A randomized, placebo-controlled study for 8 weeks in type 2 diabetic patients has found that taking 300 mg per day of lipoic acid lowered fasting blood sugar levels, reduced insulin resistance, and boosted the function of the all-important glutathione antioxidant enzyme.  It has been previously established that the anti-oxidant properties of lipoic acid at the dose of 600 mg per day helps nerves and neuropathy in type 2 diabetic patients.  This study adds to the emerging body of science showing that lipoic acid can not only protect the body but can also help improve metabolism in people who have malfunctioning metabolism.  Other recent metabolic research demonstrates that lipoic acid can lower triglycerides, improve insulin signaling, boost muscle metabolism of calories, and activate fat cell metabolism. 

Lipoic acid exerts its dynamic metabolic benefits via various key enzyme systems involved with the conversion of calories into energy.  These enzyme system are crucial to how your cellular engines (mitochondria) burn fuel.  In fact, adequate lipoic acid has a rejuvenating effect on mitochondria with the net effect of “turning back the clock” to more youthful energy-producing function. 

Because lipoic acid is a very small molecule that is both fat and water soluble it possess unique and diverse antioxidant properties.  It can act directly as an antioxidant in diverse circumstances to deactivate free radicals.  It stimulates the production of the key antioxidant enzyme within cell, glutathione.  And it has a recycling effect on other antioxidants such as vitamin E and vitamin C wherein it rejuvenates them after they have been “spent” so that they can once again do more antioxidant activity.  On top of all that it helps to bind free metals, including toxic metals like mercury and lead, sequestering them so that they cannot induce free radical damage.  Lipoic acid is a key member of your antioxidant team, with significant science showing it protects your liver, brain, and heart.

The R form of lipoic acid is the form naturally found in the cells of your body that is used to make the energetic cellular enzymes perform.  It is the preferred form for dietary supplementation.  If it doesn’t have an R in front of the ingredient then 50% the S form (a 50/50 mix of R and S).  The S alpha lipoic acid is not a natural form of the nutrient and it actually has a backwards molecular spin.  Stick with quality; use only R alpha lipoic acid.

Posted by Byron J Richards at 02:17 PM.

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