Lipoic acid supplementation

Most supplements currently on the market contain racemic alpha lipoic acid, which is a mixture of the R-lipoic and L-lipoic isomers. R-lipoic acid is the natural form found in foods and synthesized in the body, and it is the one with antioxidant, antiglycation, detoxifying, and anti-inflammatory properties. The S-lipoic form does not seem to be biologically active and is not found in nature. It is created through inadequate or low-quality chemical synthesis and does not provide the benefits associated with R-lipoic acid.

Foods with lipoic acid

The main dietary sources of lipoic acid are organ meats (liver, heart, kidney) (Shay 2009; Singh 2008) and, to a lesser extent, vegetables like spinach and broccoli (Singh 2008; Foster 2007).

The amount of lipoic acid in foods is very low, and very little of it is absorbed.

It is mainly found in the following:

• Organ meats: liver, heart, kidney, etc.
• Organ meats: liver, heart, kidney, etc.

Intake and deficiencies

Low lipoic acid (LA) levels are common in elderly people, mainly when they suffer from chronic diseases.

LA has a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying effect. The anti-inflammatory effect is independent of the antioxidant action. LA acts synergistically with other antioxidants, restores glutathione levels, regenerates other antioxidants (such as vitamin E, vitamin C and coenzyme Q10), and helps tocopherols and tocotrienols in their antioxidant function. Without LA, the other antioxidants cannot work properly.

• Low levels of lipoic acid (LA) and glutathione are common in elderly people, mainly when they suffer from chronic diseases.
• Low glutathione levels are common in diabetes, asthma, chronic respiratory diseases, and chronic heart disease.
• LA restores glutathione levels.
• In obesity, lipoic acid reduces the following: weight, waist circumference, and blood pressure, in addition to preventing and treating complications.
• In diabetes, LA helps control glucemia, in addition to preventing and treating complications.
• In high blood pressure, heart disease, COPD, and pulmonary fibrosis, lipoic acid can help improve their control and prevent complications.
• LA needs the “team” of basic nutrients to achieve its maximum therapeutic potential in chronic diseases.
• The usual doses of lipoic acid for long-term treatments are 100–800 mg.
• In supplements, the R-lipoic acid form should be used because its absorption, biological action, and safety profile are better than those of the alpha lipoic acid (R+S) form, requiring lower doses.

Intake. Natural LA is always bonded covalently and therefore is not available from dietary sources. Moreover, the amount present in foods is normally quite low.

Endogenous synthesis. Our bodies produce sufficient lipoic acid to cover our needs, but its synthesis declines with age and diseases, making it necessary to depend on dietary sources. (Singh 2008).

Deficiences. LA levels are found to be lower in chronic diseases like diabetes, liver disease, heart disease and atherosclerosis, and in individuals who practice intense physical exercise (Ghibu 2008).

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