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Alpha lipoic acid
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Summary: Alpha
lipoic acid has been called the universal antioxidant mainly because it is soluble in both water and oil. As you know antioxidants are very important for our health and beauty.
Dr. Perricone has elevated this nutrient to new highs after he found its linkage with skin care. Let us discuss what is alpha lipoic acid, what it can do for you, and where to find it? What is alphalipoic acid?
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It is an antioxidant that helps the body produce energy and to regenerate. It is very important at a cellular level to produce energy and to protect the DNA (the
genetic material) in the cells. This last part is very important in
skin care (and
aging), because as we age, our cells may lose the capacity to regenerate as effectively as when we are young.
What can alpha lipoic acid do for you?It has been credited with many benefits. There have been a lot of studies in some areas, but not as many in others, and skin care and aging prevention belongs to the latter category.
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- Helps to reduce the blood sugar levels in
diabetics and to balance sugar levels in non-diabetics. It also helps to reduce glycation; in other words, the damage that sugar does to our body, including accelerated aging.
- Some studies have found that it may be beneficial in the treatment of glaucoma.
- It helps the liver regenerate, especially in the treatment of liver degeneration because of damage from excessive consumption of alcohol.
- It may help in the prevention and treatment of cataracts.
- Helps to balance the level of cholesterol.
- Helps in the case of cardiovascular problems such as hard arteries.
- It helps to improve the efficacy in our bodies of other nutrients such as vitamin C and E.
- It may help to detox your body.
- It is a powerful antioxidant.
- Helps to prevent brain damage in older people
Other claims
There are not enough studies to support the following claims made by some practitioners, but there are not studies against them either:
Uses in skin care
It is said that it helps to prevent and combat
fine lines and
wrinkles. It can help to
treat scars and it can help to enhance the effect of other antioxidants to protect the skin against free radicals and give the skin a healthy glow.
There are very few and inconclusive studies about
alpha-lipoic acid in skin care. But we cannot deny its effectiveness as antioxidant. As an antioxidant, and because of its effect
in improving the performance of other antioxidants, it certainly can help us have better skin and to slow down the aging process.
Most studies with
alpha lipoic acid have been done with supplement of this acid, not with face creams. We cannot call the creams that contain this ingredient wrinkle cures, but we can take it as part of our daily supplements.
How much do you need?
These are some guidelines from manufacturers:
- As supplement 50 to 100 mg once/twice a day
- Skin treatment 50 mg twice a day
- Diabetes and eye degeneration: 200mg twice a day
- To prevent cataracts 100 mg twice a day
Caution and possible side effects
If you have health problems, always consult with your doctor. There are not any known interactions with other medicines and the only side effects known in the case of overdose are mild stomach upset and skin rashes.
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