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Re: What about lipoic acid..anyone?

Posted by Larry Hoover on November 11, 2002, at 7:41:45

In reply to What about lipoic acid..anyone?, posted by bluedog on November 11, 2002, at 5:04:46

> I have read that Alpha-lipoic acid is supposed to be useful as an anti-oxidant and can actually boost glutathione levels in the body more efficiently than taking a glutathione supplement.

Yes, it does.

> Now boosting glutathione levels in the brain is supposed to help with depression and can counteract possible damage caused by ssri anti-depressants.

Lipoic acid clearly and unequivocally increases antioxidant status in the brain. It has shown its ability to reduce lipid peroxidation, which would enhance the effect of fish oil. It has a quite separate effect of increasing insulin sensitivity, which *may* enhance tryptophan uptake. I don't know about an interaction with SSRIs.

> I must add that I have only read this in passing and have not had the opportunity to read any decent unbiased studies on this matter.
>
> Has anyone else heard the same and are there any decent studies to back up these claims?

Lipoic acid is rather novel in that it is both lipid and water soluble. It quenches free radicals by both oxidant and reductant activity, as lipoic acid is itself freely reduced to dihydrolipoic acid. Lipoic acid also can regenerate 'spent' forms of other antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E. Glutathione activity is always higher with lipoic acid supplementation, but the mechanism is unclear. It is not known whether lipoic acid is a precursor, if it is merely protective (allowing glutathione concentration to climb), or if it induces the formation of glutathione. Maybe all three.

This is one of those nutrients everyone should take. Mood effects would merely be a bonus.

http://www.sabinsa.com/products/alpha_lipoic_paper.htm

 

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poster:Larry Hoover thread:127140
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021108/msgs/127229.html