of the substance) is estimated to be around 1.5-2.5 hours.
Dosage
The dosage of lipoic acid depends on the condition being treated. Generally, the recommended dose is between 100-600mg/day, taken in divided doses. Higher doses (600mg/day) may be required for certain conditions such as diabetic neuropathy. Larger doses may also be recommended for more serious conditions such as liver disease.
Administration
Alpha-lipoic Acid can be taken orally in a tablet or capsule form, or can be injected intramuscularly. Alpha-lipoic Acid should always be taken with food to improve its absorption.
Side Effect
Although lipoic acid is generally well tolerated, side effects can occur. The most common side effects are mild and include nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, and headache. Less common side effects may include elevated liver enzymes and decreased blood sugar levels. If any of these side effects occur, it is important to consult a doctor.
Toxicity
The acute toxicity of lipoic acid is low. In one study, mice were given an oral dose of up to 5g/kg body weight and were found to show no signs of toxicity. The LD50 (the dose required to cause death in 50% of the animals tested) has not been determined, but it is thought to be three to four times higher than the 5g/kg dose.
Precaution
Alpha-lipoic Acid should be used with caution in people with liver or kidney disease, as it may further impair kidney or liver function. People taking diabetes medications, such as insulin, should also use caution since lipoic acid may further decrease blood sugar levels. It is also important to speak to a doctor before taking lipoic acid if pregnant or lactating, or if taking any other medications.
Interaction
Alpha-lipoic Acid may interact with other medications, supplements, and certain foods. It is important to speak to a healthcare professional before taking lipoic acid if taking any other medications, including diabetic drugs, antidepressants, anticoagulants, or antibiotics.
Disease Interaction
Alpha-lipoic Acid may interact with certain diseases, including diabetes, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, liver disease, HIV/AIDS, and arthritis. People with any of these conditions should consult a doctor before taking lipoic acid.
Drug Interaction
Alpha-lipoic Acid may interact with certain medications, including diabetes drugs, antidepressants, anticoagulants, and antibiotics. People taking any of these medications should speak to a doctor before taking lipoic acid.
Food Interactions
Alpha-lipoic Acid may interact with certain foods. It is important to speak to a doctor before taking lipoic acid if eating foods high in fat, such as fish, nuts, and avocados, since these may interfere with the absorption of the drug.
Pregnancy Use
The use of lipoic acid during pregnancy has not been studied. It is not recommended to take lipoic acid during pregnancy unless directed by a healthcare professional.
Lactation Use
The use of lipoic acid during lactation has not been studied. It is not recommended to take lipoic acid while breastfeeding unless directed by a healthcare professional.
Acute Overdose
The acute toxicity of lipoic acid is low and an acute overdose is unlikely to occur. However, if an overdose is suspected, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
Contraindication
Alpha-lipoic Acid should not be taken by people with liver or kidney disease or by people taking diabetes medications, such as insulin. It should also not be taken by people who are pregnant, lactating, or taking any other medications, including anticoagulants, antidepressants, or antibiotics.
Use Direction
The recommended dosage of lipoic acid depends on the condition being treated and can range from 100-600mg/day, taken in divided doses. Alpha-lipoic Acid should always be taken with food to improve its absorption. It is important to follow the directions provided by the doctor or on the product package.
Storage Condition
Alpha-lipoic Acid should be stored at room temperature in a dry place and away from direct light and moisture. It should be kept out of reach of children.
Volume of Distribution
The volume of distribution of lipoic acid is estimated to be about 0.2-0.4L/kg, meaning it is distributed throughout the body within a few hours after ingestion.
Half Life
The half-life of lipoic acid is estimated to be 1.5-2.5 hours, meaning it is quickly cleared from the body.
Clearance
Alpha-lipoic Acid is eliminated from the body primarily through the kidneys. Its clearance rate is estimated to be between 5-10 ml/minute/kg.
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