Are You A Diabetic? Consult Before You Take Antioxidants

One of the other things my rheumatologist gave me, in addition to Vitamin D3, was what he called THE ANTIOXIDENT: ALPHA-LIPOIC ACID (ALA). This chemical works in both fat and water, unlike other antioxidants that are either water or fat soluble. It works all over the body and is not depleted while reducing free radicals. It protects and regenerates other antioxidants like Vitamins C and E and glutathione. Thus, they last longer. Plus, it is sold over the counter without a doctor’s prescription and is very safe. It cannot harm you; however, if you take insulin or thyroid hormone you need to discuss it with your doctor. There may be interactions there you need to watch.

Free radicals are molecules that have a free electron negative charge on them and thus can destroy protein molecules or tissues of cells and shorten their life span. Antioxidants halt the damage. Some may even help healing of damaged parts. Antioxidants stop the oxidation from happening. They neutralize superoxide, hydroxyperoxy and hydroxyl radicals from injuring cells. Thus, a cell lives longer.

Cell membranes are the most susceptible to damage. These membranes line capillaries and blood vessels of the heart, brain, and kidney. Damage them and you damage these vital organs. Proteins like collagen and elastin in the skin and eye proteins are attacked by free radicals. This causes wrinkles and cataracts. Many chemicals act as antioxidants like Vitamin C and E, but none seem to be as potent or well distributed as alpha-Lipoic acid.

In diabetes, alpha-Lipoic acid lowers blood sugar and protects both nerves and the kidney from damage. It seems to protect nerves that are damaged and cause pain, numbness and burning or tingling in the diabetic and in other diseases that cause peripheral neuropathy. In Europe, it is given intravenously but has been shown to be effective when taken orally. In diabetes, it improves sugar uptake and protects the heart and kidneys from damage. Patients taking 600 mg of ALA three times a day for three weeks had less nerve symptoms and improved insulin sensitivity.

ALA also has been proposed as a protection in liver disease from alcohol. But no studies have verified this yet. It may also protect against tobacco smoke, but don’t count on it to save you from cancer or a heart attack if you smoke a lot. It may also be an anti-aging drug too. Some studies suggest an action in glaucoma as well as cataracts.

ALA can be purchased as capsules for supplementation. One can take 20-50 mg per day although my doctor started me at 100 mg twice a day. Diabetics take larger doses. Again, talk o your own physician about what you should take. I do not recommend any dose here. It should not be given to children for the simple reason it has not been studied in their age group.

If you don’t want to buy it then eat it. It is commonly found in the potato. Eat spuds and get all you need. Carrots and red meat also have loads of it.