Metabolic Syndrome and Lipoic Acid

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http://blog.lef.org/2011/09/exploring-health-benefits-of-lipoic.html

There’s yet another reason to supplement with lipoic acid: It works synergistically with B-vitamins. The result of this “tag-team” effort is enhanced carbohydrate metabolism for healthier energy production throughout the body. Lipoic acid does this by helping to protect mitochondria, the cell’s powerhouses, from oxidative damage.

Probably the most crucial relationship to highlight is the one between lipoic acid and glutathione — one of the most potent antioxidants in the human body. Glutathione inhibits the activity of nuclear factor-kappa beta (NF-kappaB), a pro-inflammatory transcription factor. In one animal study, lipoic acid increased glutathione levels significantly, particularly in the lungs, liver and kidneys.4

Lipoic Acid and Metabolic Syndrome & Diabetes
Overwhelming evidence now suggests that lipoic acid may play a role in protecting against metabolic syndrome — a constellation of risk factors that often precedes full-blown type 2 diabetes. According to an exhaustive review of experimental studies, lipoic acid reduces blood pressure, reverses insulin resistance, improves lipid profiles, and improves weight.5

Another study showed dramatic effects of administering lipoic acid in improving insulin sensitivity in overweight adults with type 2 diabetes. Lipoic acid produced significant improvements in weight and insulin sensitivity after just four weeks of supplementation.6 The results of this study may have important implications in treating metabolic syndrome and diabetes moving forward.