Researchers are excited about its therapeutic potential which they have just begun to explore - in a number of other areas as well. Alpha-lipoic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body. It is essential in the production of cellular energy. Lipoic acid is a very effective antioxidant for several reasons. We know that antioxidants, which include vitamins C and E and the carotenoids, are of major significance in preventing many diseases, including cardiovascular disease and some forms of cancer.
Antioxidants work by attacking free radicals.
Lipoic add appears to be superior to the other antioxidants. Furthermore, lipoic add promotes a synergistic action among all the antioxidants. In addition to its antioxidant benefits, lipoic acid has received a great deal of attention in the last few years as a treatment for diabetes. It has been approved in Germany, where it has undergone clinical trials for treating diabetes and diabetic complications It works by reducing glycation, which is the initial pathological event that leads to diabetic complications, such as blindness, peripheral neuropathy, and kidney and heart damage. So effective is it that those diabetics taking insulin or other medication for diabetes, may have to lower the dosage if they begin supplementation with lipoic acid.