Alpha Lipoic Acid — The Universal Antioxidant
Alpha lipoic acid has many benefits in the body, and specific benefits
to the eyes. Particular eye conditions it helps includes glaucoma,
cataracts and diabetic retinopathy.
Benefits include the following:
- Can help improve visual acuity and color perception for those with
glaucoma. Filina, et al., Vestn Oftalmol 1995 Oct-Dec;111(4):6-8
- Has strong neuroprotective properties which is why it is recommended
for glaucoma. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 1995 Jul;15(4):624-30
- Alpha Lipoic Acid can prevent cataract formation as well as nerve
degeneration and radiation injury. Packer, et al. Free Radic Biol Med
1995 Aug;19(2):227-50
- Alpha Lipoic Acid can significantly reduce diabetic cataract
formation, as well as neuropathy, and would seem to be an ideal
neuroprotective substance in the treatment of all oxidative brain and
neural disorders involving free radical processes. Packer, L., Ann N y
Acad Sci 1994 Nov 17;738:257-64. Packer, L. Free Radic Biol Med
1997;22(1-2):359-78
- Preliminary (6) and double-blind (7)(8) trials have found that
supplementing 600-1,200 mg of lipoic acid per day improves insulin
sensitivity and the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. (6) Ruhnau KJ,
Meissner HP, Finn JR, et al. Effects of 3-week oral treatment with the
antioxidant thioctic acid (alpha-lipoic acid) in symptomatic diabetic
polyneuropathy. Diabet Med 1999;16:1040-3. (7)(8) Ruhnau KJ, Meissner
HP, Finn JR, et al. Effects of 3-week oral treatment with the
antioxidant thioctic acid (alpha-lipoic acid) in symptomatic diabetic
polyneuropathy. Diabet Med 1999;16:1040-3.(8) Ziegler D, Schatz H,
Conrad F, et al.
- Effects of treatment with the antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid on cardiac
autonomic neuropathy in NIDDM patients. A 4-month randomized
controlled multicenter trial (DEKAN Study). Diabetes Care
1997;20:369-73.
Editor's Note: Studies have shown that the Alpha-R form is the most
biologically active and absorbed form of alpha lipoic acid.
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