Alpha lipoic acid
Synonyms in a broader sense
- Lipoic acid, thioctic acid
- R-lipoic acid
- antioxidant
- Neuropathic drugs
- neurotropic drug
introduction
Alpha-lipoic acid is a sulfur-containing fatty acid that the human body produces itself to a small extent and takes in most of it with food. The substance plays a role as a coenzyme in many metabolic processes and in the body's defense against free radicals.
Due to its defense function, alpha-lipoic acid belongs to the group of antioxidants. In medicine, the substance is used in the treatment of diabetic polyneuropathy, a peripheral nerve disease that can lead to sensory and sensory disorders such as burning, tingling and numbness.
Mode of action
At the Diabetes mellitus occurs without adequate therapy permanently elevated glucose level in the blood. Long-term consequential damages of this condition are among other things Narrowing of large and small blood vesselsthat to Circulatory disorders and can lead to organ damage. One speaks of Macro and microangiopathies.
The polyneuropathy becomes the Microangiopathies counted as small blood vessels supplying nerves are affected. The circulatory disorder leads to damage and destruction of the nerve fibers, this goes hand in hand with increased formation of free oxygen radicals. These radicals affect sharmful to cell membranes and DNA from, promote Cell aging, Carcinogenesis and the progression of chronic diseases.
Alpha lipoic acid can be used as antioxidant bind these free radicals and increase the concentration of the body's own antioxidants such as glutathione, thereby preserving the function of the nerve fibers. In addition, alpha lipoic acid has an improved effect Blood supply the nerves.
detoxification
Free radicals harm the body. The alpha lipoic acid can remove harmful substances from the body. Alpha lipoic acid has a detoxifying effect. By binding the radicals, the free radicals are removed from the body. For this purpose, the alpha lipoic acid is administered as a capsule form for oral use.
Effect on the thyroid gland
The thyroid gland is also affected by free radical formation. If you remove this with alpha lipoic acid, the risk of degeneration of the thyroid gland (ulcers) is reduced. The function of the thyroid gland is not significantly affected by radicals.
Read more on the topic: Thyroid disorders
application
Alpha lipoic acid is a pharmacy-only drug. It is available in Capsule shape or as Film-coated tablet in dosages 200, 300 and 600 mg. With especially severe diabetic polyneuropathy can also be a Solution for injection or one Infusion solution used to deliver the active ingredient directly into the bloodstream. Here the dosage is included 300 to 600 mg.
application areas
Usually this is daily dose 1 tablet in the dose prescribed by the doctor. The tablet should whole with enough liquid to be consumed. It should be noted Alpha Lipoic Acid on an empty stomach about 30 minutes to be taken before food.
Otherwise the hinders rapid passage into the bloodstream become. The nerve damage caused by the Diabetes mellitus represents one chronic process therefore a lifelong therapy with the drug inevitable be.
application on the skin
The skin is a very important organ in our body. The skin represents a natural barrier between the environment and the inside of the body. Since the skin is in constant contact with the environment, it has to be particularly robust. Alpha-lipoic acid is a radical scavenger. Free radicals can damage the skin. If these are reduced, this can have a positive effect on the texture of the skin. This results in fewer wrinkles, the skin gets more moisture and it becomes less brittle and dry.
Alpha-lipoic acid is produced by the body itself, but is also available in the form of tablets and capsules for oral intake. Alpha-lipoic acid creams are also available especially for the skin. These are very effective for topical application on the skin. The creams are available from pharmacies and can contain various additives.
Side effects
All side effects observed are classified as "very rare“ (<1/10000 cases) assigned.
- In the gastrointestinal tract, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and abdominal pain
- Taste disorders
- Hypersensitivity disorders such as rash or itching
- Headache
- Visual disturbances
- dizziness
- increased sweating as a sign of hypoglycaemia
Provides the patient one or more of the symptoms stuck to himself is that Stop taking the drug immediately and call a doctor.
Contraindications
Pregnant and nursing mothers should use alpha lipoic acid only explicit recommendation and under the strict supervision of the doctor take in. Children and young people are not allowed with Alpha lipoic acid be treated as there are no adequate study results be available. Is there a Allergy to alpha lipoic acid or one of the other ingredients of the drug such as the dye Yellow Orange S (E110), should also be from a Treatment apart become.
Drug interactions
Used along with the Alpha Lipoic Acid Cancer drug cisplatin if taken, cisplatin may become ineffective. Iron and magnesium supplements as well as milk (high calcium content) should not taken with alpha lipoic acid because the active ingredient with metal likes to enter into compounds (so-called metal chelator) and this can weaken the effect.
Medicines for diabetics (insulin or other oral anti-diabetic drugs) may have an impact on their effects additional income of alpha lipoic acid boost. This carries the risk of a Hypoglycaemia. With simultaneous treatment, blood sugar should be strictly controlled and at Signs of hypoglycaemia a doctor must be contacted who may then Lower the dose of the antidiabetic drug got to.
Alcohol consumption should avoided be as he is the course of a diabetic polyneuropathy negatively affect and make the success of therapy with alpha lipoic acid more difficult.
Alpha lipoic acid in polyneuropathy
Polyneuropathy describes a disease of the peripheral (distant) nerves. Polyneuropathies can result from diabetes mellitus (diabetes), excessive, regular alcohol consumption, diseases of the CNS such as multiple sclerosis (MS), or without a proven cause, mostly in older people. Free radicals are also involved in the development of polyneuropathies. These damage the structure of the nerves.
Read more on the topic: Symptoms of polyneuropathy
The administration of alpha lipoic acid minimizes the formation of radicals so that the polyneuropathy no longer progresses as quickly. The progression of the disease can be delayed, but it cannot be stopped. The administration of alpha lipoic acid cannot cure the polyneuropathy.
You might also be interested in this topic: Therapy of a polyneuropathy
