Lipoic acid in bodybuilding is an excellent tool for improving results

What is lipoic acid and what is it for?

Also found under other names - alpha-lipoic acid, thioctic acid, lipamide, vitamin N, LA - lipoic acid refers to vitamin or semi-vitamin substances. Scientists do not call it a complete vitamin, since lipamide tends to be synthesized in small quantities by humans themselves. Lipoic acid, unlike other fatty acids and vitamins, is a water- and fat-soluble substance. It is produced in the form of a yellow powder, packaged in small capsules or tablets for consumption. LA has a special smell and bitter taste. Lipoic acid is involved in many processes occurring inside, has a positive effect on the state of the digestive system, it improves metabolism, accelerates the formation of new energy.

Important! Lipoic acid is an active antioxidant with strong properties. It is used for general toning, during recovery, relaxation, for prevention, protection against infectious, viral and oncological diseases.

Beneficial properties of lipoic acid

LA provides many benefits to a person when consumed regularly in prescribed quantities. Harm from it can only occur if the instructions for use are not followed correctly.

1. Lipamides are recommended for diabetics, as they tend to lower and control blood glucose levels.
2. They are involved in most biochemical processes within humans: the synthesis of proteins, fats, carbohydrates and biologically active substances - hormones.
3. Improve metabolism.
4. They benefit the endocrine glands - the thyroid and thymus.
5. Lipoic acid helps with recovery from excessive alcohol consumption, as well as heavy metal poisoning in stale or poor-quality foods.
6. Able to regulate the functioning of the nervous system. Improves emotional state, has a calming and relaxing effect. Compensates for damage caused by adverse external irritating factors.
7. Has the ability to regulate cholesterol levels.

How it affects the body

The human body needs an antioxidant such as lipoic acid, the benefits and harms of which have been studied for a long time.

The positive effect of lipoic acid on the kidneys, namely the removal of stones and heavy metal salts, has been proven.

The substance affects various body systems:

• It sends signals to the subcortex of the human head, to the part of it that is responsible for the presence or absence of appetite - acid can reduce the feeling of hunger.
• Responsible for the consumption of important vital energy in the body.
• Performs an important function, preventing the onset of diabetes (cells absorb glucose better, due to which there is less of it in the blood).
• It does not allow fat to invade the liver, which makes this organ efficient.

Undoubtedly, the results will be better if you follow a diet in combination with physical education and sports. Physical activity provokes minor changes in muscles, even minor injuries (sprains, overload) are possible.

The acid is a powerful antioxidant that can combine with vitamins C and E and glutatin.

In this way, new cells are formed, and in this process only great benefits and no harm can be traced from lipoic acid.

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Lipoic acid in sports

Any person actively involved in sports knows the need for proper restoration of muscle tissue. Therefore, lipoic acid is very important for athletes. It works as a beneficial antioxidant in the human body, improving the functioning of all internal organs. Lipamides provide benefits by helping to increase muscle performance and prolong exercise time. As anti-catabolics that prevent the destruction of proteins, they help to recover better and get better results from the training process.

Indications for taking lipoic acid

Lipoic acid is prescribed for mandatory use in the treatment of many diseases and for prevention, as it can bring great benefits to the body:

• it is necessary in the treatment of inflammation of the pancreas in pancreatitis that occurs due to excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages on a regular basis;
• indispensable for chronic hepatitis, when liver cells are destroyed faster than they are restored;
• lipoic acid is important for the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (gastrointestinal tract): cholecystopancreatitis, cholecystitis, liver cirrhosis, viral hepatitis, poisoning of varying severity;
• for chronic heart failure, as an additional source of beneficial compounds;
• benefits for diabetic and cardiovascular diseases;
• used for the prevention and prevention of many diseases, including atherosclerosis.

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Benefit

The beneficial properties of lipoic acid are still being studied. To date, it has been found that it is a powerful antioxidant that slows down the aging process in the body and suppresses the formation of free radicals. It is able to penetrate every cell of the body and protect them from radical damage and, as a result, from various pathologies. The substance enhances the antioxidant effect of vitamin C, E and coenzyme Q10. Thanks to this property, lipoate has a beneficial effect on the body:

• Preparations with lipoic acid are prescribed to people with diabetes. It has been proven that the substance reduces the need of body cells for glucose and increases their susceptibility to it. It also helps maintain normal blood glucose levels.
• Athletes and people who exercise frequently take this drug because it improves metabolism and helps build muscle mass . When combined with intense training, lipoate helps you burn fat faster and release more energy, thereby helping you achieve your desired shape.
• If you don’t want to build up muscles, but want to reduce volume and lose weight, then you should take the drug according to a certain regimen, which should be prescribed by your doctor. Due to the fact that lipoate improves metabolism, it is able to increase the digestibility of carbohydrates and prevent them from being deposited in excess fat on the body.
• Lipoic acid is important in the treatment of liver diseases. It is prescribed for viral hepatitis B and C, cirrhosis and fatty liver, liver failure, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. The drug improves the functioning of the organ, inhibits the development of fibrosis and malignant tumors, thanks to its antioxidant properties, normalizes fat metabolism in liver cells and stops inflammatory processes.
• Lipoate improves body tone and prevents the development of many aging diseases , including Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, dementia, etc. The drug is prescribed for chronic fatigue, stress, decreased memory and attention. The drug is also able to prevent glaucoma and cataracts, which develop mainly in old age.
• The substance is capable of binding salts of heavy metals and removing them from the body . Therefore, its use is prescribed for severe intoxication of the body, including alcohol and drugs.
• Lipoic acid is similar in effect and structure to vitamin B, so it is often prescribed for diseases of the nervous system and cardiovascular pathologies. It helps normalize blood pressure , improve vascular permeability, and eliminate numbness in the limbs.

What foods contain lipoic acid?

Lipoic acid can be obtained in small dosages from ordinary foods. Most of it is found in red meat: beef and pork: heart, kidneys and liver. It is also found in healthy legumes: peas, beans, chickpeas, lentils. In small quantities, LA can also be obtained from green vegetables: spinach, cabbage, broccoli, as well as rice, tomatoes, carrots.

Description and characteristics

Lipoic acid is an antioxidant. She, like all other representatives of this impressive group of chemical compounds, fights free radicals. Only if this fight is effective can we count on maintaining a balance of oxidation and reduction reactions in the body. This factor is one of the important components of the normal functioning of organs and systems.

Research on lipoic acid is still being conducted, but scientists already know a lot about it. The substance dissolves in fatty and aqueous media. Thanks to this, it can penetrate barriers that are an insurmountable barrier for other antioxidants. For example, a chemical compound reaches brain cells, stimulating the reactions necessary to cleanse the environment. The product is also capable of restoring vitamins C and E, coenzymes, i.e. other antioxidants.

Lipoic acid, reacting with enzymes, promotes energy production. It is also synthesized in the human body, but only in small quantities. Its volume can be replenished in different ways - with drugs or food. The most active substance is found in the following products:

• Red meat, all types of liver.
• Spinach, broccoli, white cabbage.
• Milk.
• Rice.
• Brewer's yeast.
• Carrots, beets, potatoes.

The chemical properties of lipoic acid contribute to their high-quality absorption. It is well received by the cells of the brain, liver, and nerves. The drug can be used not only as a prophylactic agent; it is often prescribed as part of complex treatment for a number of complex diseases.

Daily intake and rules for taking lipoic acid

Ordinary people who drink thioctic acid for general benefit and prevention can consume 25–50 mg of the substance per day without harm. For men, this figure is higher - 40 - 80 mg, in this amount lipoic acid will bring real benefits. The daily requirement of vitamin N varies depending on the purpose of intake. For athletes with high physical activity, the dose is increased to 100 - 200 mg per day. Do not forget that this supplement can cause harm in the form of gastrointestinal upset and nausea in case of overdose. When taking LA in connection with diseases, it is necessary to consult with a specialist who will prescribe the exact dose.

There are several important rules to follow when using lipamides:

1. To get the maximum benefit from ALA, you must abstain from drinking alcohol while taking the course. Alcohol in combination with lipamides will only cause harm, as it blocks all beneficial properties and does not allow vitamin N to work.
2. For high-quality absorption of vitamin N, dairy products with a high calcium content should be taken at least 4 hours after LC.
3. To avoid discomfort in the stomach and intestines such as nausea and gas, lipoic acid should be taken after meals. Athletes should drink the supplement no later than half an hour after the end of training.
4. You should not combine taking serious medications (antibiotics) or complex procedures (chemotherapy) with taking lipoic acid. This can lead to negative consequences.

Warning! People with diabetes and consuming ALA need to measure their glucose levels more often and, if abnormal, reduce the dose of antidiabetic medications.

Mode of application

The average daily dose of the substance for internal use is 600 mg per day for adults and about 70 mg for children, once or in several doses. Capsules are taken orally 30 minutes before meals, washed down with a sufficient amount of liquid, without crushing or biting. Eating at the same time complicates absorption and slows down the digestive tract, so it is recommended to take the tablets in the morning before breakfast.

In severe cases, the dosage can be increased, but this is done only after consultation with a doctor and under medical supervision. The standard course of treatment is 20-30 days, if necessary it is repeated after a month's break.

When administered intravenously, lipoic acid is diluted with an isotonic sodium chloride solution, the initial dose is 600-900 mg per day, after which it can be increased to 900-1200 mg. The initial course of treatment lasts 10-20 days, and upon completion they switch to maintenance therapy - internal administration of the substance for 1-3 months

The drug must be administered slowly and carefully, otherwise serious side effects may develop, so it is recommended that the procedure be carried out in a medical facility

How to take lipoic acid for weight loss

Lipamides began to be used as a means of losing weight only at the beginning of the 20th century. They have a whole range of beneficial effects if introduced comprehensively along with other measures. So, the best option would be to reconsider your eating habits, change your diet and add more healthy foods to it, as well as introduce moderate physical activity into your life.

In the process of losing weight, lipamides act on certain areas of the brain responsible for feelings of satiety and hunger. Thanks to this property of vitamin N, a person feels less appetite and can go longer without eating. Lipamides also stimulate energy expenditure by increasing the metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. They help all beneficial elements to be better absorbed, protect the liver and the internal walls of other organs from the harm of fat accumulation.

It is worth taking tablets or capsules 3 - 4 times a day. In the morning on an empty stomach (if followed by a hearty breakfast), immediately after training and after a light dinner. Vitamin N with such a system will not cause any harm and will be able to give the body all its beneficial properties.

Contraindications and side effects

Like any drug, lipoic acid must be used very carefully, as it contains active substances that can be harmful in some conditions. In recent years (2002, 2005, 2007) numerous experiments have been carried out in various laboratories and institutes around the world to identify contraindications for alpha-lipoic acid as a means of weight loss. Quite a few cases have been identified, but they still exist. Contraindications to its use are:

• children's age (up to 16 years);
• hypersensitivity;
• lactation;
• pregnancy.

On some low-quality resources you can find information that the daily intake of lipoic acid is from 400 to 600 mg. Uncontrollable in their desire to lose weight as quickly as possible, there are those who start taking the drug in precisely these doses. In fact, these are indicators for acute and severe forms of diabetes, which this drug copes well with.

It is not recommended to take lipoic acid for athletes suffering from diabetes, gastric and duodenal ulcers, and gastritis. In some cases, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and headaches are possible.

For a healthy person, such numbers result in an overdose, which manifests itself in such side effects as:

• nausea;
• allergic reactions;
• vomit;
• heartburn;
• diarrhea;
• headache.

It also happens that the dosage is met, but side effects from consuming lipoic acid are still present. This may be due to the influence of iron-containing drugs used simultaneously with it, or alcoholic drinks, which reduce the activity of this unique substance tenfold. Therefore, while taking ALA, you should avoid them.

Lipoic acid for children

LC is recommended for use in full courses by adolescents who have reached 16-18 years of age with an already formed internal organ system and its normal functioning. However, children can take LA 1-2 times a day in small tablets. The daily norm for them is 7 - 25 mg. If this threshold is exceeded, the benefits of alpha-lipoic acid can turn into harm in the form of deviations in the functioning of the body and the development of unwanted diseases.

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Drug interactions

The drug is capable of binding metals, so it is not recommended to take it together with complexes containing magnesium, iron and other trace elements.
If such treatment is necessary, it is better to drink alpha-lipoic acid in the morning, and products containing metals - in the afternoon or evening. The use of glucose-lowering tablets and insulin drugs may increase the hypoglycemic effect. When treating with any other drugs, it is recommended to consult a doctor before taking alpha lipoic acid, as their drug compatibility may be low.

Benefits and uses of lipoic acid for facial skin

Lipoic acid is actively used in cosmetology. It is used in many anti-aging creams for all skin types. For the skin, lipoic acid produces a refreshing effect, gives cell tone, and neutralizes the damage caused by prolonged solar ultraviolet exposure. Lipoic acid may also be useful for certain facial conditions: it is often used to treat acne and narrowing of pores.

Advice! Many cosmetic brands produce special masks with lipoic acid to rejuvenate facial skin.

Side effects from taking the dosage form of lipoic acid

Side effects from taking chemical analogues of amygdalin include:

• Allergic reaction – skin itching, urticaria, anaphylactic shock;
• Hemorrhagic rash (purpura);
• Pinpoint hemorrhages, thrombocytopathy, thrombophlebitis;
• Increased intracranial pressure (with rapid administration);
• Hypoglycemia;
• Labored breathing;
• Convulsions;
• Diplopia.

Interaction of lipoic acid with other substances

You need to be very careful when combining lipamides with other drugs. In combination with vitamin N, you can take beneficial substances of groups E, D, F. LA also interacts well with ascorbic acid, having an absorbent effect and neutralizing possible harm from excessive acidity.

Lipoic acid and L-carnitine

Very often, complexes containing the properties of both of these drugs are prescribed for weight loss. L-carnitine further improves and accelerates fat metabolism. Due to this combination, the body primarily uses energy obtained from fatty acids and glycerol.

Contraindications

Formulations with alpha lipoic acid are considered safe for use. In rare cases, allergic skin reactions, rash, itching and urticaria occur. People with weakened digestion may experience nausea, reflux, heartburn and stomach pain.

If a man or woman has excessive sensitivity and individual intolerance to certain drugs, or is prone to developing drug allergies, then the body is contraindicated in taking a drug containing lipoic acid. This can bring no benefit, but only harm, in this case.

Lipoic acid is contraindicated for small children and nursing mothers

Carefully! The use of acid is not recommended for children under 6 years of age, pregnant and breastfeeding women. Caution with the use of vitamin N will not hurt those who have high acidity and stomach ulcers, with frequent allergic reactions.

Reviews from doctors

Krivosheeva Margarita Sergeevna, 58 years old, Moscow

Lipoic acid is a necessary supplement for those who want to lose weight, which has a lot of beneficial properties: it improves digestive processes, regulates the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates, and helps the body get rid of unwanted accumulations by producing additional energy.

Victoria Ruslanovna Korolenko, 42 years old, Voronezh

Lipoic acid is prescribed to patients whose metabolism is disrupted and metabolic processes are not occurring correctly. Vitamin N helps improve this common problem caused by strict diets and fasting. This supplement will be an excellent addition to a healthy diet and exercise.

How does vitamin N deficiency manifest?

With a deficiency of lipoic acid, the immune system is suppressed, metabolic processes are inhibited, and harmful cholesterol accumulates in the blood vessels. People who are deficient in vitamin N experience the following symptoms:

• dizziness;
• convulsive muscle contractions;
• the appearance of cholesterol plaques in blood vessels;
• formation of stones in the kidneys and gall bladder;
• neuritis;
• overweight;
• allergy;
• gagging;
• lack of appetite.