For those of you who are regular readers of this newsletter, you know how much I have stressed the numerous benefits of alpha lipoic acid supplementation. I have also recommended regular exercise to help maintain healthy mental function. A new study has uncovered the potentially exciting advantage of utilizing both.

Over the course of 16 weeks, researchers from South Korea investigated the effects of combining exercise and alpha lipoic acid¹. Using mice genetically engineered to show progressive cognitive loss, one group was treated with alpha lipoic acid alone, another with alpha lipoic acid and treadmill exercise. Results indicated that the combination of exercise and alpha lipoic acid was most effective at protecting brain cell health.

Another interesting study on alpha lipoic acid recently appeared in the European Journal of Clinical investigation². A total of 30 subjects with elevated blood sugar were given either 600 mg of intravenous alpha lipoic acid or placebo daily for 21 days. After treatment, individuals who received the alpha lipoic acid showed improved blood flow.

Aside from vitamin D and omega 3 essential fatty acids, alpha lipoic acid along with acetyl L-carnitine are at the top of my nutrient list. I personally take 600 mg of alpha lipoic acid along with 1,000 mg of acetyl L-carnitine daily. If you are not taking this potent antioxidant, I highly recommend that you reconsider. Look for a multi-vitamin that includes an optimal dose.

1. Cho JY, Um HS, Kang EB, Cho IH, Kim CH, Cho JS, Hwang DY. The combination of exercise training and alpha-lipoic acid treatment has therapeutic effects on the pathogenic phenotypes of Alzheimer's disease in NSE/APPsw-transgenic mice. International Journal of Molecular Medicine. March 2010 25(3):337-46.

2. Heinisch BB, Francesconi M, Mittermayer F, Schaller G, Gouya G, Wolzt M, Pleiner J. Alpha-lipoic acid improves vascular endothelial function in patients with type 2 diabetes: a placebo-controlled randomized trial. European Journal of Clinical Investigation. February 2010 40(2):148-54.