Fight the Effects of Aging with Alpha Lipoic Acid
By Dr. Allen S. Josephs
Co-Founder & Chairman, Vitacost.com 05/31/2007
There was a recent conference, entitled "Diet and Optimum Health," sponsored by the Linus Pauling Institute that took place at Oregon State University. One of the key nutrients discussed was alpha lipoic acid (ALA). In animal and human studies, this compound has been shown to slow the aging process, improve blood flow, enhance immune function and promote healthy blood sugar and many other functions. Dr. Tory Hagen, a researcher at Linus Pauling Institute, noted, "the evidence suggests that lipoic acid is actually a low-level stressor that turns on the basic cellular defenses of the body, including many of those that naturally decline with age." He further added, "In particular, it tends to restore levels of glutathione, a protective antioxidant and detoxification compound to those of a young animal.Researchers at Oregon State University now believe that ALA does not work directly on cells but rather indirectly, "kick starting" declining cellular function. Hagen adds, "Our studies have shown that mice supplemented with lipoic acid have a cognitive ability, behavior and genetic expression of almost 100% detoxification and antioxidant genes that are comparable to that of young animals. They aren't just living longer, they're living better – and that's the goal we're after." I couldn't agree more with Dr. Hagen. I've been a big advocate for ALA for many years. I routinely recommend it, along acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC), to my patients with poor peripheral nerve function. Patients will frequently present with pain and numbness in their feet which, in many cases, can be improved with these important nutrients. There was a study published several years ago where aged rats were given a combination of ALC and ALA1. Not only did these rats perform in a more youthful fashion, when their brains were autopsied, it actually showed regeneration of brain neurons and tissue. Whether this happens in a similar fashion in humans has never been firmly established, although ALC and ALA have been put into the category of anti-aging nutrients. ALC works by providing fuel for the cell via the Kreb's cycle and promotes healthy mitochondrial function in a manner similar but complimentary to coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). ALA, CoQ10 and ALC combined are the three most powerful anti-aging nutrients you can take that promote healthy energy, cellular health, cardiovascular health, healthy blood sugar and optimal neurological health.
COMMENT: Orthomolecular Formulations has been one of the leaders in adding this potent combination in many of our formulas. Here is a list of products that use this combination in addition to other nutrients for their synergistic effects.
CELLULAR HEALTH
ENERGY
MEMORY HEALTH
MENTAL FOCUS
OM EXTEND -
This is my latest formula designed to be added to any multi, but especially
O M Complete, making it the ultimate protection & rejuvenation combination.
Christopher Wiechert, C.N.C.
Christopher Wiechert's Healthblogger is for educational or informational purposes only, and is not intended to diagnose or provide treatment for any condition. If you have any concerns about your own health, you should always consult with a health care professional. If you decide to use this information on your own, it's your constitutional right, but I assume no responsibility.
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