by Liz B | Oct 17, 2013 | Alpha-Lipoic Acid, Supplements
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
What is it?
It is a naturally occurring compound produced in the body, and it assists in the conversion of glucose to energy. It also serves as an antioxidant.
The naturally occurring form of alpha-lipoic acid is called the R-isomer. Typically, synthetic products contain a 50/50 mixture of the R- and S- forms. Both the R-isomer-only and mixed forms are available as supplements.
What’s it used for?
There seems to not be extensive research done on Alpha-Lipoic Acid so far, but it appears to help increase insulin sensitivity in those with diabetes (type 2) if you are taking anywhere from 300mg to 1,200 mg per day.
Due to it being an antioxidant, it has found that it may be useful in combating things like radiation exposure or anything involving metal and chemical poisoning. It may also improve blood antioxidant status as well as a number of conditions such as liver ailments and age-related memory problems.
Sources: http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART03051/AlphaLipoic-Acid-ALA.html, Consumerlabs content summary for Alpha-Lipoic Acid Review
by Liz B | Oct 7, 2013 | Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Some awesome information I found about Omega-3 fatty acids, as well as a site to check out supplements that have been tested. Which I think is super important, in order to make sure you’re getting supplements that are actually as potent and complete as they should be, as well as free of any toxins.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: DHA, EPA, and ALA
—Paraphrased from “When Nutrients Go Missing”, Matthew Kade, MSc, RD
“Boost your DHA and EPA levels by eating a few servings of fatty fish each week. Pasture-raised meats and eggs are also good sources of omega-3s.
Vegetarians and vegans can nosh on seeds — such as chia, hemp, flax — as well as walnuts. But the type of omega-3 fat in these foods, called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), is not as potent as the longer-chain DHA and EPA forms found in seafood, says Wald.
Because of the critical importance of the omega-3 fats, Wald often nudges his patients toward supplementation. When looking for a fish-oil supplement, be sure to consult a medical expert and sites like ConsumerLab.com, which conducts independent testing of supplements, in order to find a supplement that is free of mercury contamination.”
