Alpha Lipoic Acid
Introduction To Alpha Lipoic Acid
Alpha Lipoic Acid is a medicine used in the treatment of nutritional deficiencies. It is an essential nutrient with good antioxidant properties and a number of health benefits. It also helps in the maintenance of vitamin E and C in the body.
Alpha Lipoic Acid should be taken in an empty stomach. Take it an hour before your meal. Take it regularly and at a fixed time each day to get the maximum benefit from it. This medication works best when taken with other medicines and supplements.
Taking of Alpha Lipoic Acid may cause few side effects such as nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. If any of these side effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor.
Inform your doctor before taking the medicine if you have any other medical conditions or are taking any other medications. This is a nutritional supplement and it should never be replaced with other ongoing medicines.
Uses of Alpha Lipoic Acid
- Treatment of Nutritional deficiencies
Benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid
Treatment of Nutritional deficiencies
Alpha Lipoic Acid protects the body from damage against harmful chemicals known as
free radicals, thereby improving the overall health of the individual. This
helps the body to perform its normal functions. It also helps maintain the
levels of vitamin C and E in the body that are essential for healing wounds,
maintaining healthy hair, nails and skin. Keep taking it as advised by the
doctor and do not skip any dose.
Side effects of Alpha Lipoic Acid
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Alace
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Allergic reaction
- Diarrhea
- Vertigo
- Vomiting
How to use Alpha Lipoic Acid
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Alpha Lipoic Acid is to be taken empty stomach.
How Alpha Lipoic Acid works
Alpha lipoic acid acts as a potent antioxidant (substance that protects against cell damage) by neutralizing the free radicals (waste products formed in the body during energy production) such as reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Further, it initiates natural antioxidant processes in the body. It also maintains the levels of Vitamin E and Vitamin C in the body.
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Quick tips
- Alpha Lipoic Acid is used in the treatment of nutritional deficiencies.
- Food decreases the amount of alpha-lipoic acid in the body; hence take Alpha Lipoic Acid on empty stomach about 1 hour before or 2 hours after consuming food.
- Inform your doctor immediately if you see signs of low blood sugar like dizziness, shaking, a fast heartbeat, confusion, or sweating.
- Inform your doctor if you have diabetes, thyroid disorder or cancer.
Safety Advice
PregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Alpha Lipoic Acid if I’m pregnant?
Information regarding the use of Alpha Lipoic Acid during pregnancy is not available. Please consult your doctor.
BreastfeedingSAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Alpha Lipoic Acid if I’m breastfeeding?
Alpha Lipoic Acid is safe to use during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest that the drug does not pass into the breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby.
AlcoholCAUTION
Is drinking alcohol while taking Alpha Lipoic Acid safe?
Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Alpha Lipoic Acid. Please consult your doctor.
DrivingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I drive after taking Alpha Lipoic Acid?
It is not known whether Alpha Lipoic Acid alters the ability to drive. Do not drive if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react.
KidneySAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Alpha Lipoic Acid if I have/had kidney diseases?
Alpha Lipoic Acid is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Alpha Lipoic Acid may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
LiverSAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Alpha Lipoic Acid if I have/had liver diseases?
Alpha Lipoic Acid is probably safe to use in patients with liver disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Alpha Lipoic Acid may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What time of day should I take Alpha Lipoic Acid?
This supplement is best taken on an empty stomach, as certain foods can lower its effectiveness.
Q. Is alpha-lipoic acid the same as alpha-linolenic acid?
Alpha-lipoic acid is not the same as alpha-linolenic acid, which is an omega-3 fatty acid that may help heart health.
Q. What should you avoid while taking Alpha Lipoic Acid?
It is advisable to avoid taking this medicine together with other herbal/health supplements.
Q. Does Alpha Lipoic Acid boost the immune system?
Alpha Lipoic Acid has immunomodulatory properties that help regulate the immune system. It also has antioxidant properties and thus has been used as a nutritional supplement in disease conditions like diabetes, nervous and heart problems.
Q. Does Alpha Lipoic Acid help in the case of autoimmune diseases?
Yes, this medicine is used in treating certain autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and multiple sclerosis.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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