Lipoic Acid
Linus Pauling Institute Information
- Lipoic acid (often called α-lipoic acid), also known as thioctic acid, is a naturally occurring compound that is also synthesized by humans. *(More information)*
- Endogenously synthesized lipoic acid is bound to protein and functions as a cofactor for several important mitochondrial multienzyme complexes. *(More information)*
- Supplementation with lipoic acid transiently increases plasma and cellular concentrations of unbound lipoic acid. *(More information)*
- Lipoic acid is a direct antioxidant, although any increase in radical scavenging activity in vivo is likely transient. Lipoic acid may also trigger antioxidant defense, enhance cellular glucose uptake, and modulate the activity of various cell-signaling molecules and transcription factors. *(More information)*
- Some evidence from small randomized controlled studies suggests that high-dose lipoic acid may improve measures of glucose utilization in subjects with metabolic disorders. *(More information)*
- Available evidence suggests that treatment with intravenous or oral lipoic acid may help reduce symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. It is important to note that many of the studies examining the efficacy of lipoic acid for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy have been conducted by one German research group and funded by the manufacturer of lipoic acid in Germany. *(More information)*
- Lipoic acid was found to slow disease progression when administered to a mouse model of multiple sclerosis. A two-year clinical trialdesigned to assess the effect of lipoic acid on loss of mobility and changes in brain volume in patients with progressive multiple sclerosis is ongoing. *(More information)*
- Current evidence is too limited to suggest whether lipoic acid supplementation could benefit patients with Alzheimer’s disease. *(More information)*
- Supplementation with lipoic acid may show some benefits in terms of weight control for individuals with high body mass index. *(More information)*
- Lipoic acid occurs naturally in food covalently bound to protein, whereas supplements contain unbound (free) lipoic acid. If you choose to use supplements, the Linus Pauling Institute recommends a daily dose of 200 to 400 mg/day for generally healthy people. (More information)
- Effects of lipoic acid on ischemia-reperfusion injury.