RxLink Alpha Lipoic Acid 300mg

RxLink Alpha Lipoic Acid 300 mg

The Universal Antioxidant with Metabolic Functions
DESCRIPTION
Alpha Lipoic Acid capsules contain 100 mg of pure alpha
lipoic acid. Alpha-lipoic acid is a non-vitamin coenzyme that
carries out important metabolic and antioxidant functions in
the body.
FUNCTIONS
Alpha-lipoic acid is a nutritional coenzyme that is involved in
energy metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, has
physiological functions in blood glucose disposal, and is able
to scavenge a number of free radicals.
Alpha-lipoic acid is a fat- and water-soluble, sulfur-containing
coenzyme. It functions in the body much like a B-vitamin,
since it is involved in energy production. As part of several
multi-enzyme complexes located in the mitochondria, alpha
lipoic acid is essential for metabolizing carbohydrates,
proteins, and fats, and for the conversion of their energy
into ATP. Two of these enzyme complexes, PDH (pyruvate
dehydrogenase) and alpha-KGDH (alpha-ketoglutarate
dehydrogenase) are part of the citric acid cycle (Krebs
cycle), and as such assume a central role for general energy
production. Another lipoic acid containing enzyme complex,
BCKADH (branched-chain keto-acid dehydrogenase), is
involved in deriving energy from the branched chain amino
acids: leucine, isoleucine, and valine. A related metabolic
function of alpha-lipoic acid is its role in blood glucose
disposal. This important coenzyme appears to be necessary
for the normal transport of blood glucose into the cell. This
may be explained by its functions in the glucose metabolizing
enzymes, PDH and alpha-KGDH, but some researchers
suspect a more direct role in cellular glucose uptake at the cell
membrane. As early as 1959, alpha-lipoic acid was suggested
to be an antioxidant, since it could extend the actions of
vitamin C in guinea pigs, and those of vitamin E in rats. It is
only recently, however, that the specific actions of alpha-lipoic
acid in free radical quenching, metal chelation, and antioxidant
regeneration have been investigated.
Body cells and tissues are threatened continuously by damage
caused by toxic free radicals and reactive oxygen species
(e.g., peroxides) which are produced during normal oxygen
metabolism, and by toxic agents in the environment. Free
radicals, once formed, are capable of disrupting metabolic
activity and cell structure. When this occurs, additional free
radicals are produced which, in turn, can result in more
extensive damage to cells and tissues. The uncontrolled
production of free radicals is thought to be a major
contributing factor to many degenerative diseases.
Alpha-lipoic acid is unique among biological antioxidants,
because it is soluble in both water and lipids. This allows
it to neutralize free radicals just about everywhere in the
body, inside and outside the cells. Due to its unique sulfur
containing structure, alpha-lipoic acid can scavenge several
types of free radicals, such as the highly reactive
hydroxyl, and singlet oxygen free radicals. It is also capable
of suppressing the generation of free radicals in the first
place, since alpha-lipoic acid chelates transition metals, such
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug
Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or
prevent any disease.
as iron and copper. Because alpha-lipoic acid is involved in
so many different antioxidant functions in virtually all body
tissues, it has been called the universal antioxidant. Besides
being a universal free radical scavenger, alpha-lipoic acid can
also recharge other antioxidant systems throughout the body.
As mentioned earlier, it can extend the activity of vitamins
C and E. In addition, alpha-lipoic acid can also regenerate
glutathione.
INDICATIONS
Alpha-lipoic acid may be a beneficial dietary supplement for
those concerned about a more complete antioxidant defense
system and maintaining proper glucose metabolism. Dietary
and supplementary alpha-lipoic acid is efficiently absorbed,
transported to the tissues, and readily taken up by the cells.
FORMULA (RxLink Alpha Lipoic Acid)
1 Capsule Contains:
Alpha-Lipoic Acid*…………………………………300 mg
*From Lipoec® brand made by Cognis Nutrition.
Other Ingredients: Rice powder, silica, magnesium stearate
and gelatin capsule.
SUGGESTED USE
As a dietary supplement, adults take 1 capsule, 1 to 3 times
daily with meals, or as directed by a healthcare professional.
SIDE EFFECTS
No adverse effects have been reported.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light. Keep out of
reach of children.
REFERENCES
Baur A, Harrer T, Peukert M, Jahn G, Kalden JR, Fleckenstein B. Alphalipoic acid is an
effective inhibitor of human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV-1) replication. Klin Wochenschr
1991;69:722-724.
Jacob S, Henriksen EJ, Schiemann AL, et al. Enhancement of glucose disposal in patients with
Type 2 diabetes by alpha-lipoic acid. Arzneimittelforschung 1995;45:872-874.
Nagamatsu M, Nickander KK, Schmelzer JD, et al. Lipoic acid improves nerve blood flow,
reduces oxidative stress, and improves distal nerve conduction in experimental diabetic
neuropathy. Diabetes Care 1995;18:1160-1167.
Ou P, Tritschler HJ, Wolff SP. Thioctic (lipoic) acid: A therapeutic metalchelating antioxidant.
Biochem Pharmacol 1995;50:123-126.
Packer L, Witt EH, Tritschler HJ. Alpha-lipoic acid as a biological antioxidant. Free Radic Biol
Med 1995;19:227-250.
Packer L. Antioxidant properties of lipoic acid and its therapeutic effects in prevention of
diabetes complications and cataracts. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1994;738:257-264.
Scott BC, Aruoma OI, Evans PJ, et al. Lipoic and dihydrolipoic acids as antioxidants. A critical
evaluation. Free Radic Res 1994;20:119-133.
Suzuki YJ, Tsuchiya M, Packer L. Lipoate prevents glucose-induced protein modifications. Free
Radic Res Commun 1995;17:211-217.
Manufactured For:
RxLink Pharmaceuticals
Appleton, WI 54912