A new study, published in the professional journal: Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics, In Press, Corrected Proof, Available online 20 February 2009, Judy A. Butler, Tory M. Hagen and Régis Moreau, conducted with laboratory rats at the Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, in Corvallis, Oregon, has shown that lipoic acid supplementation lowered triglyceride levels up to 60%.
Lipoic acid, also known as alpha lipoic acid, is a naturally occurring compound found in small quantities in peas, Brussels sprouts, spinach, Brewer’s yeast, rice bran, broccoli, and organ meats. It is known as a potent antioxidant that is both water and fat soluble. Because of its strong antioxidant properties, it has been found to possibly reduce mitochondrial decay in cells and may help to slow the aging process. It helps to convert glucose into energy and can slow down the process of glycation, where proteins cross-link with glucose in the bloodstream. It has been used in Europe (and now here in this country) for many years to help with the complications of diabetic neuropathy.
High blood levels of triglycerides (really a form of fat) are now considered along with cholesterol and blood pressure as a key risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It is felt that the two biggest external factors that affect triglyceride levels are simple carbohydrates and alcohol. Of course, diet, exercise, and weight control all play roles here. The liver also manufactures triglycerides and therefore genetics and individual metabolisms can impact the situation.
The researchers were able to discern two mechanisms through which lipoic acid lowered triglycerides. Lipoic acid appeared to increase the rate of disappearance of triglycerides in the bloodstream after eating a meal. It was also found that lipoic acid suppressed the genetic expression of enzymes in the liver that enable synthesis of triglycerides.
One of the researchers, Regis Moreau, an assistant professor at Oregon State University, characterized the results this way: "Lipoic acid is known to influence glucose uptake, and bring down blood glucose by increasing its transport into skeletal muscle. The extent of triglyceride reduction was really dramatic, we didn't expect it to be this profound. The potential is good that this could become another way to lower blood triglycerides and help reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. It's pretty exciting."
His comment about reducing atherosclerosis comes on the heels of a study done a little over a year ago at the same university that showed that lipoic acid reduced atherosclerotic lesion formation in mice by more than 40%. That investigation also showed that it reduced body weight gain and lowered triglycerides. The lead researcher in the latest study, Tory Hagen, remarked; “Given its strong safety record, lipoic acid may have therapeutic applications for the treatment or prevention of hypertriglyceridemia and diabetic dyslipidemia in humans."
Not all effects seen with laboratory animals are duplicatable with humans so we need to be careful not to overstate lipoic acid’s benefits until we have more data utilizing humans. On the other hand, some of its known properties would tend to support or lend credence to its ability to lower triglycerides and help reduce plaque buildup in the cardiovascular system. If watching the diet and exercising are not producing enough of a reduction in triglyceride levels, lipoic acid may be a safe and logical supplement to try to achieve those goals.
As always, consult your physician of health care practitioner in all these matters that impact your health, seek corroboration of information, and most of all educate yourself.
Andre Baran IV and his brother Bernard Baran, are co-owners of BrothersNutrition.com (http://www.brothersnutrition.com) as well as Brothers Nutrition in Edgewater, Florida.. They can be reached with questions or comments via e-mail at edge@brothersnutrition.com.
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