Free radicals were five times higher, the generation of energy had plummeted and the ability ro recycle ascorbic acid was about half. After two weeks on lipoic acid, everything was reversed. Ascorbic acid levels rose, free radicals decreased and energy levels took off. Levels of glutathione, an important antioxidant for the liver, were also protected by lipoic acid. Treatment for diabetes No less dramatic are the effects of lipoic acid on the complications of diabetes.
Diabetes comes with a free radical price tag.
Oxidative damage caused by radicals is behind many complications of diabetes. Neuropathy is one. Multiple studies show that lipoic acid relieves symptoms of neuropathy such as pain, burning and numbness. The study lasted three weeks, and there were no adverse effects of lipoic acid. A review undertaken by researchers in Germany last year concluded that lipoic acid helps the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy.