Introduction
Alpha-lipoic acid (short: ALA) may not be immediately familiar to everyone, but for people who value health and fitness, it could play a significant role. Because ALA is not only a powerful antioxidant and used as such, it is also an important component in weight management.
What Is Alpha-Lipoic Acid?
Alpha-lipoic acid is an organic compound found in every cell of the human body. It is a potent antioxidant and protects our cells from oxidative stress. Additionally, it is important for our body's energy production, as it plays a key role in the metabolic processes of the mitochondria and helps convert nutrients into energy. In all these processes, it can be active in both water- and fat-soluble environments, which makes it particularly versatile.
Although our body can produce ALA itself, it is also absorbed through food. Good sources are red meat (especially heart and offal), as well as yeast. Vegetables like spinach and broccoli also contain ALA, albeit in smaller amounts.
Health Significance of Alpha-Lipoic Acid
In our overview article Alpha-Lipoic Acid: Why It Is So Important you will find detailed information about alpha-lipoic acid, its applications, and its significance for our health. In the following text, we want to specifically focus on the possibilities of ALA in the context of weight loss and weight management.
Current research on alpha-lipoic acid
Some time ago, science began to investigate alpha-lipoic acid more closely in connection with weight management and weight loss. Meanwhile, studies have shown that ALA can contribute to improving the body fat profile by promoting fatty acid oxidation and providing antioxidant protection. (1) Specifically, a research paper from the Linus Pauling Institute demonstrated moderate weight reduction in study participants who regularly took alpha-lipoic acid as a dietary supplement (see below).
Although further studies are needed to understand the exact mechanisms of action of alpha-lipoic acid in the context of weight loss and weight management, the hypothesis already seems promising that ALA can help with weight loss.
Study proves weight loss through alpha-lipoic acid
Researchers at the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University recently conducted a study investigating the effect of alpha-lipoic acid on fat loss. Over a period of six months, half of the study participants – overweight but otherwise healthy women with a body mass index (BMI) over 25 – received 600 mg of alpha-lipoic acid daily as a dietary supplement. The other half of the participant group received a placebo without active substance.
Losing fat without physical activity
Without changing their dietary or exercise habits, the women who took alpha-lipoic acid lost significantly more weight than the participants in the placebo group. The body weight loss of the women taking ALA averaged 1.7%, their BMI decreased by an average of 0.6 points, and they lost nearly one kilogram of pure body fat. In contrast, the participants in the placebo group gained 0.2 points in body weight during the comparison period and had gained an average of 300 grams of body fat by the end of the study period. (2)
The results of this study suggest that alpha-lipoic acid has the remarkable potential to support users in weight loss without them having to significantly increase their physical activity. The result of the above-mentioned study – the participants in the ALA group lost almost one kilogram of body fat – therefore leads to the conclusion that alpha-lipoic acid can accelerate fat burning independently of exercise and movement and specifically reduces fat without affecting muscle mass. (3) These results could be of particular interest to people whose mobility is limited or who do not find time for regular exercise.
Alpha-lipoic acid in practice: usage instructions
The potential benefits of alpha-lipoic acid for physical well-being, especially in the area of weight management, are promising. Although further research is needed, current studies show that ALA could be a useful part of a healthy lifestyle – a supplement that not only helps with weight loss but also promotes health in many ways.
Alpha-Liponsäure 200 von Euro Nutrador wurde speziell für Anwender entwickelt, die dieses Nahrungsergänzungsmittel in geringere Dosis in ihren Alltag integrieren möchten, um individuelle Gesundheitsziele zu erreichen. Die Kapseln werden unter strengen Qualitätskontrollstandards hergestellt, enthalten jeweils 200 mg hochreine Alpha-Liponsäure bester Qualität und sind einfach einzunehmen.
Intake and dosage
For the use of ALA as a dietary supplement, experts recommend a daily dose of about 300 to 600 mg. However, the optimal dose can vary greatly depending on individual health status and goals.
Please continue to maintain a balanced diet and regular exercise while using ALA. Alpha-lipoic acid can be a supplement to your healthy lifestyle, but users should by no means consider it as the sole solution for optimal health and overall well-being.
Potential side effects
As with all dietary supplements, side effects and interactions with other medications are possible. So far, no serious side effects have been reported with the use of alpha-lipoic acid, but it is still important that you consult your healthcare professional before taking it. (4)
Sources
- http://sjku.muk.ac.ir/article-1-5422-en.html
- https://today.oregonstate.edu/news/lipoic-acid-supplements-help-some-obese-otherwise-healthy-people-lose-weight
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3257613/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24733236/
Legal notice regarding health-related claims:
Our information is for general informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Dietary supplements do not replace a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Health-related claims about dietary supplements must comply with the Health Claims Regulation (EC) No. 1924/2006 and be approved by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). If you have health complaints or questions, please consult a doctor.
Conclusion
Legal notice regarding health-related claims:
Our information is for general informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Dietary supplements do not replace a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Health-related claims about dietary supplements must comply with the Health Claims Regulation (EC) No. 1924/2006 and be approved by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). If you have health complaints or questions, please consult a doctor.
