Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant that fights the injuries inflicted by free radicals, unstable molecules that are byproducts of cell activity. What is unique about alpha-lipoic acid is that it is both fat and water soluble, which enhances its ability to trap free radicals. Other German researchers have shown that alpha-lipoic acid enhances the action of insulin in lowering blood glucose levels. Nerve damage is a serious complication of diabetes. It is believed to be the consequence of elevated blood sugar levels.
Nerve damage can affect the heart, eyes, kidneys, sexual organs, legs and feet.
Statistics from the ADA show that nerve damage is responsible for increasing diabetics' risk of leg amputations by up to 40 times greater than the general population. Alpha-lipoic acid is found in tiny quantities in foods like potatoes, spinach and red meat. To get the benefit of 30mg of alpha-lipoic acid one would need to consume 10 tons of beef liver. Packer recommends that healthy people take a daily supplement of 60mg. The recommended daily dose in Germany for diabetics suffering from nerve damage is 600mg.