Lipoic Acid

(alpha-lipoic acid)

DRI (RDA or AI for Adults)

None

Adult Maintenance - Therapeutic Range

25 - 600 mg

Major Sources

Liver and yeast.

Non-Therapeutic Importance

Lipoic acid 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.

Possible Therapeutic Applications

CONSULT WITH A HEALTH PROFESSIONAL FIRST: Lipoic acid is a unique antioxidant, being both water- and fat-soluble. 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. Supplementation may prevent, or be helpful with, the following conditions:

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS, HIV)
Aging
Alcoholism
Atherosclerosis (heart disease)
Cancer
Cataracts
Cerebrovascular Disease (including stroke)
Diabetes
Fibromyalgia
Glaucoma
Hepatitis
Immunodepression (immune function)
Memory Loss (Alzheimer's disease, dementia)
Psoriasis