The production of Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) happens naturally inside the human body. It is a compound with antioxidant benefits and for the role it plays in various body’s vital functions, including the production of energy. When you are hale and hearty, your body produces ALA naturally. Some of the most important benefits of alpha lipoic acids range from treating diabetes to helping shed those extra kilos.
However, sometimes the ALA production within the body is not enough to aid normal functioning. This is where the need to take ALA supplements arises. Read on to find out all about the alpha lipoic acid uses and benefits.
Benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplements
ALA plays a significant role in management of several lifestyle diseases and may even keep them at bay. In addition it improves skin health as well. Here are some of the most prominent uses and benefits of alpha lipoic acid.
1. Helpful for Diabetics
Research indicates that Alpha Lipoic Acid supplements may play a significant role in improving insulin resistance thus helping lower blood sugar in people suffering from type 2 diabetes. The compound may also reduce the symptoms of nerve damage commonly seen in diabetics.
Diabetics in Europe have been using ALA supplements for quite some time to gain respite from twitching, pain, numbness, and burning. Several studies indicate significant benefits of alpha lipoic acid when given intravenously to diabetics.
2. Functions as an Antioxidant
Alpha Lipoic Acid is a great antioxidant. It protects the body against cell damage and helps it overcome oxidative stress. ALA helps the body to fight the effect of free radicals and aids to reduce the side-effects of ageing, especially on the skin and muscles.
3. Eye Health
Few people use ALA for the treatment of their eye diseases. Benefits of alpha lipoic acid also include aid with the treatment of glaucoma, cataracts, retinal damage, and Wilson’s disease.
4. Recovery After Surgery
ALS may also be effective in aiding recovery from Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery. When taken along with other supplements including Magnesium, Omega-3 fatty acids, CoQ10, Magnesium, and Selenium, it aids faster recovery.
5. Skin Health
The antioxidant properties of ALA also make it super beneficial for your skin. One of the best Alpha Lipoic Acid benefits for the skin includes reducing wrinkles and fine lines around the lips and eye region. The application of ALA can safeguard the skin from the ultraviolet rays of the sun and reduce the oxidative damage due to environmental exposure.
It also helps minimise the skin damage caused due to smoking cigarettes. Smoking causes oxidative stress on the skin. Oxidative stress results in a large number of free radicals, which in turn, speeds up the ageing process of the skin. ALA’s anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties help reduce this damage on the whole.
6. Weight Management
When listing out benefits of alpha lipoic acid weight loss should also be considered. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a key enzyme that controls energy metabolism in the body by regulating appetite. ALA reduces the activity of this enzyme which in turn reduces hunger pangs. Control on appetite plays a major role in weight management, and can help you lose weight too.
Which Form of ALA is Most Beneficial?
The main sources of ALA are broccoli, spinach, yams, and potatoes. However, apparently, the food sources don’t significantly increase the Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) levels in the body.
Few people take ALA supplements intending to enhance AHA levels. But there are not many findings to substantiate the benefits of ALA supplements taken orally. Although some research findings do confirm that 30% to 40% ALA supplements are taken in by the body effectively. The oral intake of ALA is better absorbed by the body when taken on an empty stomach.
However, intravenous ALA is the most effective form of intake when given under medical supervision.
Potential Side-Effects of ALA
With all the benefits of alpha lipoic acid, there are some precautions and potential side effects that should be taken into consideration. ALA supplements should not be taken with medicines used for lowering blood sugar levels and insulin, as ALA supplements might intervene with their effectiveness. Since there have been no studies conducted on the effect of ALA supplements during pregnancy, consuming ALA should be avoided if you are pregnant. Also, there have been no statistics on the efficacy of ALA on children, hence the ALA supplements are best avoided for kids.
Conclusion
Alpha Lipoic Acid is a naturally occurring compound in the human body. The benefits of alpha lipoic acid are innumerable. However, alpha lipoic acid side effects should also be taken into account before consumption. It is found to be effective in offering anti-ageing skin benefits as well as against lifestyle diseases like diabetes and after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABGS). It boosts healthy nerve function and arrests the advancement of memory loss. Therefore, if you feel you are not getting enough ALA through your everyday diet, consider opting for ALA supplements to reap maximum lipoic acid benefits.
