Lipoic Acid supplementation may be considered in liver cirrhosis and other liver damage, heart disease, cataracts,
heavy metal toxicity and support for detoxification and antioxidant functions.
Dosage
1. Diabetic Neuropathy: 300-600 mg daily1,3
2. AIDS (HIV): 1,500 mg three times daily
3. General Support: 20 – 50 mg daily
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Meschino Health Comprehensive Guide to Accessory Nutrients and Essential Oils
Accessory Nutrients and Essential Oils
Toxicity and Contraindications
Lipoic Acid is a very safe supplement with no significant adverse ef ects reported in over three decades of use in
diabetics. Animal studies demonstrate low toxicity.
Drug-Nutrient Interactions
As Lipoic Acid supplementation increases insulin sensitivity, insulin-dependent diabetics will need to adjust their insulin
dosage with Lipoic Acid supplementation. Therefore, these patients should not use Lipoic Acid supplementation
without consulting their physician or diabetic specialist.
In non-insulin dependent diabetics, the dosage of oral hypoglycemic drugs may also need to be adjusted with Lipoic
Acid supplementation.1
1. Murray M. Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing; 1996. p. 343-6.
2. Kagan VE, Shvedova A, Serbinova E, Khan S, Swanson C, Powell R, et al. Dihydrolipoic acid-A universal antioxidant both in the
membrane and in the aqueous phase. Reduction of peroxyl, ascorbyl and chromanoxyl radicals. Biochem Pharmacol 1992;44:1637-49.
3. Barbiroli B, Medori R, Tritschler HJ, Klopstock T, Seibel P, Reichmann H, et al. Lipoic (thioctic) acid increases brain energy availability
and skeletal muscle performance as shown by in vivo 31P-MRS in a patient with mitochondrial cytopathy. J Neurol. 1995;242:472-7.
4. Packer L. Antioxidant properties of lipoic acid and its therapeutic effects in prevention of diabetes complications and cataracts. Annals
NY Acad Sci 1994;738:257-64.
5. Kahler W, Kuklinski B, Ruhlmann C, Plotz C. Diabetes mellitus: a free radical-associated disease. Results of adjuvant antioxidant
supplementation. Z Gesamte Inn Med 1993;48(5):223-32.
6. Nagamatsu M, Nickander KK, Schmelzer JD. Lipoic acid improves nerve blood flow, reduces oxidative stress, and improves distal nerve
conduction in experimental diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic Care 1995;18:1160-7.
7. Jacob S, Henriksen EJ, Schiemann AL, Simon I, Clancy DE, Tritschler HJ, et al. Enhancement of glucose disposal in patients with type 2
diabetes by alpha-lipoic acid. Arzneim Forsch 1995;45(8):872-4.
8. Kawabata T, Packer L. Alpha-lipoate can protect against glycation of serum albumin, but not low density lipoprotein. Biochem Biophys
Res Comm 1994;203,99-104.
9. Suzuki YJ, Tsuchiya M, Packer L. Lipoate prevents glucose-induced protein modifications. Free Rad Res Comms 1992;17:211-7.
10. Fuchs J, Schofer H, Milbradt R, et al. Studies on lipoate effect on blood redox state in human immunodeficiency virus infected patients.
Comment [c30]: Could not find other authors.
Arzneim Forsch 1993;43:1359-1362.
11. Baur A, Harrer T, Peukert M. Alpha-lipoic acid is an effective inhibitor of human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV-1) replication Klin
Wochenschr 1991;69:722-4.
12. Suzuki YJ, Aggarwal BB, Packer L. Alpha-lipoic acid is a potent inhibitor of NF-kB activation in human T cells. Biochem Biophys Res
Comm 1992;189:1709-15.
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Meschino Health Comprehensive Guide to Accessory Nutrients and Essential Oils
Accessory Nutrients and Essential Oils
L-Lysine
General Features
Lysine is an essential amino acid, which implies that it cannot be synthesized by the body. All essential amino acids
must be supplied by the diet or supplements in order to avoid a deficiency state.1 Lysine deficiency is rare in
developed countries.
At supplemental levels of intake lysine interferes with replication of herpes viruses. A review of the research trials
investigating the benefits of lysine supplementation for people with cold sores (herpes type I) or genital herpes (herpes
type I ) generally supports its use for these conditions.1,2
Herpes viruses tend to extract the amino acid arginine from the bloodstream in order to synthesize proteins they
require. L-Lysine appears to block the uptake of arginine or substitutes for it, inhibiting the herpes virus from
accessing the arginine it requires to thrive.2,3 Foods high in arginine content include chocolate, peanuts, seeds,
almonds and other nuts. It is though that these foods should be restricted in patients with herpes viruses to help
minimize or contain outbreaks.
Foods high in lysine include most vegetables, peas, beans, fish, turkey and chicken.4
Supplementation Studies and Clinical Applications