Representative, scientific studies on alpha-lipoic acid (ALA)
Study on the prevention of vitamin C and vitamin E degradation using alpha-lipoic acid by Packer, Sosin and Jacobs
In the fight against free radicals, the radical scavengers (antioxidants) lose their energy and then our organism does not have them to protect it. Like no other antioxidant, alpha-lipoic acid has shown remarkable regenerative (protective) effects on the extremely important vitamins C and E, which not only act as antioxidants, but also fulfil many other important functions in the body.
Study on the detoxification of heavy metals by Burgstein (2000)
In his experiments, Burgstein (2000) proved that, in the case of heavy metal poisoning, alpha-lipoic acid leads to the improvement of symptoms, including increased excretion of heavy metals via the kidneys and concomitant improvement of liver function.
Study on the removal of heavy metals by Pfaffly (2001)
| Metal | Chelation due to alpha-lipoic acid | Chelation by dihydrolipoic acid |
| Pb2+ (lead ions) | Yes | Yes |
| Cu2+ (copper ions) | Yes | Yes |
| Zn2 (zinc ions) | Yes | Yes |
| Mn2 (manganese ions) | Yes | - |
| Cd2+ (cadmium ions) | Yes | - |
| Co2 (cobalt ions) | - | Yes |
| Hg2+ (mercury ions) | - | Yes |
| Fe3/Fe2+ (iron ions) | Yes | Yes |
| Ni2+ (nickel ions) | - | Yes |
Table: Heavy metal binding by alpha-lipoic acid and dihydrolipoic acid and their complementarity in effect
Study on the elimination of radioactivity from the body by alpha-lipoic acid by Korkina et al. (1993)
We are increasingly being involuntarily subjected to radioactive rays. The nuclear disaster in Chernobyl in 1986 has claimed many innocent victims to this day, but has also provided insights into the effectiveness of alpha-lipoic acid against radioactivity.
After 28 days of administering alpha-lipoic acid to some affected children, the researchers found that the damage caused by free radicals in the blood of these children sank to the level of those who had not been affected. Surprisingly, vitamin E alone was not able to achieve any positive effect on these victims, but in combination with alpha-lipoic acid, the values even fell below the norm!
In addition, kidney and liver values of children treated with alpha-lipoic acid improved as a result of the improved excretion of radioactive metabolites caused by alpha-lipoic acid.
Studies on the normalisation of blood sugar levels by Passwater (1995), Biewenga et al. (1997), Ley (1996), Ziegler et al. (1999b)
In these studies, alpha-lipoic acid was shown to have a significant effect on the normalisation of blood sugar levels, something that is particularly beneficial for diabetics. It activates the transport molecules Glut-1 and Glut-4, which are also responsible for the introduction of glucose into the muscle cells, where it is then consumed as energy.
The degradation of these transport molecules is prevented, and these mechanisms support the normalisation of our blood sugar levels. In studies, it was possible to increase glucose uptake by more than 50 %.
Furthermore, Passwater (1995) proved in his studies that alpha-lipoic acid improves insulin sensitivity.
Studies to Improve Insulin Sensitivity by Packer L., Kraemer K., Rimbach G.
Oral administration of alpha-lipoic acid at doses of 600 mg, 1200 mg or 1800 mg per day over a period of four weeks resulted in an improvement in insulin sensitivity of 25 %.
Studies by Nagamatsu et al. (1995): Alpha-lipoic acid improves nerve blood flow and nerve signal transmission.
Here it was proven that alpha-lipoic acid improves signal transmission and blood flow in the nerves. Alpha-lipoic acid has proven very successful in the treatment of diabetic polyneuropathy. Thus, the ingestion of alpha-lipoic acid may counteract functional failures of the nerves, such as numbness, abnormal sensations, tingling, pain and burning (e.g. diabetic foot), as well as loss of reflexes.
Study by Ziegler et al. (1197): Alpha-lipoic acid reduces heart problems in diabetics
Prof. Dr. Dan Ziegler presented a previously unpublished meta-analysis at a press workshop in Munich which included four randomised controlled double-blind studies, involving a total of 1258 diabetics who were given daily infusion therapy with 600 mg alpha-lipoic acid (excluding weekends) for three weeks. Main symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling and paraesthesia, as well as functional deficiencies such as muscle reflexes, were affected positively during the three-week observation period.
In 20-40 % of all diabetics, heart problems occur that dramatically increase the mortality rate. Studies have shown that alpha-lipoic acid has a positive effect on these illnesses.
Study by Dr. Burton: Alpha-lipoic acid and its effect on hepatitis C
Alpha-lipoic acid has also proven effective in the fight against hepatitis C. In his study on the use of antioxidants on hepatitis C, Dr. Burton Berkson reported great success in healing patients.[1]
Study by Zhang and Frei (2001): Alpha-lipoic acid prevents atherosclerosis.
As the cause of approximately 50 % of all deaths, cardiovascular disease is the ‘Number One’ cause of death in the developed world. The deaths are usually due to atherosclerosis, popularly known as ‘arterial calcification‘. Zhang and Frei have been able to show in their studies that alpha-lipoic acid prevents the production of many factors that lead to atherosclerosis.
Studies by Passwater (1995), Packer and Colman (2000): Alpha-lipoic acid lowers blood cholesterol and increases the heart's oxygen uptake
According to Passwater (1995), Russian scientists discovered as early as the 1970s that alpha-lipoic acid can reduce cholesterol levels in the blood by 40 % and aorta by 45 %, and can increase oxygen levels in the heart by 72 %, in the aorta by 148 % and in the liver by 128 %.
Study by Passwater (1995): Alpha-lipoic acid helps against reperfusion and increases the chances of survival in the event of a heart attack.
In another trial, Passwater was able to prove that alpha-lipoic acid administration can reduce cardiac damage due to the temporary lack of blood supply to the heart muscle, and then reperfusion during a heart attack from 80 % to 40 %.
Study by Dr. Parker: Alpha-lipoic acid helps against reperfusion and increases the chances of surviving a stroke.
In an experiment on rats, Dr. Parker was able to reduce the rate of deaths caused by reperfusion in induced strokes from 80 to 25 % with alpha-linoic acid. The 75 % surviving animals suffered no consequential harm.
Study by Dr. Parker: Alpha-lipoic acid helps with cataracts and eye problems.
Dr. Parker has demonstrated in his studies that alpha-lipoic acid can minimise the occurrence and symptoms of cataracts and generally improve eye function. Alpha-lipoic acid can prevent cataracts, an effect which is attributed to its impact on glutathione levels.
Study by Münch et al. (2000) and Hager et al. (2001): Alpha-lipoic acid helps with Alzheimer's and dementia.
Observations of diabetic patients who suffered from Alzheimer's and had intakes of alpha-lipoic acid showed that Alzheimer's disease ceased to deteriorate and brain performance remained constant. This stabilisation of the disease state is probably due to the antioxidant effect of alpha-lipoic acid, which can even protect the brain due to its small molecular size.
Study by Packer and Colman (2000): Alpha-lipoic acid increases learning and improves your ability to think.
The aforementioned ability of alpha-lipoic acid to cross the blood-brain barrier and protect the cells and blood vessels from oxidative destruction right in the brain, has proven to increase concentration and improve the ability to learn and think. The lipoic acid not only protects against further oxidative destruction, but can even regenerate brain cells. Dr. Packer believes that alpha-lipoic acid repairs and revitalises depleted circuits in aged brain cells.
Studies by Bauer (1991) and Lands (2001) show a positive effect of alpha-lipoic acid on HIV/AIDS
As in vitro experiments by Bauer et al. demonstrated in 1991, the spread of HIV was inhibited by the use of alpha-lipoic acid. In 2001, Lands was able to reduce the number of viruses in patients with HIV.
Study by Perricone (2001): Alpha-lipoic acid helps combat wrinkles, bags under the eyes, puffiness, and dull and pallid skin
Dr. Perricone has demonstrated in his studies that alpha-lipoic acid solves the following skin problems:
- Baggy eyes and puffy skin
- Lines and wrinkles
- Pallid and dull skin
Study by Dr. Perricone: Alpha-lipoic acid eliminates acne scars
After a six-month local application, Dr. Perricone recorded a decline between 70 and 80 % in acne scars in subjects.
Study by Altenkirch, H. et al.: Alpha-lipoic acid aids relaxation and contentment.
According to Altenkirch et al., a noticeable feeling of relaxation and contentment was observed as a positive side effect of alpha-lipoic acid.
