Have you heard of Alpha Lipoic Acid? Fatty acid occurs naturally in our body and is involved in various functions, such as energy generation and the protection of cells from oxidative stress. Alpha-lipoic acid is also said to help with weight loss and be helpful in diabetes and nervous diseases. What exactly is it?
Before we clarify whether you can lose weight with alpha-lipoic acid, it is helpful to first understand the substance better. The fatty acid is actually found in all human body cells and is also contained in some foods. Alpha-lipoic acid is involved, among other things, in the energy metabolism of the cells and at the same time protects them through its antioxidant effect. The fatty acid is also considered to be an antioxidant of the antioxidants, as it can regenerate radical scavengers such as vitamins C and E as well as coenzyme Q10.
Due to its properties, alpha-lipoic acid is said to have a positive effect on diabetes, inflammation, skin aging, and improved nerve function, among other things.
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Can Alpha Lipoic Acid Help You Lose Weight?
The participation in the energy metabolism, but also the effect on the blood sugar level of alpha-lipoic acid suggest that the fatty acid can support weight loss. Indeed, the effect of fatty acids on obesity and to support weight loss is the subject of scientific research.
An analysis of various studies came to the conclusion that taking alpha-lipoic acid as a dietary supplement led to a slightly higher weight loss (-0.7 kilograms) over a period of 14 weeks than in the control groups. Another analysis showed that taking alpha-lipoic acid for several weeks even led to an average of 1.3 kilograms more weight loss than the placebo group.
Both analyzes show that the additional intake of alpha-lipoic acid can help you losing weight, but in principle, no miracles are to be expected.
What Else Can Alpha Lipoic Acid Do?
Alpha-lipoic acid actually has several uses, including:
- Regeneration of nerve damage and neurodegenerative diseases such as diabetic polyneuropathy, Alzheimer’s, and dementia
- diabetes
- Detoxification, for example from heavy metals
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Chronic inflammation
- Skin aging and slowing down of aging processes in general
- Performance in sports
The actual mode of action of alpha-lipoic acid in various ailments and diseases has in some cases not yet been adequately scientifically clarified and is therefore still the subject of studies.
Where Is Alpha-Lipoic Acid Found?
Alpha-lipoic acid occurs in food in rather small amounts. It is found in offal, such as the heart, liver, kidney, as well as rice bran, spinach, tomatoes, and broccoli.
There are now many dietary supplements that contain the nutrient. It is important to pay attention to the form of alpha-lipoic acid. The natural R-alpha-lipoic acid can be easily absorbed and used by the body. The synthetically produced S-alpha lipoic acid, in turn, should only be able to be absorbed in small quantities by the body and therefore be less effective.
Conclusion On Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Alpha-lipoic acid is an essential substance for the body that it produces itself and is part of all cells. Experts disagree on whether the body actually produces enough alpha-lipoic acid itself. However, it is now used in various areas as a nutritional supplement – including to improve nerve function, for diabetes, for chronic inflammation, for anti-aging purposes, and also for obesity.
However, you should not expect any weight loss miracles from taking alpha-lipoic acid, because an overall balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are always important for sustained healthy weight loss.
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