Orthomolecular Medicine and the Role of Alpha-lipoic Acid

Since ancient times, humans experimentally sampled many kinds of foods in their search for optimal nourishment. The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, understood very well that providing the body with the nutrients it needs is of fundamental importance for promoting health and preventing disease. In line with Hippocrates’ vision, we are currently witnessing a revival of the use of nutrients and naturally occurring bioactive compounds in medicine. There is evidence to suggest that the use of these important molecules dates back to about 5000 years. Over a period of thousands of years, people learned to use a variety of nutrients and natural compound for treating different ailments, and this process is continuing today.

Natural medicine is the synthesis of therapeutic experience of generations of scientists and practicing physicians. This approach aims at providing all the molecules to enhance the body’s innate ability to heal itself, while minimising or eliminating the side effects, often associated with the use of drugs.

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) represents a vitamin-like compound with potent antioxidant effects, and also it is able to regenerate several other antioxidants back to their active states, including coenzyme Q10, vitamin C, glutathione and vitamin E. The powerful antioxidant properties of ALA help scavenge reactive oxygen species, and thus combatting excessive oxidative stress. It also help protect against arsenic, mercury and lead poisoning.

ALA is a naturally occurring sulphur-containing cofactor, involved in carbohydrates metabolism and in the production of energy. This important compound is present in organ meat such as heart, kidney and liver, as well as in vegetables, including broccoli, spinach, brewers’ yeast and potatoes. Also, ALA can be synthesised by the human body. However, there is evidence to suggest that some conditions such as atherosclerosis, diabetes and liver cirrhosis, are associated with low levels of this important bioactive compound.

ALA has a number of potential benefits for diabetic patients, as it improves glucose uptake in type 2 diabetes, inhibits the process of glycosylation (the abnormal attachment of sugar to protein), and has been utilised to ameliorate diabetic neuropathy and treat pain caused by nerve damage. ALA is a cofactor for various enzymes, which are necessary for energy metabolism in the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle), and also appears to improve cellular glucose uptake, by recruiting GLUT4 that are glucose transporters.

Emerging evidence indicates that ALA supplementation can help improve visual function in people with glaucoma. Moreover, in vitro studies suggest that ALA supplementation inhibits HIV virus replication.

The intake of this important bioactive compound can be optimised through the diet and supplements, and this is particularly important for patients with diabetes and diabetic neuropathy.

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