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Benefits for Anti-Aging
It has been demonstrated that free radical damage is one of the leading
causes of the symptoms we know as aging. As we get older, the levels of free radicals
in our bodies increase, causing a decrease in the efficiency of our cells. This
leads to a lack of energy, lower immune system function among other issues.
Anti-Aging
and Alpha Lipoic Acid
Not coincidentally, the levels of ALA in our
bodies decrease with age as the free radical activity increases. Supplementation
with ALA can help reverse this process.
Dr. Tory Hagen at the UC Berkley
conducted a study to verify that the free radical levels increased substantially
as we age and if that condition could be reversed with supplementation of Alpha
Lipoic Acid.
In his study he used 2 groups of rats, one young, and one
old. It was determined that the free radical levels were much higher in the older
rats. Using video cameras and computers to analyze their movements, he determined
that the older rats only moved about and explored their cages one third as much
as the younger rats. They were also less active in other ways, expending less
energy grooming themselves, etc.
After only two weeks of ALA supplementation
they saw a significant decrease in the levels of free radicals and an increase
in levels of glutathione similar to those in the younger rats. ALA also wiped
out the age associated increase in DNA damage to the heart, bringing levels back
to those seen in young animals.
The change could be seen more dramatically
in the old animals appearance and in their activity. They doubled the amount of
exploring in their cages and also appeared to be otherwise more active than the
animals who did not get the ALA supplementation. Antioxidant
Home: Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) |
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