Thioctic acid (alpha lipoic acid)

Thioctic acid or alpha-lipoic acid is an active ingredient that is used for the supportive treatment of diabetic polyneuropathy, for the treatment of heavy metal poisoning and as a dietary supplement to promote healthy liver function. It is a sulphur-containing fatty acid. The two sulphur atoms can form disulphide bridges in oxidized form. Thioctic acid is a racemate. A racemate is an active substance that consists of 2 molecules that occur in a 1:1 ratio and behave like image and mirror image. One speaks of the R-(dextrorotatory) enantiomer and S-(levorotatory) enantiomer. Enantiomers do NOT differ in their physical properties such as melting or boiling point. However, they can have the opposite effect. For example, (S)-carvone smells like caraway and (R)-carvone smells like mint. The amino acid (S)-valine tastes bitter, while (R)-valine tastes sweet. For these reasons, both enantiomers are always tested in today's approval procedures for new active ingredients. Sometimes one enantiomer can be converted into the other in the body.

Thioctic acid acts as a coenzyme and is involved in various degradation processes. On the one hand for decarboxylation, i.e. it can split off a carboxy group from a molecule and release this as carbon dioxide, which is transported via the blood to the lungs and exhaled there. Furthermore, alpha-lipoic acid can transfer electrons, hydrogen and acyl residues. It also acts as an antioxidant, which means that it protects cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are individual electrons that are very reactive. Thioctic acid can also cross the blood-brain barrier, as it is both water-soluble and fat-soluble. In the brain, it then binds mercury, which acts as a toxin in the brain, and releases it into the blood, where it is later excreted in the urine. Alpha lipoic acid increases the uptake of glucose into the cells, which lowers the blood sugar level and can therefore be used as a supportive therapy for diabetes mellitus.

Always take thioctic acid exactly as described in the package leaflet or as advised by your doctor.

Adults:

The usual recommended dose is 600 mg daily .

Alpha-lipoic acid should be taken on an empty stomach.

Children & adolescents:

The use in children and adolescents is NOT recommended due to a lack of data on safety, harmlessness and efficacy.

The following side effects may occur:

Frequent:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness

Very rare:

• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Elevated liver enzyme levels
• Balance disorders
• anxiety
• agitation
• sleep disorders
• headaches
• visual disturbances
• taste disturbances
• allergic reactions
• hot flushes
• sweating
• Drop in blood sugar level

Interactions may occur if the following medicines are taken at the same time:

• Cisplatin
• Insulin or oral blood sugar-lowering medication
• iron preparations
• Magnesium preparations
• alcohol
• Milk or dairy products

Thioctic acid must NOT be taken in the following cases

• in case of allergy to thioctic acid

Thioctic acid is NOT recommended under the age of 18.

During pregnancy, thioctic acid should only be taken on the express instructions of a doctor. Studies do not indicate that it is harmful to the fetus or interferes with embryonic development.

During breastfeeding, thioctic acid should only be taken on the express instructions of a doctor . It is not known whether the active substance passes into breast milk.