Alpha-lipoic acid is a naturally occurring substance found throughout the human body and in a variety of foods. While alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) performs several vitamin-like functions, scientists do not classify it as a vitamin because the body can manufacture enough for its own needs. Alpha-lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells against damage caused by free radicals, which can bind to and destroy cellular material in the body, including DNA. In addition to its own antioxidant activity, ALA helps to recycle other antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin E and glutathione, a substance that is essential for intercellular health. While most bioactive compounds are soluble in either water or fat, alpha-lipoic acid is soluble in both, making it especially useful for protecting against free radical damage both inside and outside the body’s cells.
Because of its impressive antioxidant properties, researchers have investigated alpha-lipoic acid for its role in preventing and treating conditions believed to be related to oxidative stress, including diabetes, diabetic neuropathy, cataracts and radiation injury. Studies have also shown that ALA may help to protect the brain from damage after a stroke and may even be beneficial for people with AIDS.
Because the body’s production of alpha-lipoic acid decreases as we age, some experts believe that a daily ALA supplement may be beneficial for promoting health and preventing disease in middle-aged and elderly adults. Alpha-lipoic acid may also help reverse the decline of mitochondrial energy production that occurs during the normal aging process.
The “Ideal” Antioxidant?
From a therapeutic viewpoint, few natural antioxidants are ideal. An ideal therapeutic antioxidant would fulfill several criteria. These include absorption from the diet, conversion in cells and tissues into usable form, a variety of antioxidant actions (including interactions with other antioxidants) in both membrane and aqueous phases, and low toxicity. Alpha-lipoic acid is unique among natural antioxidants in its ability to fulfill all of these requirements, making it a potentially highly effective therapeutic agent in a number of conditions in which oxidative stress has been implicated.
Diabetes and Diabetic Neuropathy
Alpha-lipoic acid, in conjunction with other antioxidants such as vitamin E and vitamin C, may be doubly helpful for people with diabetes. By promoting the conversion of sugar into energy in the mitochondria (the energy factory in cells), ALA can help remove excess glucose form the bloodstream and improve insulin function, resulting in decreased insulin resistance. Additionally, researchers have found that patients with diabetic neuropathy – ac condition that causes pain, tingling, and numbness in the hands and feet – benefitted significantly from ALA supplementation.
Several research studies support the effectiveness of alpha-lipoic acid in treating diabetic neuropathy. In other double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, scientists assigned 328 participants with type 2 diabetes and diabetic neuropathy to receive either an intravenous infusion of alpha-lipoic acid or a placebo for three weeks. Patients scored their neuropathy symptoms at baseline and throughout the study with the Hamburg Pain Adjective List and the Neuropathy Symptom and Disability Score. The Total Symptom Score was significantly lower in participants taking ALA than in those taking the placebo.
In another study, the SYDNEY trial, 120 participants, with diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy were randomly assigned to receive either 600 milligrams of intravenous alpha-lipoic acid or a placebo five days per week for 14 treatments. The ALA group’s Total Symptom Score was significantly reduced compared with those receiving the placebo. Finally, a meta-analysis that combined data from the ALADIN I, ALADIN III, SYDNEY and NATHAN II trials showed that patients who used 600 milligrams of intravenous alpha-lipoic acid for three weeks showed a 24.1 percent reduction in Total Symptom Score and a 16 percent reduction in the Neuropathy Impairment Score.
Please note that the studies cited above used intravenous alpha-lipoic acid supplements. The long-term benefits of oral ALA supplements for diabetic neuropathy have not yet been fully established; however, evidence does suggest that 600 milligrams per day of an oral alpha-lipoic acid supplement may help relieve diabetic neuropathy. Responding to the positive news about ALA’s role in diabetes and its complications, the American Diabetes Association has stated that alpha-lipoic acid and vitamin E supplements may be helpful in some of the health complications associated with diabetes, including kidney disease, vision problems, heart disease and nerve damage. ALA is a potentially vital supplement for the one in 20 Americans who live with diabetes.
Bottom Line
While many antioxidant supplements are available, ALA is unique in its ability to function as both a water- and fat-soluble antioxidant, as well as its role in recycling vitamin C, vitamin E and glutathione. For diabetics, people with other health conditions and even middle aged and elderly adults who want to maintain optimal health, alpha-lipoic acid is showing great promise.
Showing posts with label diabetes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label diabetes. Show all posts
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Monday, April 5, 2010
Biotin
Biotin is a member of the B vitamin family even though it can be produced by bacteria in the gut. It functions in the manufacture and utilization of fats and amino acids. A biotin deficiency in adults is characterized by dry, scaly skin; nausea; anorexia; and seborrhea. In infants under six months of age, the symptoms are seborrheic dermatitis (cradle cap), persistent diaper rash, and alopecia (hair loss).
Building strong nails and healthy hair
Biotin is a popular recommendation to increase the strength of nails and promote healthy hair. Early research on biotin in this application came from the veterinary literature, where it was shown to increase the strength and hardness of hooves in pigs and horses. Human studies have shown that biotin supplementation (2.5 mg per day) can produce a 25 percent increase in the thickness of the nail plate in patients diagnosed with brittle nails of unknown cause, and up to 91 percent of patients taking this dosage will experience definite improvement. The beneficial effects of biotin on the health of hair possibly reflect an ability to improve the metabolism of scalp oils, similar to its effects in seborrheic dermatitis.
Diabetes
Biotin supplementation has been shown to enhance insulin sensitivity and improve the utilization of blood sugar. This improvement is thought to be the result of an increase in the activity of the enzyme glucokinase, which is involved in the utilization of blood sugar by the liver. In one study, 8 mg of biotin twice daily resulted in significant lowering of fasting blood sugar levels and improvements in blood glucose control in type 1 diabetics. In a study of type 2 diabetics, similar effects were noted with 9 mg of biotin per day. High-dose biotin has also been reported to be very helpful in the treatment of severe diabetic nerve disease (diabetic neuropathy).
Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common condition that may be associated with excessive oiliness (seborrhea) and dandruff. The scales of seborrhea may be yellowish and either dry or greasy. The scaly bumps may coalesce to form large plaques or patches. Seborrheic dermatitis usually occurs either in infancy (usually between two and twelve weeks of age) or in the middle-aged or elderly and has a prognosis of lifelong recurrence.
In infancy, seborrheic dermatitis is known as cradle cap. Several case histories have demonstrated successful treatment of cradle cap with biotin by either giving the mother the biotin if the baby is being breast-fed or giving it directly to the infant. Cases of persistent diaper rash have also responded as well.
In adults with seborrheic dermatitis, treatment with biotin alone is usually of no value; it probably requires all of the necessary B vitamins.
Available Forms
Biotin is available commercially either as isolated biotin or as biocytin, a biotin complex made form brewer’s yeast and composed of 65.6 percent biotin.
Cautions and Warnings
Individuals with diabetes should use caution when using high dosages (e.g., greater than 4 mg), as it may produce reductions in blood sugar levels requiring changes in the dosage of insulin or other medications.
Possible Side Effects
Biotin is extremely safe, and no side effects have ever been reported with biotin supplementation.
Building strong nails and healthy hair
Biotin is a popular recommendation to increase the strength of nails and promote healthy hair. Early research on biotin in this application came from the veterinary literature, where it was shown to increase the strength and hardness of hooves in pigs and horses. Human studies have shown that biotin supplementation (2.5 mg per day) can produce a 25 percent increase in the thickness of the nail plate in patients diagnosed with brittle nails of unknown cause, and up to 91 percent of patients taking this dosage will experience definite improvement. The beneficial effects of biotin on the health of hair possibly reflect an ability to improve the metabolism of scalp oils, similar to its effects in seborrheic dermatitis.
Diabetes
Biotin supplementation has been shown to enhance insulin sensitivity and improve the utilization of blood sugar. This improvement is thought to be the result of an increase in the activity of the enzyme glucokinase, which is involved in the utilization of blood sugar by the liver. In one study, 8 mg of biotin twice daily resulted in significant lowering of fasting blood sugar levels and improvements in blood glucose control in type 1 diabetics. In a study of type 2 diabetics, similar effects were noted with 9 mg of biotin per day. High-dose biotin has also been reported to be very helpful in the treatment of severe diabetic nerve disease (diabetic neuropathy).
Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common condition that may be associated with excessive oiliness (seborrhea) and dandruff. The scales of seborrhea may be yellowish and either dry or greasy. The scaly bumps may coalesce to form large plaques or patches. Seborrheic dermatitis usually occurs either in infancy (usually between two and twelve weeks of age) or in the middle-aged or elderly and has a prognosis of lifelong recurrence.
In infancy, seborrheic dermatitis is known as cradle cap. Several case histories have demonstrated successful treatment of cradle cap with biotin by either giving the mother the biotin if the baby is being breast-fed or giving it directly to the infant. Cases of persistent diaper rash have also responded as well.
In adults with seborrheic dermatitis, treatment with biotin alone is usually of no value; it probably requires all of the necessary B vitamins.
Available Forms
Biotin is available commercially either as isolated biotin or as biocytin, a biotin complex made form brewer’s yeast and composed of 65.6 percent biotin.
Cautions and Warnings
Individuals with diabetes should use caution when using high dosages (e.g., greater than 4 mg), as it may produce reductions in blood sugar levels requiring changes in the dosage of insulin or other medications.
Possible Side Effects
Biotin is extremely safe, and no side effects have ever been reported with biotin supplementation.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Maintain a Balanced Diet
You know it’s important to eat healthfully. Making poor food choices or eating poor combinations of foods can result in your body producing too much or too little insulin, which can cause fatigue, irritability weight again, low blood sugar, and eventually, even Type 2 diabetes. There are three sources we derive energy from: carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
Most North Americans get close to 60 percent of their calories from carbohydrates, most of which are simple carbohydrates that break down too rapidly and cause the pancreas to overload the blood with insulin. This leads to the body storing excess fat. Instead, dine on high-fiber complex carbohydrates that require the body to work harder to break down and don’t overload your system with sugar.
Protein is essentially the anti-carbohydrate. The digestion of protein stimulates the release of glucagon, which causes the body to release stored carbohydrates in the liver and give the brain blood sugar, which decreases fogginess and irritability.
The final key components to a healthy diet are essential fats. They slow down the entry of carbohydrates into the bloodstream and help you to feel full.
You should aim to receive 45 to 65 percent of your calories from healthy carbohydrates, 10 to 35 percent from lean protein, and 25 to 35 percent from essential fats. To achieve this type of hormonally balanced meal, include selections from the following three sections:
Energy-dense carbohydrates: whole grains, beans, vegetables, and fruits that contain fiber
High-quality protein: fish, poultry, lean meats, soy, tofu and low-fat dairy products
Essential fats in small quantities: olive oil, avocados, and nuts
Take supplements - like USANA Vitamins
Most North Americans get close to 60 percent of their calories from carbohydrates, most of which are simple carbohydrates that break down too rapidly and cause the pancreas to overload the blood with insulin. This leads to the body storing excess fat. Instead, dine on high-fiber complex carbohydrates that require the body to work harder to break down and don’t overload your system with sugar.
Protein is essentially the anti-carbohydrate. The digestion of protein stimulates the release of glucagon, which causes the body to release stored carbohydrates in the liver and give the brain blood sugar, which decreases fogginess and irritability.
The final key components to a healthy diet are essential fats. They slow down the entry of carbohydrates into the bloodstream and help you to feel full.
You should aim to receive 45 to 65 percent of your calories from healthy carbohydrates, 10 to 35 percent from lean protein, and 25 to 35 percent from essential fats. To achieve this type of hormonally balanced meal, include selections from the following three sections:
Energy-dense carbohydrates: whole grains, beans, vegetables, and fruits that contain fiber
High-quality protein: fish, poultry, lean meats, soy, tofu and low-fat dairy products
Essential fats in small quantities: olive oil, avocados, and nuts
Take supplements - like USANA Vitamins
Monday, February 22, 2010
The Antistress Mineral
Magnesium gets no respect. Other nutrients, like calcium, folic acid or iron, are in the news all the time, and even vitamin D has been getting some press of late. But you never hear about magnesium. Big mistake.
This mineral helps in more than 300 processes in the body. In fact, every cell in your body needs this mineral. That might explain why it helps lower the risk for diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis and much more. Yet three out of four Americans don’t get enough.
Why Magnesium?
When it comes to mood, magnesium is a major player. Stress triggers the release of stress hormones that drain magnesium from the body. In turn, low magnesium levels raise stress hormones, escalating the stress response. Studies on animals show that low magnesium intake increases sensitivity to noise and crowding and escalates stress-included diseases, such as ulcers, while animals fed magnesium-rich diets cope better and are at lower risk for disease. Studies on people under pressure at work to meet ridiculously tight deadlines cope far better when their diets are rich in magnesium but are more likely to freak out if they aren’t.
Women who get crabby, depressed and downright difficult to live with the 10 to 14 days before their periods also need more magnesium. Magnesium levels drop during the last two weeks of the menstrual cycle, which might contribute to PMS symptoms, such as water retention, cramping, headaches and an oversensitive nervous system (feeling crabby, irritable and edgy?). Increasing intake of magnesium helps curb these symptoms – even to recommended levels is enough to see improvement for symptoms for some women.
How Much Do You Need?
You need about 320 to 500 milligrams of this feel-good nutrient every day. That doesn’t sound like much until you realize that most of the magnesium gold mines in the diet are foods many people don’t typically include in generous amounts, such as avocados, oysters, bananas and the super mood foods wheat germ, whole grains, cooked dried beans and peas and dark green leafy vegetables.
If you choose to supplement, look for the best absorbed forms, such as magnesium oxide, citrate or hydroxide. But don’t go overboard on this mineral! It is the active ingredient in Milk of Magnesia, which means that too much can loosen more than your muscles, leaving you in the bathroom rather than at the party.
This mineral helps in more than 300 processes in the body. In fact, every cell in your body needs this mineral. That might explain why it helps lower the risk for diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis and much more. Yet three out of four Americans don’t get enough.
Why Magnesium?
When it comes to mood, magnesium is a major player. Stress triggers the release of stress hormones that drain magnesium from the body. In turn, low magnesium levels raise stress hormones, escalating the stress response. Studies on animals show that low magnesium intake increases sensitivity to noise and crowding and escalates stress-included diseases, such as ulcers, while animals fed magnesium-rich diets cope better and are at lower risk for disease. Studies on people under pressure at work to meet ridiculously tight deadlines cope far better when their diets are rich in magnesium but are more likely to freak out if they aren’t.
Women who get crabby, depressed and downright difficult to live with the 10 to 14 days before their periods also need more magnesium. Magnesium levels drop during the last two weeks of the menstrual cycle, which might contribute to PMS symptoms, such as water retention, cramping, headaches and an oversensitive nervous system (feeling crabby, irritable and edgy?). Increasing intake of magnesium helps curb these symptoms – even to recommended levels is enough to see improvement for symptoms for some women.
How Much Do You Need?
You need about 320 to 500 milligrams of this feel-good nutrient every day. That doesn’t sound like much until you realize that most of the magnesium gold mines in the diet are foods many people don’t typically include in generous amounts, such as avocados, oysters, bananas and the super mood foods wheat germ, whole grains, cooked dried beans and peas and dark green leafy vegetables.
If you choose to supplement, look for the best absorbed forms, such as magnesium oxide, citrate or hydroxide. But don’t go overboard on this mineral! It is the active ingredient in Milk of Magnesia, which means that too much can loosen more than your muscles, leaving you in the bathroom rather than at the party.
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