Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant used in Europe to restore liver
health. It confers protective benefits against oxidative processes
involved in degenerative diseases. It is more potent than vitamins C, E,
and Co-Q10, and according to Dr. Ester Packer, professor of molecular
biology at UC Berkley, alpha-lipoic acid may be the most important
antioxidant ever discovered:
Vitamins C, E and glutathione work together to deactivate and prevent
free radicals from causing uncontrolled damage in the body. But at this
stage we run into a limiting factor regarding availability of
glutathione, which is an important free-radical deactivator offering
protection against cataract formation, as well as immune enhancement,
liver protection, cancer protection, and heavy-metal detoxification.
When taken orally like Vitamins C and E, glutathione is broken down in
the stomach before it reaches the bloodstream. What does end up being
absorbed can raise serum levels, but the effect inside of the cells is
minimal.
Alpha-lipoic acid is the missing link. Not only is ALA a powerful
antioxidant in its own right, but it also regenerates glutathione,
giving cells a double dose of antioxidant protection. In addition, it is
easily absorbed when taken orally, and once inside cells it is quickly
converted to its most potent form, dihydrolipoic acid, which is an even
more potent free-radical neutralizer than ALA. Because both alpha-lipoic
acid and dihydrolipoic acid are antioxidants, their combined actions
give them greater antioxidant potency than any other natural antioxidant
now known.
Scientists have also found that lipoic acid can inhibit replication of
HIV-1 and other viruses through its ability to bind directly to DNA.
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Dr. Packer and Chandan K. Sen, a researcher from Finland, have described
how alpha-lipoic acid regulates aspects of the immune system, and in
particular, immune cells called T-lymphocytes. These two researchers,
along with other scientists, have reported how alpha-lipoic acid may
help people with HIV: ALA inhibits growth of HIV more effectively than
NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) ….alpha-lipoic acid completely inhibited
activation of a gene in the AIDS virus that allows it to reproduce.
A very small segment
of health care professionals - including naturopaths, acupuncturists,
chiropractors, and other kinds of holistic healers - have also learned
things beyond what the FDA allows.
Alpha-lipoic acid occurs naturally in potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots,
yams, and red meat. I take additional alpha-lipoic acid every day, and
know it has been vital in my battle and success with hepatitis C.
Two 100 mg. lipoic acid capsules two times per day.
Today, I suggest taking one 200 mg. lipoic acid capsule three times per day.