at Alpha-lipoic acid It is a drug that is also known as an antioxidant. In conventional medicine will Alpha-lipoic acid prescribed for many diseases. There Alpha-lipoic acid only a few foods, such as potatoes, spinach and red meat, are Alpha-lipoic acid as Dietary supplementstake.

The chemical structure of Alpha-lipoic acid

Alpha lipoic acid contains two sulfur atoms that can be reversibly reduced and oxidized. Alpha lipoic acid not only has the properties of an antioxidant but is also a co-factor for several essential ones enzymes, Alpha-lipoic acid is available in two optical isomers, R-alpha-lipoic acid and S-alpha-lipoic acid. These have different properties. By optical isomers is meant the main differences of these two forms which direct polarized light in opposite directions. From a chemical point of view, these two forms of alpha-lipoic acid are difficult to separate because they are identical. However, the molecules are mirror-image, similar to the right and left hand of a pair gloves,

The differences between S-alpha-lipoic acid and R-alpha-lipoic acid

R-alpha-lipoic acid is considered the better form of alpha-lipoic acid, as it is a natural, body-own form. In low-cost dietary supplements, however, a low proportion of R-alpha-lipoic acid is included. Instead, up to 90 percent of S-alpha lipoic acid is increasingly used in preparations containing synthetic isomers. The differences between R-alpha-lipoic acid and S-alpha-lipoic acid are reflected in their three-dimensional structure. A health-promoting effect is obtained only with the R-form of alpha-lipoic acid. Researchers believe that S-alpha-lipoic acid does not fulfill any function for the body and is even harmful, as the S-form counteracts the beneficial effects of the R-form. For this reason, one should resort to a dietary supplement that has at least a 1: 1 mixture of natural and synthetic alpha-lipoic acid. Since the manufacturing costs for preparations with R-alpha-lipoic acid are about eleven times as high as in an equally divided mixture, high-quality dietary supplements are rare and if so expensive.

Uses of alpha-lipoic acid

Alpha lipoic acid is available as a dietary supplement and as a medicine. In most cases, supplements are added that are synthetic. High quality, taken with the natural R-alpha-lipoic acid, it can be better absorbed by the body, metabolized and excreted. Since alpha-lipoic acid does not stay in the body for long, high doses should be taken throughout the day for a more effective effect. In most cases, alpha-lipoic acid is administered in oral form. This form of administration causes oxidative stress to be reduced. However, if there is a pronounced lack of alpha lipoic acid, the doctor may prescribe high dose intravenous administration.

For which diseases alpha-lipoic acid is used

Alpha lipoic acid is used for quite specific diseases in orthomolecular therapy. These diseases include diabetes because alpha-lipoic acid optimizes glucose tolerance and thus improves the diabetic condition. In this case, oral or high dose intravenous administration may be used. Also in dementia diseases alpha-lipoic acid is prescribed, as this substance contributes to the health of the brain cells. In the case of cancer diseases, alpha-lipoic acid can help to repair damaged cell structures due to its activating and antioxidant properties. In the case of chronic fatigue syndrome, alpha-lipoic acid is also prescribed. Because this disease is caused by a disturbed energy metabolism, which takes place in the mitochondria. Alpha-lipoic acid stimulates this energy metabolism, thereby improving the symptoms. The known but very rare side effects of Alpha Lipoic Acid include headache, blurred vision, increased sweating, vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. Also, taste disorders and hypersensitivity disorders can occur in very rare cases.