Alpha Lipoic Acid is a powerful antioxidant that can help to protect the body’s cells from damage that is caused by the oxidative effects of free radicals. Studies have shown that Alpha Lipoic Acid appears to help prevent certain types of cell damage within the body, can restore levels of vitamins E and C, as well as improve the function and conduction of the neurons in diabetic patients. For diabetics who also suffer from neuropathy this is great news. It is also very freely absorbed by the body as a supplemental treatment for diabetic neuropathy. There are many medical benefits from taking Alpha Lipoic Acid as it has been shown to help with brain function and stroke, Dementia, Eye problems, Heart disease, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, as well as Diabetes. In the case of neuropathy studies have shown that Alpha Lipoic Acid can significantly reduce the painful symptoms such as burning, numbness, itching, or tingling in the arms and legs that are related to peripheral neuropathy in individuals with diabetes.
Alpha Lipoic Acid can be taken as a supplemental dosage either given intravenously or by mouth in capsule form. Treatment may take a few weeks to patients to see improvement with their symptoms. But for the diabetic patient experiencing constant and excruciating pain from neuropathy, this release from the painful symptoms can be life altering. Alpha Lipoic Acid has been used for years in Europe, specifically in Germany, in order to treat peripheral neuropathy. There have also been studies that show it may support with another condition related to diabetes called autonomic neuropathy. Autonomic neuropathy affects the nerves of the internal organs as opposed to peripheral neuropathy which affects the nerves of the body’s extremities.
Alpha Lipoic Acid is a dietary supplement and should only be used under the administration of a physician because of the chance of side effects or interactions with other medications a patient may be taking. The side effects are rare, however, when present usually include a skin rash. Individuals who have Diabetes, it is vital that careful blood glucose monitoring take place as Alpha Lipoic Acid could lower blood sugar levels when combined with different types of medications that are often used for treating diabetes.