Like many supplements, Alpha Lipoic
Acid is thought to work much better if taken in association with vitamins C, E and
co-enzyme Q10, all of which are effective antioxidants in their own right. This
combination was found to be effective against ageing of mice in a number of experiments in
the past 10 years.
Using Alpha Lipoic Acid with another
aid to cell protection, Acetyl-L- Carnitine, has
been found to boost the immune system in rats and to protect brain cells against free
radical damage to improve memory and energy levels.
Alpha Lipoic Acid has been used
mainly for diabetics under supervision of a practitioner of complementary medicine.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine
The first thing to point out when
talking about this supplement is not to confuse it with a similar sounding supplement, Acetyl-L-Carnosine. Carnosine - which I wrote about
for laterlife.com last year - is a completely different compound and has quite different
actions on the body.
Several scientific studies have shown
that Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC) is effective in:
· boosting energy levels
·
strengthening the immune system
· protecting against free radical damage
ALC works inside the mitochondria,
the powerhouses of the cell where energy is produced. It
has long been approved by the American FDA for use in treating low energy and heart
failure. Like most other nutrients, ALC works much more efficiently if it is used in
combination with other nutrients.
Using ALC together with Alpha Lipoic
Acid may help boost memory and energy levels much more effectively that using each of
these nutrients on their own.
The dose of ALC is 500 mg taken two
to three times a day, on an empty stomach. ALC is a mild stimulant and so it is best taken
in the morning, otherwise it may cause difficulty in sleeping.
Despite the recent enthusiasm for
these supplements, a word of warning is necessary. Experiments
using ALC and Alpha Lipoic Acid have had positive benefits in mice. This, however, does
not mean that the benefits will necessarily hold true for humans too. We look forward to further research.
Dr Marios Kyriazis is the author
of ‘Stay
Young Longer-Naturally’ , published by the Vega Press, price £9.99. This book
contains extensive information on ageing and age-related diseases, including conventional
and complementary treatments, nutrition and brain exercises.
For more
information see www.antiageing.freeserve.co.uk
NB laterlife.com does not necessarily endorse
supplements and products that appear on the website. If you are interested in Carnosine,
we suggest you discuss it with your GP or nutritionist or an anti-ageing specialist.
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