Benefits of Alpha-Lipoic Acid Topical

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant that both provides your body with energy and fights damaging free radicals. As free radicals are known to cause a variety of diseases, ALA offers a number of benefits for your health.

Where does ALA Come From?

Healthy bodies produce enough ALA to reap the antioxidant's benefits. It is found in every cell of the body and, unlike other antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E, ALA is both water- and fat-soluble.

ALA can be found in small amounts in some green vegetables such as peas, spinach and broccoli as well as in brewer's yeast and bran.

Uses and Benefits

As with other antioxidants, the primary benefit of ALA is fighting free radicals that can cause disease. For individuals suffering from peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage), ALA may help to alleviate pain, itching and numbness. Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by an injury or by diseases such as diabetes, kidney failure and Lyme disease, among others.

ALA has also been recommended to improve symptoms for people suffering from chronic illness, glaucoma, cataracts, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease.

Supplements

ALA supplements are available as capsules, and different doses are suggested for health maintenance versus treating a disease or condition. For maintenance, individuals should take about 50 to 100 mg per day while those suffering from disease may take up to 800 mg. As with all supplements, high dosages should be taken only under a doctor's supervision.

Making Sure You Have Enough ALA

If you are healthy, your body will produce enough ALA for normal body function. However, there are few drawbacks to this antioxidant, and, as most foods contain small amounts of ALA, you may want to take a supplement to ensure that you are getting enough ALA every day.

Potential Side Effects

Side effects of ALA are fairly uncommon. However, when taking higher dosages, some people may suffer from skin rashes, headaches or nausea. It is important to note any changes in your overall health when you begin taking any supplement. Either cut back on your dosage or consult a doctor if you are suffering from any side effects.