Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) can help with these pressing issues and more. This formidable antioxidant has also shown promise in curbing osteoporosis, reducing the damage caused by stroke, as well as preventing and treating Alzheimer’s disease. 

 

In “Nutraceutical Update: Lipoic Acid,” Mark A. Mitchell, M.D., lists the following benefits of ALA:

 

- Reduces oxidative stress in the body via powerful antioxidant activity

- Improves several components of the metabolic syndrome, a combination of risk factors that increases one’s risk for diabetes

- Reduces blood pressure

- Reduces insulin resistance

- Improves the lipid profile

- Reduces weight

- Increases insulin sensitivity

- Improves diabetic neuropathy

- Protects against cataract formation

- Improves visual function in glaucoma

- Helps prevents retinal cell death when combined with vitamin E in retinitis pigmentosa

- Reduces brain damage after a stroke

- Prevents bone loss, possibly through an anti-inflammatory effect

- Reduces frequency and intensity of migraines

- Improves skin texture