| Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is well known for its pain | | | | This means that alpha lipoic acid's power can be |
| relieving abilities. It is known to be most effective | | | | utilized in both intracellular and the extra cellular fluid |
| against the burning, numbness and pain that often is | | | | to help the body rid itself of accumulated ingested |
| associated with diabetes. This is one antioxidant, | | | | toxins. Relief is a major concern for most people who |
| which works wonders as a pain medication. | | | | suffer from chronic pain, whether it is from diabetes |
| Human clinical trials for testing the efficacy of alpha | | | | or other causes. Alpha lipoic acid has proved time and |
| lipoic acid for pain relief have been very encouraging. | | | | again to be a major relaxant and stress reliever. |
| In one of these trials, participants received 200 | | | | Diabetics have also found alpha lipoic acid beneficial in |
| milligrams of intravenous alpha lipoic acid daily. After a | | | | reducing symptoms associated with nerve damage |
| period of 21 days, significant pain reduction was | | | | such as pain, burning, and numbness. However, |
| achieved in most participants. | | | | supplemental alpha-lipoic acid may cause lower blood |
| Alpha lipoic acid is also responsible for rapidly and | | | | glucose levels. To avoid possible hypoglycemia, those |
| significantly reducing sensory symptoms and pain | | | | with diabetes on anti-diabetic medication should have |
| related to diabetic neuropathy. Lack of vitamin D has | | | | their blood glucose regularly monitored and |
| also been linked to pain in many studies and alpha | | | | anti-diabetic drug dose appropriately adjusted if |
| lipoic acid being a trigger in assisting vitamin D working | | | | required. |
| aids in alleviating pain. One key to the effectiveness | | | | A note of caution: Due to lack of long-term safety |
| of alpha lipoic acid in pain relief is its capability of | | | | data, alpha lipoic acid should be avoided by pregnant |
| neutralizing both water and fat-soluble free radicals. | | | | women and nursing mothers. |