Alpha Lipoic Acid, which has been extensively studied for its antioxidant and detoxification properties, has now been shown to help prevent weight gain and promote weight loss. In fact, results from both human and animal studies verify that supplementing with Lipoic Acid can be a good way to increase the effectiveness of a primary weight loss program.
An exciting new double-blind trial involving 360 overweight individuals demonstrated that the group taking Alpha Lipoic Acid lost significantly more weight (2.1%) than the group taking a placebo, within a 20-week period.[1] Another study involving 1,127 subjects found Lipoic Acid to be an ideal antioxidant supplement for the therapy of overweight conditions. The subjects in this study, both men and women, experienced a significant weight loss of 8%.[2]
A ‘Heart-Healthy’ Way to Shed Pounds
A recent animal study published in the prestigious heart journal, Circulation, determined that Alpha Lipoic Acid was significantly protective against weight gain. Of equal significance: this study also found Lipoic Acid to be of benefit in inhibiting formation of arterial lesions, lowering triglycerides, safely lowering LDL cholesterol and reducing blood vessel inflammation—all key risk factors in heart disease. These exciting results led the authors to conclude that Alpha Lipoic Acid may be a promising approach to prevent weight gain and to lower cardiovascular disease risk in humans.[3]
Alpha Lipoic Acid Helps You Get Rid of Stubborn, Toxic Fat
The enzyme AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) functions as a “fuel sensor” within cells, and is activated when cellular energy is depleted. Alpha Lipoic Acid decreases the brain’s hypothalamic AMPK activity and thereby causes profound weight loss by reducing food intake and enhancing energy expenditure.[4,5] Due to the more efficient utilization of the foods we eat, Alpha Lipoic Acid promotes both weight loss and weight maintenance.
The body typically stores toxins in fat cells. That’s why shedding stubborn weight–especially belly fat–requires a good detoxification program. One of the easiest and most effective ways to detoxify the body is through the use of Alpha Lipoic Acid, as shown by numerous scientific studies and years of clinical observation.[6]
References:
1. Effects of alpha-lipoic acid on body weight in obese subjects, Koh EH, et al, Am J Med, 124(1):85.e1-8, Jan 2011.
2. Alpha-lipoic acid supplementation: a tool for obesity therapy, Carbonelli MG, et al, Curr Pharm Des, 16(7):840-6, 2010.
3. Dietary alpha-lipoic acid supplementation inhibits atherosclerotic lesion development in apolipoprotein E-deficient and apolipoprotein E/low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient mice, Zhang WJ, et al, Circulation, 117(3):421-8. Epub 2007 Dec 24, Jan 22, 2008.
4. Anti-obesity effects of alpha-lipoic acid mediated by suppression of hypothalamic AMP-activated protein kinase, Kim MS, et al, Nat Med, 10(7):727-3, Jun 13, 2004.
5. Alpha-Lipoic acid increases energy expenditure by enhancing adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase-peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1alpha signaling in the skeletal muscle of aged mice, Wang Y, Li X, Guo Y, Chan L, Guan X, Metabolism, 59(7):967-76, Jul 2010.
6. Lipoic acid as a potential therapy for chronic diseases associated with oxidative stress, Smith AR, et al, Curr Med Chem, 11(9):1135-46, May 2004.
NOTICE: The information herein is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, prescribe, treat or prevent any disease or endorse any brand or product. For medical advice consult a health care professional.
Copyright 2011 by Nutrition Information Services