Alpha lipoic acid is a universal antioxidant because it dissolves not only in water, but also in fat. Thanks to this property, it copes well with intracellular protection. In addition, it combines well with other antioxidants, such as vitamin C, glutathione, vitamin E, enhancing their effects. Science has also proven the effectiveness of lipoic acid for memory problems.
Contents:
- Reconciliation for weight loss
- Application for sports
- Application in cosmetology
- Indications for use
- How to take it correctly
- Side effects contraindications
Lipoic acid is also popular among athletes, as heavy physical activity accelerates the formation of free radicals. Athletes, as prescribed by a doctor, are recommended to take one capsule in the morning. The average dosage ranges from 100 to 600 mg per day.
Thanks to its unique properties, the active substance has found wide application not only in medicine, but also in cosmetology, dietetics, and various sports disciplines.
Alpha lipoic acid indications for use
Like other vitamin-like substances, lipoic acid has its own consumption standards. They will be different depending on age.
- Children under 15 years of age are recommended to take 12-25 mg per day,
- Adults - about 25-50 mg.
- During periods of intense physical or emotional stress, it is worth increasing your lipoic acid intake to 75 mg.
- If lipoic acid is part of a complex treatment program for any disease, then its dosage can be significantly increased.
For weight loss
Lipoic acid tablets are often prescribed to overweight people to speed up weight loss.
If your goal is to lose excess weight! In addition to taking alpha lipoic acid, you need to eat properly and exercise. Small visual loads will significantly speed up the results. Let's look at the recommended dosages for weight loss:
- For simple physical activity without the goal of losing weight, 50 mg of the substance per day is sufficient.
- If there is active weight loss - 200 mg at a time daily.
- It is not recommended to consume more than 600 mg per day. They should be divided into 3 doses. It is better to increase the concentration gradually, starting from 50–100 mg and raising to 600.
You can also speed up the results by taking additional L-carnitine, or more serious fat burners.
To lose weight, lipoic acid should be consumed in the morning before the first meal, after training or at dinner. It is good to combine the supplement with food containing complex carbohydrates.
ALC in obstetrics and gynecology
A 2018 review analyzed the effects of ALA in gynecology and obstetrics, with a focus on neuropathic pain and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Research data has demonstrated that ALA reduces oxidative stress and insulin resistance in women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A combination of N-acetylcysteine, alpha-lipoic acid and bromelain is used to prevent and treat endometriosis. A promising area of research is the use of ALC in patients with threatened miscarriage to improve the resorption of subchorionic hematoma. In addition, ALA can be used to prevent diabetic embryopathy and premature rupture of membranes caused by inflammation. The review findings noted that ALA can be used safely for the treatment of neuropathic pain and as dietary support during pregnancy (28).
Application in cosmetology
In cosmetology, lipoic acid is most often used externally as a cosmetic product. In most compositions of anti-aging creams, it comes first. Lipoic acid gives the skin a healthy appearance, helps maintain its tone and reduces the negative effects of long exposure to the sun. May be useful for skin diseases:
- eliminates the appearance of dandruff.
- eliminates skin rashes and acne.
- It tightens pores well and reduces inflammation.
- reduces skin aging.
Lipoic acid and its disadvantages
The substance has its own list of contraindications. If you have certain diseases, using it is irrational and even dangerous. There are also restrictions regarding the duration of treatment. You will need several courses (at least). Between them there is a long break of one to two months. During this time, excess weight can not only return, but also increase significantly.
Note. Lipoic acid is incompatible with alcohol. For some patients, this means giving up a number of usual medications (alcohol tinctures, heart drops, etc.).
Indications for use
Through clinical studies of the effectiveness of the active substance, doctors have identified a number of indications for the use of Alpha Lipoic Acid :
- Diabetes mellitus in the compensation stage - the drug helps maintain the amount of glucose in the blood within normal limits, improves the absorption of insulin by cells.
- Liver lesions . Taking the medicine helps destroy free radicals in the liver parenchyma, promotes its rapid regeneration, and normalizes bile production.
- Intoxication. The effectiveness of lipoic acid in case of poisoning is due to its ability to bind and remove toxic compounds from the body and accelerate their conversion into insoluble metabolites.
- Diseases of the cardiovascular system. Cardiologists prescribe ALA to improve lipid metabolism, lower cholesterol, and reduce atherosclerotic plaques on the walls of blood vessels.
Lipoic acid as an effective remedy for getting rid of ailments
The drug in various doses is used to treat:
- liver pathologies (cirrhosis);
- diabetic polyneuritis;
- chronic fatigue syndrome;
- senile dementia;
- hepatitis A;
- atherosclerosis;
- psoriasis;
- obesity.
Important. Lipoic acid is considered effective in combating a number of complications of diabetes. The reason is to stimulate the normalization of blood glucose levels. The substance is supplied to the human body along with the products it consumes. Improper nutrition leads to a lack of this acid. In such cases, doctors recommend that patients restore the balance with thioctic acid tablets or capsules.
It is necessary to take effective measures if the following characteristic symptoms appear:
- plaque on the surface of the tongue;
- noticeable functional disorders in the gallbladder or liver;
- weight gain (results from improper lipid metabolism);
- unpleasant odor from the mouth;
- brown pigment spots on the skin;
- bag-like swelling under the eyes.
Note. The dynamics of rapid weight gain (obesity) in combination with several points from the listed symptoms is a serious reason for choosing lipoic acid as a treatment. With its help, you will solve this problem and improve other important health indicators.
How to use
- For the treatment of diabetes and its complications , atherosclerosis, exogenous intoxications, and neuropathies, thioctic acid is prescribed in a dosage of 300 mg to 600 mg per day, dividing the norm into 2-3 doses.
- For liver diseases and chronic pancreatitis, the dose is 200-400 mg. Capsules or tablets should be swallowed whole and drunk before meals. According to the instructions for use of lipoic acid from the manufacturer, it is not recommended to crush or chew the tablets. The course of treatment is 3-4 weeks. After a break of 1 month, you can repeat the course.
- Children over 6 years of age with intoxication can be prescribed from 25 to 50 milligrams of the active ingredient per day.
- As a preventative measure, doctors advise taking alpha-lipoic acid 50-100 mg per day. This dosage is quite sufficient to maintain the functioning of all metabolic processes and neutralize free radicals. Supplements are taken 1-2 times a day with meals or half an hour before meals, washed down with clean water. It is not recommended to exceed the indicated doses to prevent overdose.
For people engaged in heavy physical labor and athletes, daily norms can be increased to 300-400 mg under the supervision of a doctor. Dietary supplements are consumed for 3-5 weeks, with breaks between courses of 30 days.
Side effects
Based on the studies conducted, it can be concluded that the acid is a relatively safe compound and exhibits very low toxicity. The approximate toxic dose for humans is determined at 5-10 grams per day. Taking too high a dose over a long period of time may result in side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and allergic skin reactions.
Alpha lipoic acid has not been tested for safety in children or pregnant or breastfeeding women, so ALA products are not recommended for these people.
Side effects are rare when taking lipoic acid, but if they occur, you should stop taking the supplement and consult a specialist. The following adverse reactions are observed:
- aversion to food, complete loss of appetite;
- constant headaches;
- increased sweating and dry mouth;
- sleep problems.
Products containing lipoic acid
The substance has a better effect if the conditions of proper nutrition are met. You will find lipoic acid in many vegetables, meats and grains.
We recommend preparing dishes from the following products:
- cabbage;
- spinach;
- rice;
- veal, beef and offal;
- milk.
Organizing proper nutrition will contribute to the natural process of fast and effective weight loss. If there is a shortage of the substance, it is permissible to use carefully selected products along with taking lipoic acid in capsules or tablets. An important condition is strict control and avoidance of overdose. Symptoms indicating it are the reason for immediate cessation of complex treatment and consultation with a specialist.
Contraindications
Like any medicine, lipoic acid has a number of contraindications. You should refrain from taking the drug in the following situations:
- in the presence of gastric ulcer or duodenal ulcer, chronic gastritis in the acute stage;
- in case of individual intolerance to the substance or other components of the dietary supplement;
- in case of decompensated diabetes, when there is no control over blood sugar levels;
- Also not prescribed to children under 6 years of age.
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The effectiveness of lipoic acid
The substance itself is not a 100% panacea for obesity. Its role is to trigger fat burning mechanisms and stimulate weight loss. Taking a medication without providing other important conditions for the process will not bring the desired result. Lipoic acid, only when used skillfully, can significantly simplify and speed up weight loss.
What does it mean?
Proper, balanced nutrition (a precisely calibrated diet), walks, adherence to a daily routine, exercise, special exercises and strict recommendations from the attending physician are necessary.
The first modest result should be expected after several weeks of enhanced, complex effects - you will get rid of two to three kilograms of excess fat.
Full monthly course:
elimination of fat reserves – up to seven kilograms.
Note. With increasing sports loads, this indicator can be improved by a few more kilograms.
Benefits of use
Medical research shows that a woman's body produces lipoic acid on its own before the age of 30. Women older than this age most often experience a deficiency of this substance, and therefore, representatives of the fair sex begin to notice the appearance of excess weight.
In addition to regulating fat metabolism, lipoic acid also has beneficial effects:
- to remove deposited waste and harmful toxins from the body;
- to stimulate the pancreas;
- to restore metabolic processes in the body;
- to improve the functioning of the visual organs;
- on the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
- to maintain blood sugar and cholesterol within normal limits;
- to rejuvenate the female body;
- to increase immunity;
- to stimulate the nervous system;
- to improve the condition of the skin.
Lipoic acid actively participates in the vital processes of the body that occur at the cellular level. Regular use of the drug allows you to preserve the youth and beauty of the body for a long time, slowing down the aging process and giving a woman a blooming appearance.
