What Is It Used For And How
Most commonly, alpha-lipoic acid is orally consumed for diabetes and diabetes-related nerve symptoms, including swelling, discomfort, and numbness in the legs and arms. It is also used for the same purposes as an injection into the vein . For the treatment of these nerve-related symptoms, high doses of alpha-lipoic acid have been approved in Germany. Alpha-lipoic acid appears to help prevent other forms of cell damage in the body, and also restores levels of the vitamin, including Vitamin E and Vitamin C. There is also evidence that alpha-lipoic acid can improve neuronal function and conduction in diabetes.
In the body, alpha-lipoic acid breaks down carbohydrates and creates energy for the other organs within the body. Alpha-lipoic acid works as an antioxidant, suggesting it can provide brain defense under damage or injury conditions. In certain liver disorders, the antioxidant effects may be beneficial. A few studies have found it to be effective in Cancer Treatment when used alongside regular Chemotherapy.
Ala And Prostate Cancer
| The safety and scientific validity of this study is the responsibility of the study sponsor and investigators. Listing a study does not mean it has been evaluated by the U.S. Federal Government. Read our disclaimer for details. |
| Verified June 2012 by David Jenkins, University of Toronto. Recruitment status was: Active, not recruitingFirst Posted : March 31, 2006Last Update Posted : June 13, 2012 |
| Phase 2 |
In addition disturbing news on alpha-linolenic acid has recently been reviewed by Brouwer and colleagues . Their analyses suggests that ALA, as found in canola oil and other healthy foods, may cause prostate cancer even though there is good evidence that canola oil will prevent heart disease. This issue urgently needs further research.
Common Side Effects People Have Besides Prostate Cancer *:
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Are Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplements Safe For Healthy Individuals With Cdkn1b Mutation Associated Genetic Risk
CDKN1B is one of the genes available in panels for cancer risk testing. CDKN1B mutation causes biochemical pathways/processes like Stem Cell Signaling, Cell Cycle Checkpoints, FOXO Signaling, PI3K-AKT-MTOR Signaling and Angiogenesis to get impacted. These pathways are direct or indirect drivers of cancer molecular endpoints. Consider taking Alpha Lipoic Acid supplements when the genetic panel identifies mutation in CDKN1B for Neuroendocrine Cancer. Alpha Lipoic Acid impacts pathways/processes like Stem Cell Signaling and Cell Cycle Checkpoints and creates a supportive effect in those with CDKN1B mutation and related conditions.
* Other Factors are also included like BMI, Treatments, Lifestyle Habits
Fatty Acid Profiles From Diets And Tissues
Total fatty acids in the diets, blood, liver, epididymis adipose tissue and prostates of mice at the age of 8 weeks were analysed at the same time. Liver, epididymis adipose tissue and prostate samples were each homogenised with 500 l of methanol before lipid extraction. Total fatty acid extraction was performed as described previously , and then 1 l of solution was analysed on a gas chromatograph fitted with a QP2010 ultra mass spectrometer using an Rtx-WAX column . The temperature programming of the gas chromatography was performed as described previously .
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Are Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplements Safe For Healthy Individuals With Tert Mutation Associated Genetic Risk
Different companies offer panels of genes to be tested for assessing genetic risk to different cancers. These panels cover genes associated with cancers of the breast, ovary, uterus, prostate, and gastrointestinal system and others. Genetic testing of these genes may confirm a diagnosis and help guide treatment and management decisions. Identification of a disease-causing variant may also guide testing and diagnosis of at-risk relatives. TERT is one of the genes generally available in panels for cancer risk testing.
TERT mutation causes biochemical pathways/processes like Apoptosis, RUNX Signaling, Stem Cell Signaling, Cell Cycle Checkpoints and JAK-STAT Signaling to get impacted. These pathways are direct or indirect drivers of cancer molecular endpoints. Alpha Lipoic Acid should be avoided when the genetic panel identifies mutation of TERT for Hematological Cancer. Alpha Lipoic Acid impacts pathways/processes like Apoptosis and RUNX Signaling and creates adverse effects with TERT and related conditions.
Protective Effect Of Metformin Resveratrol And Alpha
Volume 11, Issue 2, 2019
Page: Pages: 7
Abstract
Background: Radiation-induced pneumonitis and fibrosis are the most common side effectsof chest radiotherapy. They result from massive and chronic production of Reactive OxygenSpecies , inhibition of antioxidant enzymes as well as the release of several inflammatorymediators. In this study, we aimed to detect the radioprotective effects of metformin , resveratrol and alpha-lipoicacid for alleviating radiation-induced pneumonitis and fibrosis.
Methods: 80 Male Mice were randomly allotted to eight groups which include G1: control G2: resveratrol G3: alpha-lipoic acid G4: metformin G5: radiation G6: radiation plus resveratrol G7: radiationplus alpha-lipoic acid G8: radiation plus metformin. Drugs doses were as follows: 100mg/kg metformin, 200 mg/kg resveratrol and 200 mg/kg alpha-lipoic acid. Irradiation with a singleradiation dose of 18 Gy was performed using a cobalt-60 gamma-ray source. After 80 days,all mice were sacrificed and their lung tissues evaluated for morphological changes using histopathologicalmarkers.
Results: Irradiation led to acute pneumonitis including infiltration of inflammatory cells and damagesto alveolar and vascular, as well as mild fibrosis. Metformin, alpha-lipoic acid and resveratrolwere able to reduce pneumonitis and overcome radiation-induced fibrosis.
Referenceset al. et al. et al. et al. et al. et al. et al. et al. et al. et al. et al. et al. et al. et al. et al. et al. et al. et al.
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Summary Of The Evidence For Prostate Cancer Nutrition And Dietary Supplements
To assist readers in evaluating the results of human studies of integrative, alternative, and complementary therapies for cancer, the strength of the evidence associated with each type of treatment is provided wheneverpossible. To qualify for a level of evidence analysis, a study must:
- Report on a therapeuticoutcome or outcomes, such as tumorresponse, improvement in survival, or measured improvement in quality of life.
- Describe clinical findings in sufficient detail that a meaningful evaluation can be made.
Separate levels of evidence scores are assigned to qualifying human studies on the basis of statistical strength of the study design and scientific strength of the treatment outcomes measured. The resulting two scores are then combined to produce an overall score. For an explanation of the scores and additional information about levels of evidence analysis and scores, see Levels of Evidence for Human Studies of Integrative, Alternative, and Complementary Therapies.
Prostate Cancer Nutrition And Dietary Supplements Health Professional Version
On This Page
This cancer information summary provides an overview of the use of various foods and dietary supplements for reducing the risk of developing prostate cancer or for treating prostate cancer. This summary includes the history of research, reviews of laboratory and animal studies, and results of clinical trials on the following foods or dietary supplements:
Each type of dietary supplement or food will have a dedicated section in the summary, and new topics will be added over time. Note: A summary on PC-SPES is also available.
Prostate cancer is the most common noncutaneous cancer affecting men in the United States. On the basis of data from 2017 to 2019, it is estimated that 12.6% of U.S. men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetimes.
Many studies suggest that complementary and alternative medicine use is common among prostate cancer patients, and the use of vitamins, supplements, and specific foods is frequently reported by these patients. For example, the Prostate CAncer Therapy Selection study was a prospective study that investigated mens decision-making processes about treatment following a diagnosis of local-stage prostate cancer. As part of this study, patients completed surveys regarding CAM use, and more than half of the respondents reported using one or more CAM therapies, with mind-body modalities and biologically based treatments being the most commonly used.
References
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Tissue Dissection And Processing
The liver and epididymis fat pad were dissected, and the whole mouse and prostate lobes were dissected and weighted as described . Representative whole prostate sections for Pten-knockout mice in each group were photographed. All of the prostates and tissues were snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen, and stored at 80 °C until analysis.
What Should I Discuss With My Health Care Provider Before Taking Alpha
Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have:
- a thiamine deficiency or
- if you drink large amounts of alcohol.
It is not known whether alpha-lipoic acid will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether alpha-lipoic acid passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without the advice of a doctor.
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Common Conditions People Have *:
* Approximation only. Some reports may have incomplete information.
Variation In Ala Exposure Levels
Another important aspect to consider is the differing exposure levels between the studies. Each study had different cut offs for each quantile, which makes a true comparison of ALA intake exposure difficult since some studies had higher levels of ALA in their highest intake quantile than others. Further, some studies did not adequately define the absolute upper and/or lower limits of ALA intake,, and one study did not report numerical exposure levels. Two studies, one from Spain and one from the Netherlands, with the largest adequately defined upper and lower limits of ALA exposure ranges, paradoxically reported the second highest and the second lowest risk of developing prostate cancer, respectively. Since the studies with the greatest range of exposure do not necessarily show the greatest effects, dietary variation in the levels of exposure does not appear to explain differences among the studies, thereby making differences in dietary sources of ALA of more importance especially in relation to meat consumption in Western countries.
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What This Paper Adds
ALA is considered a cardioprotective nutrient, however some epidemiological studies have suggested that dietary ALA intake increases the risk of prostate cancer. Although Carayol et al. conducted a meta-analysis on the effect of dietary ALA on prostate cancer in 2010, only prospective studies were analyzed and case-control studies were not included. Overall, we found no significant association between ALA intake and risk of prostate cancer. The results from the prospective studies were similar to those of previously published findings. However, the subgroup analysis of case control studies alone showed a positive non-significant association, but with substantial heterogeneity. The case control studies suggested an element of increased risk, which was dependent on the inclusion of two studies with very high odds ratios, the reasons for which are difficult to explain. Additional research from epidemiological, clinical, and in vitro studies are required to elucidate whether ALA has a promotional, null, or inhibitory effect on prostate cancer risk and development.
Will Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplements Benefit Cancer Patients With Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Undergoing Cytarabine Treatment
Myeloproliferative Neoplasms is characterized and driven by specific genetic mutations like JAK2 and CALR. A cancer treatment like Cytarabine works through a specific pathway mechanism of action. The goal is to have a good overlap between the treatment and cancer driving pathways for a personalized approach which is effective. In such a condition any food or nutritional supplement which has a contrary effect to the treatment or reduces the overlap should be avoided. As an example, Alpha Lipoic Acid should be avoided for Myeloproliferative Neoplasms along with treatment Cytarabine. Alpha Lipoic Acid impacts specific pathways which either promote drivers of the disease and/or nullify the treatment effect. Some of the factors which should be considered when choosing nutrition are type of cancer, treatments and supplements being taken currently , age, gender, BMI, lifestyle and any genetic mutation information .
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Where Can I Get More Information
Consult with a licensed healthcare professional before using any herbal/health supplement. Whether you are treated by a medical doctor or a practitioner trained in the use of natural medicines/supplements, make sure all your healthcare providers know about all of your medical conditions and treatments.
Will Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplements Benefit Cancer Patients With Endometrial Carcinoma Undergoing Cyclophosphamide Treatment
Endometrial Carcinoma is characterized and driven by specific genetic mutations like PTEN and PIK3CA. A cancer treatment like Cyclophosphamide works through specific pathway mechanisms. The goal is to have a good overlap between the treatment and cancer driving pathways for a personalized approach. In such a condition any food or nutritional supplement which has a compatible effect to the treatment or reduces the overlap should be considered. As an example, Alpha Lipoic Acid supplements should be considered for Endometrial Carcinoma along with treatment Cyclophosphamide. Alpha Lipoic Acid supplement impacts specific pathways which either obstruct drivers of Endometrial Carcinoma and/or improve Cyclophosphamide treatment effect.
Foods to Eat After Cancer Diagnosis!
No two cancers are the same. Go beyond the common nutrition guidelines for everyone and make personalized decisions about food and supplements with confidence.
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General Information And History
Calcium, the most abundant mineral in the body, is found in some foods, added to others, available as a dietary supplement, and present in some medicines . Calcium is required for vascular contraction and vasodilation, muscle function, nerve transmission, intracellular signaling, and hormonal secretion, although less than 1% of total body calcium is needed to support these critical metabolic functions. Serum calcium is very tightly regulated and does not fluctuate with changes in dietary intake the body uses bone tissue as a reservoir for, and source of, calcium to maintain constant concentrations of calcium in blood, muscle, and intercellular fluids.
To evaluate the association between calcium intake and prostate cancer mortality and morbidity, it may be important to assess objective, biological of calcium, include data that account for nutritional and supplemental calcium intake, and control for other confounding factors. However, studies of the association between calcium and prostate cancer have been limited to nutritional sources of calcium, such as dairy products. Although more than half of the U.S. population uses vitamin and mineral supplements , few studies include supplement use in the association of disease risk, including prostate cancer or mortality rates. For more information, see Prostate Cancer Prevention.
Alpha Lipoic Acid A Nutritional Supplement
Alpha Lipoic Acid is an organic compound produced by plants, animals, and humans. It has antioxidant properties. It is produced by the human body at low amounts and is mostly obtained from diet, through foods such as meat, vegetables and fruits. Alpha Lipoic Acid is also available in the form of dietary supplements. Following are some of the potential health benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid:
- May act as an anti-ageing agent
Alpha Lipoic Acid is an active ingredient found in various food items. Spinach, broccoli, tomatoes, yams, and rice bran contain Alpha Lipoic Acid at different concentration levels along with other active ingredients. The molecular pathways which are regulated by Alpha Lipoic Acid include Apoptosis, Stem Cell Signaling, Angiogenesis and Cell Cycle Checkpoints. These cellular pathways directly or indirectly regulate specific cancer molecular endpoints like growth, spread and death. Because of this biological regulation for cancer nutrition, the right choice of supplements like Alpha Lipoic Acid individually or in combination is an important decision to be made. When making decisions on the use of supplement Alpha Lipoic Acid for cancer do consider all these factors and explanations. Because just as true for cancer treatments Alpha Lipoic Acid use cannot be a one-size-fits-all decision for all types of cancers.
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Alpha Lipoic Acid And Cancer
Alpha lipoic acid is synthesized within the mitochondria as a cofactor necessary during mitochondrial energy metabolism.1 It is also a potent antioxidant that is used as a health supplement and is being studied as a therapy for diabetes, vascular disease, hypertension, inflammation, and cancer.
Few prospective in-human studies have been conducted among patients with cancer, though multiple studies have shown promising cytotoxic effects in vitro. ALA alone has been shown to decrease cell viability and proliferation in breast, ovarian, colorectal, and lung cancer cell lines, and was synergistic with chemotherapy.2-6 ALA also decreased cell migration and invasion in thyroid cancer cell lines.7 In prostate cancer cells, however, ALA did not affect cell proliferation compared with the control.8
In mice xenograft models, ALA suppressed tumor growth alone and in combination with hydroxycitrate against several tumor types.7,9
In-Human Studies