MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

and
ALPHA LIPOIC ACID

Alpha-Lipoic Acid has been widely used as a dietary supplement for several decades. It is a naturally occurring substance found in red meat and green plants. Our bodies can also produce small amounts of it.

There is good reason to believe it can be helpful in Multiple Sclerosis for at least two reasons:

1.	Potent antioxidant capable of helping protect myelin
2.	Required for energy production, may be helpful in fighting the fatigue experienced by many MS patients.

ANTIOXIDANT

Alpha-Lipoic Acid is soluble in both water and lipids (fat), so it is can enter all areas of the cell. It is a powerful antioxidant in its own right. It also works in combination with other antioxidants and can help regenerate Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Glutathione by donating electrons back to these antioxidant molecules, prolonging their actions as well.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid has several different antioxidant properties. Also, each molecule contains two sulfur atoms, another important component of many chemical processes.

ENERGY PRODUCTION

Alpha-Lipoic Acid is important in the conversion of sugar into energy in muscle cells. If there is not enough available, this conversion process slows. The blood sugar level may actually rise but the amount used by the muscles for energy production can fall. Sugar in the blood is either used for energy production or stored as fat. Any sugar that the muscles (and other cells) do not or cannot use for energy gets stored away as fat.

Supplementation with Alpha-Lipoic Acid can cause more blood sugar to be burned for energy. This may be helpful in exercising and in the fatigue experienced by so many MS patients.

DOSAGE

Alpha-Lipoic Acid is broken down by the liver in about 2-4 hours. Therefore, taking several smaller doses spread out during the day may be more effective than taking one large dose one time daily.

1. Published recommendations range from 50 mg daily up to 600 mg daily.
2. 25 mg to 50 mg three or four times daily falls in the midrange of doses.
3. Even at higher doses it show a low incidence of side effect / toxicity.

CAUTIONS

Among other things, burning of blood sugar also requires the B-vitamin Thiamin. Taking Alpha-Lipoic Acid can cause an increase in sugar burning and therefore an increase in the body's requirement for Thiamin. It may also cause a Thiamin deficiency to develop.

DO NOT TAKE Alpha Lipoic Acid if:

1. You are pregnant, except under the supervision of your doctor.
2.You drink alcohol on a regular basis. You may need extra Thiamin 3. You have an overall poor nutritional status or may be defcifient in Thiamin for any reason.
4. You are a diabetic, except under the supervision of your doctor. It may change your blood sugar levels and/or medication requirements.

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