Alpha Lipoic Acid for nerves, neurodegene... - Cure Parkinson's
Alpha Lipoic Acid for nerves, neurodegenerative disease
Not that it matters, but Dr. Alan Mandell DC is a Chiropractor
And Dr Berg is a chiropractor also. I like Dr Berg. It seems chiropractors are more open to alternative treatments and supplements.
there is ALA in restore gold.
I would not believe every video or article written by one person's research. Have to dig a little deeper. Here are some newer references to Alpha Lipoic Acid and other nutraceuticals. I have only scanned each article, I plan do study and compare to our supplement list. Second article more specifically mentions PD, first article more on AD.
The effects of twenty-one nutrients and phytonutrients on cognitive function: A narrative review (August 2021)
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...
Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Neurodegenerative Disorders: Role of Nutritional Supplementation (Oct 2022)
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...
Since you are going to be reviewing the information more critically and thoroughly, I'm sure we'd all appreciate hearing back from you.
Second article is shorter and discusses PD. I am not a scientist (accountant) but I do like research. The technical chemistry process is difficult for me to understand a first read (and second). The second article is mostly about mitochondrial dsyfunction and the krebs cycle (sometimes I think called TCA cycle). I looked up the cycle and was learned it is what produces NADH, or NAD. Aerobic exercise also produces good benefits to this cycle and is recommended for PD patients. The Krebs definition is from a HS science textbook. NADH or NAD is often recommended by MDs for chronic faitigue syndrome and many PD patients have terrible faitigue.
Steps of the Krebs Cycle
The Krebs cycle itself actually begins when acetyl-CoA combines with a four-carbon molecule called OAA (oxaloacetate) (see the Figure above). This produces citric acid, which has six carbon atoms. This is why the Krebs cycle is also called the citric acid cycle.
After citric acid forms, it goes through a series of reactions that release energy. The energy is captured in molecules of NADH, ATP, and FADH2, another energy-carrying compound. Carbon dioxide is also released as a waste product of these reactions.
The final step of the Krebs cycle regenerates OAA, the molecule that began the Krebs cycle. This molecule is needed for the next turn through the cycle. Two turns are needed because glycolysis produces two pyruvate molecules when it splits glucose.
Results of the Krebs Cycle
After the second turn through the Krebs cycle, the original glucose molecule has been broken down completely. All six of its carbon atoms have combined with oxygen to form carbon dioxide. The energy from its chemical bonds has been stored in a total of 16 energy-carrier molecules. These molecules are:
4 ATP (including 2 from glycolysis)
10 NADH (including 2 from glycolysis)
2 FADH2
Back to the article, Mitochondrial dysfunction has been observed in both sporadic and genetic forms of PD, as well as toxin-induced models of the disease. The article states deficienes of nutrients (in study) are present in PD patients. Reduced levels of vitamin B1 (thiamine) in blood and CSF have been reported in PD patients [31,32], and thiamine deficiency has been implicated in the pathogenesis of PD. This would support the B1 supplementation. Prior to my HWP diagnosis he did a micronutrient blood draw panel. He was deficient in Choline, D3 and B5 (that one was strange).
The article discusses several supplements and then goes further to ask the question does supplementing help, I found NAD interesting as it has been discussed quite a bit by this group. NADH/NAD/nicotinamide: There have been two randomised controlled trials of NADH/NAD/nicotinamide—in PD and AD, respectively. In a Phase I study, 30 PD patients were given 1gm of nicotinamide riboside or placebo for 30 days; this resulted in increased brain levels of NAD and upregulated mitochondrial metabolism (as measured via 31P nmr spectroscopy and positron emission tomography), which was associated with mild clinical improvement.
Regarding the initial topic ALA To date, there have been no randomised controlled trials or other types of clinical studies of alpha-lipoic acid in PD. However, in AD ALA combined with omega 3 fatty acids did improve cognitive function.
In the conclusion it discusses the C0Q10 study failure and whether supplements cross BBB. In some of these studies, the outcome has been surprisingly disappointing, a notable example being the lack of efficacy of CoQ10 in a Phase III trial in PD. This in turn may be a reflection of the current uncertainty as to whether such substances can access the blood–brain barrier; however, this may also relate to the fact that nutrients are usually used in isolation in clinical studies, and that combinations of the above nutrients may be more effective.
I think the conclusion is helpful. I study supplements for my HWP to slow the progression of PD and help alleviate symptoms. I have learned by trial and error, for example he was supplementing with D3 and levels not going up, needed to be taking with a meal and liposomal version. Now I will pair ALA with omega3s which is best taken with a meal.
-Syd
Omega 3 supplement is better taken at night, so is it ok to take Omega 3 and r-ala together after dinner?
Good articles!
I am curious if people who are taking alpha lipoic acid have indigestion because our experience has been it seems very acidic and we cannot take it even though it has been recommended for more than one thing
Did you take S form (ALA) or R Alpha Lipoic Acid form?
the supplement we have just says alpha lipoic acid and does not specify what kind so how does one tell the difference?
The active isomer form is R-Lipoic Acid.
If not stated, it is a one to one combination of S form and R form. The combo is for stability. The body cannot use the S form.
Since ALA is an acid, it may contribute to reflux. Eating a small snack (like graham or saltine crackers) with dosage can help ease heartburn or reflux.
Hope this helps 🌺
So my husband did have GERD and he does not take this but I do not have GERD or acid reflux and I could not handle the alpha lipoic acid. It supposedly has so many benefits but if you can't handle it it won't do a person any good.
There are some things we cannot stomach.
Alpha-lipoic supplements are best taken on an empty stomach, as certain foods can lower the acid's bioavailability.
So if the crackers don’t work, in clamping down on the acid, you have to pass this one up. 🌹
Thanks
I think, according to some YouTube, they said if just say ALA then it's a combo of half S and half R.
HWP takes with lighter meal, hopefully gets some benefits, version is timed release.
Vitacost R-ALA, any thoughts about quality?
Don't know, sorry.How many mg?
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