Alpha-Lipoic Acid
(thioctic acid)

DESCRIPTION/FUNCTION

• Lipoic acid is a unique antioxidant, being both water- and fat-soluble. It is part of two multi-enzyme complexes: PDH (pyruvate dehydrogenase) and alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase. These enzymes are part of the Krebs cycle (actually, PDH connects glycolysis with the Krebs cycle), and are thus essential in the conversion of food into energy.

DRI (RDA or AI for Adults)

• None.

MAJOR SOURCES

• Made in the body and nutritional supplements.

MAINTENANCE/THERAPEUTIC RANGE

• 25 mg to 1,000 mg.

POSSIBLE THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS

• Coronary heart disease
• Diabetes (insulin sensitivity and neuropathy)
• Liver support
• Memory loss

COMMENTS

• Lipoic acid has a sparing action on other antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, CoQ10, and glutathione. Like milk thistle (silymarin), lipoic acid has liver-protective properties. An older name for lipoic acid is thioctic acid. (R)-Lipoic acid is considered to be a more biologically active form.

CAUTIONS

• Diabetics may need to adjust their antidiabetic medication.