What foods contain alpha lipoic acid?

Vitamin N (lipoic or thioctic acid) is a vitamin-like substance that has powerful antioxidant properties, is present in all cells of the human body, and is responsible for preserving youth.
This powder is yellowish in color, bitter in taste and with a specific odor; its appearance resembles hundreds of others known to chemistry. Meanwhile, possessing unique properties, he managed to win the respect of not only scientists and doctors, but also everyone who cares about their own health. For whom it is important to please the body with energy, protect brain cells and activate their work, speed up metabolism and maintain youth longer. So what is this special substance that can perform such miracles?

Unique "undervitamin"

It is known to the world under many names. The most common is lipoic acid. Analogue names: thioctic acid (international name), thioctacid, lipoate, berlithion, lipamide, para-aminobenzoic, alpha-lipoic acid, vitamin N. Regarding the last name, thioctacid is not a “full-fledged” vitamin, but rather a vitamin-like substance with similar properties B vitamins. Lipoic acid cannot be classified as a true vitamin precisely because of its unique abilities. Last but not least, due to its ability to be synthesized by the body itself (in the intestines).

Content:

• Unique "undervitamin"
• The more carbohydrates, the less vitamin N
• Useful acid
• Why does vitamin N deficiency occur and why is it dangerous?
• How to understand that there are already too many vitamins
• "Acid" dosages
• Food Sources of Vitamin N
• How to preserve maximum nutrition in food
• Interaction with other substances: benefits and harms
• Vitamin for sports
• The main defender of the liver...
• Vitamin for obesity
• How to lose weight with lipoic acid
• For pregnant
• Use in cosmetology
• The Latest Discovery About Vitamin N

On the other hand, while the “colleagues” of vitamin N are divided into separate groups - fat- and water-soluble, for lipoic acid there is no fundamental difference where to manifest itself: in fat, alcohol or water (acid salts react more quickly).

This natural antioxidant with universal properties is able to “make its way” into any cells of the human body, including the brain and blood vessels, and only there to fight the main pests - free radicals. Multiple experiments have proven the ability of thioctacid to protect DNA from damage. But it is precisely the violation of the structure of deoxyribonucleic acid that is called the main cause of aging of the body and the cessation of its viability.

Scientific experiments involving lipoic acid are ongoing. It is possible that the world is on the verge of the main discovery of all times - the elixir of eternal youth.

The unusual formula of vitamin N - a combination of fatty acid and sulfur - is capable of other “miracles”. Being an important element in the process of glycolysis, it converts sugar into energy. By enhancing the work of mitochondria, which play the role of “energy depots” in each cell, it affects the efficiency of the body, providing it with continuous sources of energy. And these mini-energy factories process “recyclables” - the breakdown products of amino acids, thus squeezing out the maximum benefit for the body.

It took scientists only a few years after the discovery of alpha-lipoic acid to learn how to synthesize the substance in the laboratory and determine that its structure is 1,2-dithiolane-3-valeric acid. The materials for the synthesis were beef liver and yeast. At the beginning of research, the substance was perceived as a hepatoprotector for the liver. But in the process of research, biochemists made a discovery: the entire human body is filled with substance N, it is in every cell. Then another equally important discovery: this powerful antioxidant performs the functions of insulin, lowering blood sugar levels. This made it possible to talk about lipoic acid as an effective medicine for diabetes.

In modern laboratories, two types of lipoic acid are “born”. Biochemists call them mirror isomers: R - right, S - left. The difference between the molecular compositions of both options is small, however, the human body agrees to fully accept only the R-sentence. But the synthesis of pure R-isomer is a rather expensive undertaking, so most pharmaceutical preparations with thioctic acid are a combination of left and right isomers in equal parts.

Application

It is recommended to use lipoic acid, as well as B vitamins: for atherosclerosis, polyneuritis, liver pathology, for various poisonings, to stabilize cholesterol levels in the blood, to rid the body of toxins, to speed up metabolism.

The instructions for the drug recommend its use in cases such as: progression of type II diabetes mellitus and diabetic polyneuropathy in cases of alcoholic polyneuropathy in the treatment of liver pathologies (cirrhosis, fatty degeneration, hepatitis, intoxication) diseases of the nervous system in the treatment of tumor pathologies in the treatment of hyperlipidemia

Reviews after drug therapy say that it is very effective, provided that all standards and recommendations for use are followed.

Lipoic acid for weight loss

Lipoic acid does not provoke getting rid of extra pounds on its own; this happens by lowering blood sugar levels and reducing hunger. A person begins to control the size of portions consumed and thereby lose weight.

Reducing hunger helps you survive while dieting, which of course helps you lose weight.

Stabilizing blood sugar levels improves fat metabolism - stabilizes the general condition, improves well-being, and promotes weight loss.

Thioctic acid also helps the body completely burn consumed carbohydrates, which prevents the accumulation of excess fat. This effect may only contribute slightly to weight loss.

Lipoic acid is able to bind and remove toxins, which helps you lose extra pounds faster and makes the process easier. This means that by itself it does not cause weight loss. But its effects can help you lose weight if you follow a diet and exercise. To do this, it is recommended to take thioctic acid in the form of dietary supplements, supplementing L-carnitine and B vitamins.

Those who pursue the goal of losing weight are recommended to take 12-15 mg of the drug 2-3 times a day after meals, before and after exercise. The maximum allowable amount is 100 mg of lipoic acid per day. The duration of taking thioctic acid for weight loss is 2-3 weeks. Patients are satisfied with the result, because... In addition to an ideal figure, they strengthen the immune system and feel an unprecedented surge of vital energy.

What foods contain lipoic acid?

In addition to dietary supplements, it is part of the following products: beef liver, kidneys and heart, red meat green vegetables, including leafy ones, especially spinach potatoes tomatoes beans brewer's yeast rice bran mushrooms dairy products nod carrots bell peppers eggs Other vegetables and fruits content this substance is much lower.

Where to buy lipoic acid

You can buy the drug in tablets in pharmacies. Lipoic acid is sold without a prescription, in a package of 50 tablets of 50 mg. The second name is thioacetic acid. There are also dietary supplements with alpha-lipoic acid, but their price is much higher. The difference is in the place of production of the drug. In addition, another form of the drug is used - purified. But its effectiveness is no less than that of a pharmaceutical drug. Alpha lipoic acid is found in sports nutrition. It is usually used along with L-carnitine because it helps burn fat. The effect of such drugs is much stronger because they are specifically designed to reduce fat deposits and increase muscle mass. Their cost is very high.

The more carbohydrates, the less vitamin N

Vitamin N reserves in the human body are replenished in several ways:

• in the process of synthesis;
• with food consumed;
• from dietary supplements.

Humans, like most living organisms, are capable of independently producing lipoic acid. The synthesis process occurs directly in the intestine with the participation of bile. True, the dose produced in this way is often not enough for the full operation of all systems, and with age this productivity fades away.

The second source of thioctacid is food. But the rule that works with other vitamins does not apply in the case of substance N again. Even a proper and balanced diet with foods rich in lipoid acid will not reveal the full potential of the substance. This paradox was explained by nutritional scientists: enzymes in the human body cannot fully break down alpha-lipoic acid to a state in which it is absorbed. So it turns out that once it enters the digestive system, a small part of the vitamin is absorbed, forming its own “depots” in the kidneys, liver and heart. The remains are excreted in the urine.

Carbohydrates can weaken the absorption of lipoic acid. There is a certain relationship between the two components: the richer the diet in carbohydrates, the less vitamin N the body absorbs.

This statement by scientists prompts another thought: how did people manage to live then until they learned to synthesize the substance in laboratories, and how those who do not take pharmaceutical forms of thioctacid continue to live today. There is no mystery in the explanation. A long and happy life without lipoic acid “shines” for absolutely healthy organisms, without metabolic problems, who do not suffer from diabetes and who have not accumulated free radicals. Today such conditions sound like fantasy. Bad habits, unhealthy lifestyle and poor environment have a detrimental effect on a person. And if a hundred years ago humanity could easily do without pharmaceutical analogues of vitamin N and live to a ripe old age in an active state, now not everyone can do this. And oncological diseases reaching epidemic levels and early decline of the body are, sadly, a normal situation for modern people.

Useful acid

And although thioctic acid is not considered an essential substance for the body in the scientific community, its role for humans is sometimes truly irreplaceable.

1. Antioxidant. In its antioxidant properties, lipoic acid is not inferior to the more well-known ascorbic acid and vitamin E. Moreover, in combination with other antioxidants, it enhances their active capabilities.
2. Effect on blood vessels. Vitamin N strengthens the walls of blood vessels, protects against damage, the influence of harmful substances and prevents the formation of blood clots. It has a certain effect in the treatment of multiple sclerosis, varicose veins, thrombophlebitis.
3. Enzymatic activity. Lipoic acid plays the role of an enzyme that accelerates the absorption of glucose by cells. By influencing the activity of mitochondria, it controls the process of lipid metabolism. The combination of insulin, adrenaline and thioctacid promotes more active energy production.
4. Body cleanser. The chemical formula of lipoic acid allows it to bind and remove salts of heavy metals such as mercury, arsenic, and lead from the body. Thus, it promotes rapid detoxification after poisoning.
5. Liver protector. The hepatotropic abilities of vitamin N protect liver cells from the harmful effects of poisons and prevent tissue degeneration in cirrhosis and hepatitis.
6. For the nervous system. Effective in use for Alzheimer's disease and alcoholic polyneuropathy. Alcohol causes damage to nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing pathological conditions in people who abuse alcohol. Vitamin N regenerates damaged areas of nerve tissue.
7. Ophthalmology. The beneficial effect of lipoic acid on eye cells and the ability to sharpen vision are the reasons for the use of the substance for the treatment of ophthalmic diseases.
8. Leather. Vitamin N is effective for skin problems. In combination with other substances, it relieves acne and teenage acne.
9. Immunity. Being an antioxidant, it creates a protective environment for the body against viral and infectious diseases. Effective in the treatment and prevention of ARVI.

In addition, it is worth remembering thioctic acid if you need to reduce cholesterol or sugar levels.

The feeling of fatigue and drowsiness does not leave you, spend little time in the fresh air - the brain is definitely experiencing a lack of oxygen. It is also possible to correct the situation and enhance mental activity with the help of products or pharmaceutical preparations containing vitamin N.

Other properties of alpha lipoic acid:

• improves thyroid function;
• protects against harmful ultraviolet radiation;
• serves as a growth factor;
• has an antispasmodic effect;
• choleretic substance;
• prevents the growth of fatty tissues;
• reduces appetite;
• restores the heart muscle.

Thioctic acid is also used:

• when you need to remove dark circles and puffiness under the eyes;
• to tighten pores and get rid of dull or yellowish skin;
• to reduce acne scars;
• for eczema, psoriasis, dermatoses;
• to smooth out small wrinkles;
• to get rid of chronic fatigue, increase attention and improve memory;
• for pathologies of the cardiovascular system;
• for type 2 diabetes;
• for the treatment of muscle degeneration;
• for the prevention and treatment of viral infections.

Products containing lipoic acid: table

Alpha lipoic acid is found in a wide variety of foods. A table with foods containing vitamin N will help you navigate and create a competent menu.

Why does vitamin N deficiency occur and why is it dangerous?

A lack of any of the microelements needed by the body is a problem, and a complex one. Also, vitamin N deficiency is just the tip of the iceberg; the essence of the problem lies much deeper and can have serious consequences.

Vitamin N deficiency is caused by:

• unbalanced diet;
• deficiency of vitamin B1 and proteins;
• liver diseases;
• dermatitis.

In the case of hypovitaminosis N, it is impossible to name a point-by-point list of possible symptoms that should signal a deficiency of the substance. Meanwhile, a long-term lack of vitamin gives rise to serious health problems.

First of all, the nervous system suffers. Convulsions, dizziness, and polyneuritis appear. And all because instead of thioctic acid, pyruvic acid accumulates in the body, and it destroys nerve cells.

Another consequence is liver dysfunction. The next stage of the disease is hepatitis and pathological degeneration of healthy organ cells into adipose tissue, the formation of bile occurs with disruptions.

Lipoic acid deficiency also affects blood vessels. And you will have to pay for an unbalanced diet with the development of atherosclerosis.

Having analyzed the possible consequences of hypovitaminosis N, it is not difficult to compile a list of possible signals. But the presence of these symptoms no longer just warns of a slight decrease in the level of alpha-lipoic acid in the body, but signals serious consequences.

Contact your doctor immediately if:

• muscle cramps recur regularly;
• dizziness appeared;
• discomfort is felt in the liver area;
• a coating appeared on the tongue;
• there is an unpleasant odor from the mouth;
• dark spots appeared on the body, a foul smell of sweat appeared;
• There are brown circles under the eyes.

Any of the above symptoms is a signal of alarm.

Video

p>Alpha Lipoic Acid in Nuts
Nuts are also rich in lipoic acid. For example, pecans are so similar to walnuts that they are often confused. Pecan contains 277 mg of vitamin N 9a and is also rich in vitamins A, E, group B, contains a lot of sugar, and is high in calories). There is even more lipoic acid in hazelnuts – 290 mg, almonds – 484 mg, and, of course, cashews – up to 593 mg. Coconut pulp contains only 113 mg of vitamin N, and horse chestnut contains only 93 mg.

However, you should not get carried away with eating fresh nuts - the food is too high in calories. A handful of store-bought roasted cashews or hazelnuts contains no lipoic acid at all; it is neutralized by fats.

How to understand that there are already too many vitamins

It is not clear by whom and when the invented principle “The more, the better” has found its application in few places. In most cases, it only serves as an example of bad manners and bad taste. And in the story with vitamins, it can even put you on a hospital bed.

Meanwhile, it is worth understanding: vitamin N obtained from food can never provoke an overdose of the substance in the human body.

The only cause of hypervitaminosis is the synthetic form of thioctic acid, taken in a dosage significantly higher than the daily norm.

It is a little easier to determine an overdose of lipoic acid than its lack in the body. Symptoms traditional for hypervitaminosis:

• increased stomach acidity;
• heartburn;
• pain in the pit of the stomach;
• diarrhea;
• skin allergies: urticaria, itching, inflammation.

In most cases, getting rid of unpleasant symptoms is easy: just give up the synthetic vitamin. But it’s even better to forget about the practice of arbitrarily prescribing medications or vitamins for yourself, and then also about. There are doctors for these purposes. Only they, after carefully studying various blood tests and other examinations, are able to prescribe an adequate dose of deficient minerals and vitamins.

"Acid" dosages

As is the case with some other beneficial substances, scientific minds cannot agree on what the daily dose of lipoic acid should be.
Therefore, the concept of “norm” was pushed into the framework between half a milligram and 30 mg. In some cases, the upper bar is raised to 50-80 mg, and in exceptional cases – to 800 mg/day. However, the most common recommended dose for adults is 25-50 mg daily. Comparative table of consumption rates

This norm “works” for healthy people leading a normal lifestyle. In other cases, the dosage is adjusted according to the body's requirements. Increased daily norms cannot be taken for longer than the recommended period - the body is able to “get hooked” on artificial “feeding” and eventually abandon its own production of the substance. Also, you should not buy vitamin N for children unless necessary, especially for infants. Babies will receive everything they need from their mother’s milk, while older ones will receive everything they need from their daily food.

A higher daily dose of lipoic acid is needed:

• people who play sports professionally (their norm reaches 100-200 mg of thioctacid);
• whose work involves contact with poisons and radioactive substances;
• pregnant women and women during lactation (but only under the supervision of a doctor);
• after severe nervous disorders, stress;
• when consuming large amounts of proteins;
• spending a lot of time in cold rooms or outside in winter;
• diabetics (consume 400 mg of alpha lipoic acid per day);
• those engaged in active mental work or for the prevention of neurodegenerative disorders (up to 600 mg);
• for obesity (maximum dose 1800 mg/day).

When determining your own daily intake of lipoic acid, you need to remember that there are two isomers of thioctacid - right and left. The dosage indicated above is based on preparations containing equally two versions of laboratory acid. The dose of drugs containing exclusively the R-isomer is automatically divided into 2.

And further. In any case, the parallel use of lipoic acid and alcohol is strictly prohibited.

The interval between eating and taking the drug is at least an hour. For medicinal purposes, the course of treatment is at least 8 weeks. There is no need to “prescribe” yourself a vitamin for prevention, for heart disease, fractures, colds or other health problems without consulting a doctor.

How much lipoic acid does the body need?

Lipoic acid has a beneficial effect on the entire body, and its deficiency leads to the development of various pathologies. Therefore, for preventive purposes, according to many doctors, it is necessary to consume 10-50 mg of thioctacid per day.

The Russian Center for Epidemiology and Hygiene recommends taking 30 mg of a-lipoic acid per day. For cancer and disorders of the heart and blood vessels, the dosage of the substance increases from 100 to 300 mg.

It is noteworthy that products with a-lipoic acid cannot fully compensate for the deficiency of thioctacid. So, in order to saturate the body with a useful antioxidant in full, a person needs to eat up to 9.5 kg of spinach or 11.3 kg of beef kidneys per day.

Therefore, to obtain the recommended amount of lipoic acid per day, doctors recommend taking special dietary supplements containing a natural antioxidant.

Food Sources of Vitamin N

When asked what contains the most lipoic acid, jokers answer: in pharmacy vitamins. This is actually true. But you can’t eat the “feed” of the pharmaceutical industry all your life. After all, Mother Nature also takes care of her children and has hidden some reserves of vitamin N in delicacies of animal and plant origin. So, it’s time to find out which foods contain thioctic acid, especially since a healthy body is able to provide itself with the daily requirement of the substance from food.

Leading foods containing the most vitamin N:

• offal (heart, kidneys, liver);
• red meat (beef, lamb, turkey);
• dairy products (milk, sour cream, cream, cottage cheese, kefir);
• eggs;
• yeast;
• mushrooms;
• leafy vegetables (spinach, cabbage);
• legumes;
• rice;
• Wheat groats;
• fruits.

Alpha lipoic acid in plant foods

Lipoic acid is found in sufficient doses in greens. In addition, the same celery has a negative calorie content, basil contains antimicrobial tanning oils, green salad is rich in magnesium and is good for the unequal system, leeks are rich in iron, calcium, potassium, and spinach contains beta-carotene.

Green leafy vegetables are very rich in alpha lipoic acid, with spinach and celery having the highest amounts of this substance. Therefore, it is worth making yourself a bowl of fresh salad more often.

Alpha lipoic acid in cereals

Alpha lipoic acid is found in many grain products. It is healthiest to eat whole grain foods. Not only rye, wheat, oats, flax, but also buckwheat, millet, and rice can become valuable sources of vitamin N. It is also found in dill and cilantro seeds, which are also considered cereal crops. Buckwheat is considered the healthiest cereal food; in addition to lipoic acid, this grain contains 14% protein.

The best way to cook porridge from cereals is with milk or water. Rice, millet, oatmeal - this will charge you with energy tomorrow in the morning, and will not allow hunger to appear until lunch.

Alpha Lipoic Acid in Legumes

Legumes contain alpha lipoic acid. In addition to vitamin N, they are rich in fiber, which has a beneficial effect on digestion. Most lipoic acid is found in peas, chickpeas, beans, and lentils. However, you should not lean on legumes; vegetable protein is difficult to digest in large quantities.

Interaction with other substances: benefits and harms

Do you think it’s only human nature to have friends and enemies? Vitamins also have a circle of “friends”, and they bring more benefits to the body, enhancing each other’s abilities. For lipoic acid, the list of “friends” and “enemies” looks like this:

• fat-like substances (with their help, the body absorbs vitamin N more easily);
• vitamins, F;
• vitamins and (thioctacid “protects” and enhances their effect in the fight against free radicals);
• B vitamins (strengthen the effectiveness of thioctic acid);
• alcohol and fatty foods weaken the effect of vitamin N.

Interaction with other drugs:

• antibiotics and sugar-containing medications “disarm” vitamin N;
• drugs for the treatment of cancer partially neutralize lipoic acid;
• insulin and antidiabetic drugs reduce the effect of thioctacid on the body.

Some diseases, such as those of the gastrointestinal tract, have a negative effect on the absorption or synthesis of vitamin N.

What is a-lipoic acid

Lipoic acid is a vitamin-like agent, a cofactor of alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase and pyruvate dehydrogenase complexes.
Thioctacid has a strong antioxidant effect. The acid appears as a pale yellow powder. The substance has a bitter taste and is insoluble in water.

Alpha lipoic acid lowers glucose in the bloodstream by increasing glucogen in the liver. The product helps eliminate insulin resistance. In terms of biochemical properties, the substance is close to B vitamins.

Useful properties of Thioctacid:

• Normalizes carbohydrate and fat metabolism
• Removes bad cholesterol
• Restores the liver, protecting it from toxins and ethanol.
• Prevents destruction of the blood-brain barrier
• Energizes skeletal muscles and brain.

Also, a-lipoic acid accelerates regeneration and inhibits degenerative and inflammatory processes. In addition, the vitamin has a rejuvenating and oncoprotective effect.

Often, medications containing vitamin N are prescribed for alcoholic or diabetic neuropathy.

Contraindications to the use of thioctacid are: age under 18 years, hypersensitivity. During lactation and pregnancy, supplements containing acids can only be taken as prescribed by a doctor.

Possible adverse reactions:

• Allergies – anaphylaxis, nettle fever, itching and skin rashes
• Thrombophlebitis
• Purpura
• Hypoglycemia
• Thrombocytopathy
• Dyspnea
• Convulsions
• Diplopia.

In case of overdose, hypoglycemic coma and convulsions may develop. An acid balance disorder and a deterioration in blood clotting are also likely. Therapy consists of taking sorbents and gastric lavage.

Vitamin for sports

It is generally accepted that women are more interested in the benefits of vitamins and minerals. They, beauties and caring mothers, are destined by their “status” to be aware of everything that has a positive effect on the beauty and health of the family. This is only a half-truth. Information about the benefits of vitamins and microelements is just as important for men, especially those who see themselves in sports and, in particular, in bodybuilding. For them, who regularly lose energy in the gym, it is especially important to know what microelements and how to take them to gain muscle mass.

Athletes know that vitamin N is the “king” among useful substances. Under its influence, fat melts before our eyes, and muscles gain mass day after day. And at the same time - no feeling of fatigue or weakness.

The rate of lipoic acid intake for athletes may vary depending on the load and type of training.

Speed-strength exercises require 100-200 mg of vitamin N per day. During competitions – 150-250 mg daily. Endurance training includes a vitamin menu of 400-500 mg, during competitions - 450-600 mg/day.

In some cases, the intake of lipoic acid is determined by a specially designed program. In this case, at the initial stage, you should drink vitamin N in doses not exceeding 100-200 mg/day, eventually increasing to 400-600 mg per day. The daily portion should be divided into equal shares and drunk three times a day. But sports nutritionists do not recommend going beyond the 600-milligram maximum. This is the upper limit of the vitamin portion for athletes. Increasing this dose will not have any effect on either fat burning or muscle building.

Sometimes the question arises as to what can replace vitamin N in a sports diet. Conjugated linoleic acid is similar in the principles of its effect on the body of athletes. It, being nothing more than a partially modified form of lipoic acid, also regulates the ratio of fat and muscle tissue, reducing sebaceous deposits on the abdomen and enhancing muscle growth.

The main defender of the liver...

The relationship between liver health and lipoic acid is so close that sometimes it is even difficult to understand what cannot exist without what. On the one hand, problems with the liver are a signal that the body has stopped producing vitamin N. On the other hand, most diseases of this organ are treated with drugs that contain thioctacid.

The definition of “liver disease” refers to many diseases - from hepatitis to cirrhosis. The consequences of most of them are very sad, especially if you do not follow the treatment program. The liver is the main “filter” of the human body, which also requires regular cleansing. In such cases, lipoic acid takes on the role of a cleaner.

Scientists discovered the positive effect of α-lipoic acid on liver cells back in the last century. The substance not only creates reliable protection for the gland, but also restores damaged areas of the organ and prevents pathological degeneration. Thanks to lipoic acid, glutathione (a specific antioxidant synthesized in the liver) is consumed to a lesser extent, which has a beneficial effect on it, damaged by hepatitis or cirrhosis. Thioctacid is an effective drug for the treatment of hepatitis C and B; it is increasingly used in traditional therapy. It has also proven itself positively in the treatment program for gallstones.

Typically, the daily requirement for vitamin N in people with liver disease is 75 mg. The dose is regulated by the attending physician. As experiments show, a month's course of treatment with α-lipoic acid is enough for the first positive changes in the structure of the liver to become noticeable in patients with hepatitis or diagnosed with alcoholic fatty liver degeneration. The risk of developing malignant cells in the gland is reduced, fat metabolism in the tissue is stabilized.

...And diabetics

Diabetes is not so terrible as its consequences, in particular diseases that develop against the background of the “sweet disease”. One such complication is diabetic polyneuropathy, which affects nerve endings throughout the body.

Medicine calls alpha-lipoic acid a powerful tool in the treatment of disease. Through experiments it was established: 600 mg of the drug, taken intravenously and in the form of tablets/capsules, can affect the rate of development of the disease and reduce clinical manifestations.

At the initial stage of treatment, many are interested in how long it takes for IV therapy. The course of rehabilitation for each patient is determined individually. For some, 3-week injections are enough; in other cases, treatment lasts up to 6 months. A program of 15 droppers of alpha-lipoic acid solution is considered optimal. Then, over the next month or two, the patient takes 600 mg of berlition daily.

Vitamin for obesity

Just a few decades ago, it never occurred to anyone that excess weight, along with cardiovascular diseases, would soon be named one of the main problems of the century. “Getting rid of excess is easy! To lose weight, you need to reduce the portions you consume per day!” – skinny people who have no idea about the causes of obesity never tire of giving advice. An overweight person is not always a glutton. Stress, poor environment, irregular nutrition (often due to a specific work schedule), “sedentary” work, heredity - these are not all the reasons for possible excess weight gain caused by metabolic disorders. And the metabolism, as luck would have it, if it is disrupted, is often in the direction of slowing down. So we get a paradox with a “glass of water”, which turns into fat deposits on the sides.

And the pharmaceutical industry never tires of replenishing the arsenal of pharmacies with weight loss products. And the plump people are buying everything at breakneck speed, so as not to accidentally miss a miracle pill that can get rid of fat in a month/week/day. But, as in the old joke, we have two news for you: good and bad. The bad thing is that miracles don’t exist and you can’t lose weight in a day. And now - a good one: a pill for excess weight was invented a long time ago. It modestly lies on the shelves of all pharmacies in the world with a price tag of a penny. It is also called modestly - lipoic acid, or vitamin N, or has some other trade name, but in parentheses the name common to all countries is always indicated - thioctic acid.

The unique properties of this substance help regulate fat and carbohydrate metabolism in the body, reduce cholesterol and blood glucose levels, and improve liver function.

But how do these beneficial properties affect the process of weight loss? How to lose weight with lipoic acid and is it even possible?

Vitamin N is fundamentally different from all “diet pills.” Most anti-obesity drugs, weight loss programs and diets are aimed at active fat burning, which subsequently has an even worse effect on the already disrupted metabolic process. Lipoic acid has a different tactic: it does not burn fat, but converts it into energy, which, from the point of view of nature, is more correct and beneficial for the body, and has a better result.

How vitamin N is useful for losing weight:

• reduces weight without fasting;
• normalizes rather than changes metabolism;
• improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
• prevents the development of gallstone disease;
• strengthens blood vessels and heart muscle;
• has a positive effect on vision;
• eliminates stretch marks.

What foods contain alpha lipoic acid?

The main sources of lipoic acid are animal products - heart, kidneys and liver. It is also found in large quantities in various legumes: lentils, peas, beans. Small amounts of acid can be obtained from bananas, mushrooms, yeast, rice, spinach, cabbage and dairy products.

What foods contain alpha lipoic acid?

The human body is capable of producing lipoic acid on its own. But even taking into account the amount that can be obtained from food, the level of its content will be insufficient for the healthy functioning of the body. Therefore, doctors advise paying attention to additional intake of alpha lipoic acid in the form of a supplement. It is available in capsule form.

Alpha lipolic acid (ALA) is a compound produced to a small extent by the body. Most of it is found in spinach, broccoli and giblets . ALA has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, it is a coenzyme required during numerous metabolic reactions. Alpha lipoic acid also affects insulin-dependent processes, increasing the sensitivity of cells to insulin. ALA also improves the conversion of glucose into glycogen and has a positive effect on the regulation of blood glucose levels.

Alpha lipoic acid is found in a wide variety of foods. A table with foods containing vitamin N will help you navigate and create a competent menu. Find out more in the article.

Lipolyveic acid is found in the following types of foods:

• veal;
• beef without fat;
• cabbage;
• broccoli or spinach with celery;
• boiled rice;
• yeast (brewer's);
• pepper (not bitter).
• milk
• eggs
• vegetable

It is the intake of these products that will help maintain the level of vitamin composition in the body, which will maintain the metabolic rate without slowing down. To replenish its reserves in the body, it is worth including these products in your diet. But not all of them can be consumed on a diet. Therefore, the diet and intake characteristics should be agreed with your doctor.

Initially, it was believed that alpha lipoic acid was a vitamin and should be taken into the human body through food. However, research has shown that animals and plants and - in smaller quantities - humans have the ability to produce this substance. ALA also affects many other processes in the body, such as liver regeneration or muscle glycogen production, which is why it is used in sports.

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is a versatile supplement with few side effects. It performs two important functions in our body: firstly, it is an excellent antioxidant, that is, a substance that neutralizes combined radicals throughout the body, both in water and in fat, as well as inside and outside cells.

The second important role that alpha lipoic acid plays is metabolism - converting food into energy. The amount of alpha lipoic acid produced by our body and consumed through food is sufficient for metabolic processes, but supplements are required to release the antioxidant effects of alpha lipoic acid.

Most often, supplements containing synthesized lipoic acid are prescribed for weight loss. The secret is that the natural substance helps reduce the stress that inevitably occurs during a diet. ALA saves the brain from damage that can occur during the process of losing weight, and also provides the body with the necessary energy.

Alpha lipoic acid has general strengthening and anti-aging properties. A substance that under normal conditions is quite capable of being synthesized by the body on its own is valued by nutritionists and therapists for the following abilities:

• improving the body's absorption of insulin (increasing overall sensitivity to the hormone);
• decreased blood sugar levels;
• reducing fat accumulation in the liver;
• general loss of appetite.

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How to lose weight with lipoic acid

But still, lipoic acid is not a magic wand. The principle of its operation is explained by the rational laws of chemistry. And in order for the weight loss process to begin and continue without interruption, you should follow certain recommendations.

1. A combination of vitamins and sports. No one has canceled moderate physical activity for those losing weight. Of course, it is possible without them. But! So we took a tablet of thioctacid and are waiting for it to work... But what exactly are we waiting for? Lipoic acid is already working - several fat cells have already been converted into energy and are looking for a way out. The only way to get rid of “bonus” strength is physical activity. On the other hand, dumbbells or running will protect against sagging on a thin body.
2. Cut the calories a little... If you expect maximum results, then the effort should be maximum. During the fight against obesity, it is important to clear the refrigerator of “bad” carbohydrates.
3. ...But no fasting. Losing weight with the help of lipoic acid is probably the only program in the world that not only does not prohibit you from eating when you want - it prohibits you from not eating. No low-fat protein diets or starvation menus of “grass and water”! Malnutrition combined with alpha lipoic acid causes side effects that are dangerous to your health!

Dosages

The process of losing weight for many over time turns into a game of chance. We lost the first kilogram, rejoiced and raised the bar to five. They dropped five - they wanted five more. Sometimes the struggle with excess weight turns into madness: even those who are already clearly underweight continue to lose weight. The outcome of such weight loss is usually disastrous.

Lipoic acid is not a drug that you can drink in large quantities uncontrollably. How much vitamin N tablets to take per day and for how long is determined by your doctor.

The instructions for use describe in detail all the indications and contraindications for taking lipoic acid. The method of using the drug for weight loss provides dosages from 25 to 400 milligrams per day, but, like any other medicine, it is taken under the constant supervision of a doctor. It is advisable to take vitamin N as a remedy for excess weight before breakfast, during dinner, or immediately after training.

Lipoic acid really works wonders in the fight against obesity. But she is not omnipotent either. You cannot achieve the desired result if you eat your vitamin with cakes and fried potatoes. Meanwhile, thioctacid is respected not only by doctors and nutritionists. In cosmetology, the beneficial properties of acid are also actively used in preparations for facial skin, hair, and nails.

A modern view on the possibilities of using alpha-lipoic acid

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a powerful antioxidant, which makes it possible to use it for the treatment and prevention of a wide range of diseases. The ability of ALA to influence inflammation, apoptosis, blood flow, endothelial dysfunction, activation of neurotransmitters, and metabolic processes determines its widespread use in various fields of medicine.

One of the promising areas for the use of alpha-lipoic acid is neurogenic erectile dysfunction against the background of obesity and metabolic syndrome. Several alpha-lipoic acid preparations are used in Russia, but the greatest practical experience has been accumulated with the drug Espa-lipon, which was one of the first to appear on the Russian market and has proven itself in terms of effectiveness.

Table 1. Differentiated approach to the treatment of metabolic disorders with lipid accumulation in hepatocytes

Clinical pharmacokinetics

Alpha lipoic acid is a disulfide derivative of octanoic acid [1]. ALA is a natural coenzyme of the mitochondria of a multienzyme complex that catalyzes the oxidative decarboxylation of alpha-keto acids such as pyruvate and alpha-ketoglutarate. ALA is a powerful antioxidant, which determines the possibility of its therapeutic use. The structural formula and properties of ALA were discovered in 1951, its first clinical trials were conducted in the same year, and the use of alpha-lipoic acid in humans began in 1970. Early research on the use of ALA was carried out against the backdrop of insufficient understanding of the mechanisms of its action and concerned mainly with lipid and carbohydrate metabolism.

Alpha lipoic acid is both fat- and water-soluble, so it can penetrate into any tissue of the body, providing an antioxidant effect not only outside, but also inside the cell. It also activates the activity of other antioxidants - vitamins A, C, glutathione and coenzyme Q10. ALA has unique properties that make it possible to use it for the treatment and prevention of a wide range of diseases, primarily of the peripheral nervous system and brain, since nervous tissue is extremely sensitive to the toxic effects of free radicals. Traditionally, ALA is used in the treatment of diabetic polyneuropathy. However, the toxic effect of free radicals, including the development of neuropathy and one of its early manifestations - neurogenic erectile dysfunction, is observed in a number of other conditions, such as diabetes mellitus (DM), obesity, aging, long-term use of medications (toxic neuropathy ), metabolic syndrome, metabolic liver diseases.

Pathogenetic use of alpha lipoic acid

The effect of ALA has been well studied in healthy volunteers and diabetic patients. The pharmacokinetic characteristics of ALA when administered intravenously do not differ in healthy people and patients with diabetes; a linear relationship was found between the concentration of ALA in plasma and the dose of the drug administered intravenously in the range from 200 to 1200 mg [2]. When taking tablets in healthy people, the linear dependence of the concentration of ALA in plasma on the dose of the drug was within the range of 50–600 mg. With any method of administration, after 24 hours there is no ALA left in the plasma, since it enters the liver, heart, and kidneys, where it accumulates, followed by excretion [1].

A study of the bioavailability of ALA in healthy subjects when taking tablets on an empty stomach or immediately after breakfast showed that food significantly reduced plasma ALA concentrations. In this regard, it is recommended to take ALA tablets immediately after sleep, 30–45 minutes before meals. ALA undergoes beta-oxidative degradation and is excreted in the urine as metabolites [2]. Numerous experimental studies have demonstrated that ALA is a powerful antioxidant due to its participation in the resynthesis of vitamin E and the ability of ALA to bind free radicals. It has also been suggested that ALA is an antioxidant that protects the sulfhydryl groups of the glucose transporter system, which in turn leads to increased insulin-dependent glucose utilization [1].

Oxidative stress and edema due to plasma extravasation, which develop after traumatic injury to brain tissue, are known to play an important role in the secondary mechanisms of brain dysfunction. The literature considers the possibility of using antioxidant therapy, including ALA, in these cases. In an experiment after traumatic brain injury, ALA reduced the severity of oxidative stress, swelling of brain tissue, and histopathological changes [3]. A number of antioxidants, including ALA, reduce the activation of apoptosis caused by ethanol. A clinical open study of 56 patients with alcoholic polyneuropathy revealed a decrease in positive and negative neuropathic symptoms when taking ALA at a dose of 300 mg daily, and ALA was more effective than thiamine.

In Russia there are several preparations of alpha-lipoic acid, but the greatest practical experience has been accumulated with the drug Espa-lipon, which was one of the first to appear on the Russian market (1995) and has proven itself to be a highly effective remedy. Thanks to optimal dosages, the availability of oral and infusion forms of release, German quality and affordable price, Espa-lipon can be used as widely as possible in modern medicine.

Clinical Applications of Alpha Lipoic Acid

ALA can be used in many diseases, including pathologies of the central nervous system associated with oxidative stress and inflammatory changes. ALA inhibits the migration of T cells into the structures of the central nervous system. It has been shown that ALA can suppress the activity of cells that determine the immune response by inhibiting interleukins in them and stimulating cAMP. Fibroblasts from patients with Alzheimer's disease revealed pronounced oxidative stress associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. In the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, ALA is considered as one of the methods of neuroprotection. The neuroprotective capabilities of ALA are realized by improving mitochondrial function. It has been shown that ALA increases the production of acetylcholine in the brain by activating choline acetyltransferase and increasing the production of acetyl-coenzyme A, reduces cerebral oxidative stress and the synthesis of inducible nitric oxide synthase, which is the basis of its neuroprotective effect and makes it possible to use it in neurodegenerative processes. In two open-label clinical trials, 600 mg ALA was given to patients with Alzheimer's disease for 12 to 48 months and noted a slowing of disease progression in mild dementia (ADAScog

1. reduce the level of lipid peroxidation;
2. bind and inactivate toxic substrates in the hepatocyte as a result of increasing the synthesis of detoxifying substances;
3. block the activity of mesenchymal-inflammatory reactions;
4. slow down the progression of fibrosis [5].

Great importance is attached to basic therapy, including:

• cessation of the action of etiological factors;
• complete exclusion of alcohol;
• a diet rich in proteins (1 g of protein per 1 kg of body weight) and water-soluble vitamins, but low in fats;
• normalization of blood glucose, lipids, and uric acid levels in the presence of corresponding disorders.

As a rule, in case of fatty hepatosis with a known etiology, the absence of complications and normal biochemical test results, basic therapy turns out to be sufficient and adequate, and regression of fatty degeneration is observed after 3–6 months. In some cases, with the alcoholic etiology of the process, parenteral administration of water-soluble vitamins (B1, B6, B2, PP, B12, C) in standard therapeutic doses for 10–14 days is required in addition to basic therapy [6]. The main indications for drug therapy are: the development of steatohepatitis and fatty hepatosis of unknown etiology or the inability to stop the action of etiological and additional risk factors for its development [3, 7]. The choice of a specific drug or their combinations in the treatment of metabolic liver damage is influenced by many factors: the etiology and leading pathogenetic links of the process, the degree of activity, the presence of systemic and concomitant diseases, the cost of drugs and, importantly, the knowledge and experience of the doctor (Table 1). The widespread use of alpha-lipoic acid preparations (for example, Espa-lipon) for liver diseases causes the following effects of ALA [1, 5]:

• the ability to reduce the level of lipid peroxidation (binds free radicals and free tissue iron);
• participation in the oxidation of fatty acids and acetate (prevents the development of fatty liver steatosis);
• decarboxylation of beta-keto acids (energy supply to the cell and prevention of the development of ketoacidosis);
• increased transmembrane transport of glucose into the cell (accumulation of glycogen in the cell, increase in its energy balance);
• suppression of nitric oxide synthesis by hepatocytes (prevention and relief of rheological disorders and vascular disorders).

Alpha-lipoic acid preparations are recommended for use in alcoholic and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and in fatty steatosis to prevent progression and development of complications. Treatment can be carried out as monotherapy and in combination with other antioxidants and hepatoprotectors.

Currently, there are isolated publications on the effectiveness of treatment of patients with liver diseases associated with the hepatitis C virus, a combination of Espa-lipon 300 mg 2 times a day, silymarin 300 mg 3 times a day and selenomethionine 200 mcg 2 times a day, taken for year [8]. Additionally, a complex of vitamins B, C, E and microelements were prescribed. By the end of the one-year course of treatment, all patients achieved an improvement in clinical and biochemical parameters without eliminating the hepatitis C virus. This study showed that if it is impossible to carry out adequate antiviral therapy (the presence of side effects and contraindications, the ineffectiveness of previous therapy), the use of hepatoprotectors significantly improves the quality of life patient data. Thus, given the wide range of actions to restore almost all types of metabolism in the hepatocyte, alpha-lipoic acid preparations (for example, Espa-lipon) should find widespread use in the treatment of metabolic liver diseases of alcoholic and non-alcoholic origin.

One of the promising areas for the use of alpha-lipoic acid, which we widely use in our work, is neurogenic erectile dysfunction (ED) against the background of obesity and metabolic syndrome. Diagnosis of neurogenic ED, which can be considered a clear clinical manifestation of the negative effect of oxidative stress, leading to a decrease in the secretion of nitric oxide (the main neurotransmitter) by cavernous nerves, is quite simple (Kalinchenko-Rozhivanov method). Determination of penile neuropathy is carried out using the Tiotherm device, which has two different ends - metal (cold) and plastic (warm). Patients with neuropathy cannot distinguish the difference between a cold end and a warm end.

According to epidemiological studies, the incidence of diabetic neuropathy (DN) in diabetes varies from 5 to 100% depending on the examination methods used. Differences in incidence are due to the use of different criteria for diagnosing DN [9]. According to the prevailing point of view, the earliest and most common form of DN is diabetic peripheral polyneuropathy (DPN). 7.5% of patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes already have clinical and laboratory manifestations of DPN [9]. However, according to our numerous studies, the earliest and most common form of DN in men with diabetes is erectile dysfunction, which significantly worsens the quality of life not only of the man, but also of the married couple, and is also the cause of the development of depression, which negatively affects the ability to achieve carbohydrate compensation. exchange.

We studied the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of neurogenic forms of sexual dysfunction in men with diabetes [10]. A continuous one-time study included 611 patients with diabetes (representative sample) living in various regions of the Russian Federation. All patients were surveyed using the International Index of Erectile Function 5 (IIEF-5) questionnaire and Aging Male Symptoms according to Heinemann. The degree of compensation of carbohydrate metabolism was assessed by the level of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (the norm is up to 6.4%). Screening for diabetic polyneuropathy was carried out by studying vibration, temperature and tactile sensitivity of the lower extremities (NDS scale according to Young and TSS scale). To identify neuropathy of the genital organs, vibration, tactile and temperature sensitivity of the penis was assessed using the Kalinchenko-Rozhivanov method. To study the hemodynamics of the penis, Doppler ultrasound was performed using a Minimax Doppler Fono device from Minimax with a 10 MHz sensor. Statistica software package (StatSoft Inc., USA, version 6.0) was used for statistical data processing.

An increase in the prevalence of ED in older age groups has been revealed. With age, both men and women experience a decrease in the secretion of sex hormones - important endogenous antioxidants, which aggravates the manifestations of oxidative stress, and in a number of patients without diabetes is the leading cause of its occurrence. In addition, we found that the neurogenic form of ED in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes occurred before the first clinical manifestations of distal diabetic neuropathy in no less than 37.4 and 51.9% of cases, respectively. This feature makes it possible to use the neurogenic form of ED as an early clinical prognostic sign of the development of distal diabetic neuropathy. It should be noted once again that diabetes mellitus is not the only cause of the development of neurogenic erectile dysfunction. When determining the sensitivity of the penis became routine practice, we began to identify a sufficient prevalence of ED in men without diabetes. We were able to identify several reasons for the development of neurogenic ED, on the basis of which we propose the following classification of neurogenic ED:

1. Diabetic neurogenic ED.
2. Traumatic neurogenic ED (often observed after operations on the pelvic organs and penis).
3. Toxic neurogenic ED (develops against the background of alcohol intake, long-term use of medications, uremia, liver damage, vitamin deficiency; neuropathy developed against the background of infections, systemic diseases, allergic diseases).
4. Age-related neurogenic ED (develops against the background of decreased testosterone secretion).

Timely use of ALA for neurogenic erectile dysfunction in the setting of obesity is a prevention of the development of vascular erectile dysfunction, which is quite difficult to treat and precedes more serious vascular disasters such as stroke and coronary heart disease. Oxidative stress, hypercholesterolemia, endothelial activation and monocyte adhesion are the links in the formation of atherosclerotic lesions of the vascular wall.

The experiment proved that the administration of ALA reduced the size of atherosclerotic plaques in the abdominal aorta, which was accompanied by a decrease in the content of fatty and inflammatory cells in the aortic wall. ALA improved the vascular response to angiotensin II, acetylcholine and insulin, and reduced oxidative stress. The use of ALA reduces free radical damage to myocytes due to oxidative stress during myocardial ischemia. In the experiment, the administration of ALA led to a significant decrease in apoptosis, a decrease in lipid peroxidation, and an increase in the activity of glutathione in the mitochondria of cardiomyocytes, which prevented the development of irreversible disorders of cardiac function. In the ISLAND study, taking ALA tablets at a dose of 300 mg as monotherapy in patients with metabolic syndrome for 4 weeks led to an increase in endothelium-dependent vasodilation of the brachial artery, which was accompanied by a decrease in plasma interleukin-6 and plasminogen activator-1. Thus, the effect of ALA on endothelial dysfunction, realized through its effect on anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic mechanisms, has been shown [11].

Pilot studies have shown that ALA reduces apoptosis associated with oxidative stress but stimulates apoptosis in various cancer cells. An experiment on cell culture showed that ALA dose-dependently inhibits the proliferation of human breast cancer cells and activates the process of apoptosis in them. Similar results were obtained for lung cancer cells, with ALA activating apoptosis in cancer cells through both caspase-independent and caspase-dependent pathways. Doctors from New Mexico (USA) described the case of a patient with pancreatic cancer with liver metastases, whose condition improved after ALA infusions in combination with low-dose naltrexone. The patient was alive and well 78 months after initial presentation. Cisplatin, a widely used anticancer drug, increases lipid peroxidation and decreases the activity of antioxidant enzymes in renal tissue. Treatment with cisplatin can cause acute kidney damage, and irreversible filtration impairment may occur. The experiment showed that ALA reduces the symptoms of acute kidney injury by reducing the expression of inflammatory adhesion molecules and apoptosis processes. Chemotherapy with cisplatin and paclitaxel can cause damage to peripheral nerves due to dysfunction of the mitochondrial apparatus of cells. The experiment showed that ALA can prevent the development of polyneuropathy by reducing oxidative stress and protecting mitochondria from damage when using these drugs [12].

Conclusion

Thus, an analysis of experimental and clinical studies indicates the universality of the antioxidant effect of ALA in the vascular bed and cytoplasm of the cellular structures of various organs. The ability to use alpha-lipoic acid to influence inflammation, apoptosis, blood flow, endothelial dysfunction, activation of neurotransmitters, and metabolic processes allows us to consider its preparations as a potential drug in various fields of medicine. We believe that in all patients with neurogenic erectile dysfunction, the use of alpha-lipoic acid should be a course regimen, and discontinuation of the drug is possible only after complete restoration of sexual function and elimination of the causes of oxidative stress (elimination of obesity, metabolic syndrome, toxic factors).

For pregnant

When planning pregnancy, it is important to replenish all vitamin depots of the body. After all, very soon a woman will have to “feed” not only herself, but also the child, whose health at first completely depends on the health of the mother. But the course of vitamin therapy should be determined by a doctor, especially since in gynecology the emphasis is on vitamins responsible for women’s health.

Only the attending doctor can adequately determine which vitamin and in what doses a woman needs for prevention or treatment, which form of the drug is best suited, and which microelements it is better to stay away from.

It is especially important not to engage in vitamin therapy without permission during pregnancy and breastfeeding. During this special period, many doctors generally prohibit their patients from taking dietary supplements and vitamin preparations. Meanwhile, laboratory studies have shown how lipoic acid (in adequate doses) is beneficial for pregnant women. Vitamin N reduces the risk of miscarriage and abnormal development of the nervous system of the unborn baby.

Benefits of thioctic acid for women's health:

• gives additional energy;
• important for kidneys and liver;
• prevents toxicosis;
• removes toxins from the body;
• controls blood glucose, cholesterol and lipid levels;
• creates a barrier to ultraviolet radiation;
• regulates the functioning of the thyroid gland.

Use in cosmetology

The skin on the face is the most delicate, but at the same time most often susceptible to the negative effects of the sun, wind, and frost. Therefore, more often than other areas, it requires careful care. And α-lipoic acid is best suited for facial skin as a “tasty” nourishment.

By the nature of its effect on the epidermis, thioctic acid is more reminiscent of vitamins A, E, C - it protects against free radicals and improves metabolism at the cellular level. But in addition to this, vitamin N effectively rejuvenates the skin, tightens it, and gets rid of wrinkles and acne. This vitamin of youth is found in all anti-aging creams (both the most expensive and very cheap). Lipoic acid is responsible for beautiful skin in the décolleté and neck area, making it soft, smooth and tender.

By regularly using thioctacid externally, you can forget about skin imperfections in the form of small acne scars or minor injuries, pustules and pimples.

Creams containing alpha-lipoic acid relieve swelling, inflammation, cracks, and protect collagen molecules from destruction.

Lipoic acid for cosmetic purposes can be used as a finished product or prepared independently by enriching a cream, tonic or lotion with vitamin N. The yellow powder is first dissolved in alcohol or oil and then added to the finished cosmetic product. If you don’t like this form of release, you can buy the vitamin in ampoules or capsules at the pharmacy and add it to cosmetics in this form.

How to properly dilute vitamin

1. Skin cleansing oil. Add a few milliliters of alpha lipoic acid in liquid form or a few milligrams in powder. Stir.
2. Serum for moisturizing. Vitamin saturation should not exceed 1 percent.
3. Tonic. Dilute lipoic acid in alcohol, stir thoroughly and pour the mixture into tonic.
4. Cream. Dilute the powder in an oil base (or add the vitamin in liquid form), mix with the cream.

Adviсe

1. You cannot heat up the vitamin mixture and then cool it - it loses its beneficial properties.
2. Store the finished fortified cosmetic product in a cool, dark place.
3. If you feel a burning sensation after using the drug, reduce the percentage of vitamin saturation. Therefore, to begin with, fortify cosmetics with a small portion of lipoic acid.
4. In case of contact with mucous membranes, rinse with plenty of water and consult a doctor.

Two beauty recipes

And now it’s time to find out how to prepare a delicious skin product at home, the effectiveness of which is no worse than expensive creams.

Remedy No. 1

You will need:

• alpha lipoic acid – 1 ml;
• ascorbic acid – 8 ml;
• 10 ml syringe;
• fragrant water;
• kudesan (coenzyme in water-soluble form).

Draw ascorbic acid and lipoic acid into the syringe. In a separate container, mix coenzyme and fragrant water. Soak a cotton pad with the prepared acid mixture and apply it to your facial skin. Wait until the vitamin mix is ​​absorbed. Spray your face with a mixture of coenzyme and fragrant water. After 15-20 minutes, wipe the skin with any tonic.

The result is radiant, soft skin with a beautiful color.

Remedy No. 2

You will need:

• macadamia nut oil – 10 ml;
• lipoic acid – 2 ml;
• green tea or grape extract.

Dissolve lipoic acid in nut oil and mix thoroughly. Add a little vitamin-containing extract (optional). Apply the finished mixture onto the face with massage movements. Keep the oil mask on for 20 minutes. Blot your face with a paper towel to remove any remaining product.

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The result is moisturized and vitamin-enriched facial skin.