Looking for an effective and safe drug for weight loss? Alpha lipoic acid will not only speed up fat burning, but also reduce appetite. Find out how it helps lovers of flour and sweets to lose weight.

In order to reduce weight, women are ready to use any means and methods. When it becomes clear that diets and training do not lead to the desired result, one has to seek support from pharmacists. Through the efforts of the latter, every year on the shelves of pharmacies and sports nutrition stores, a lot of dietary supplements and vitamin-like products appear to model the figure by normalizing metabolism and restoring the balance of nutrients in the body. Few are effective and safe. Among them is lipoic acid. For weight loss, it began to be used relatively recently, but immediately demonstrated a powerful effect and won a lot of rave reviews. However, there is no need to get too hopeful: doctors warn that "passive" weight loss with lipoic acid is unlikely.

Properties

Lipoic acid (thioctic or alpha-lipoic, ALA, LA, vitamin N, lipoate, thioctacid) is a vitamin-like substance endowed with antioxidant properties. From the point of view of the impact on the body, that is, biochemical characteristics, it has a lot in common with B vitamins. Outwardly, it looks like a crystalline powder of a light yellow hue. Taste is bitter. Does not dissolve in water. As a medicine and dietary supplement, it is often produced in capsules, tablets, injection solutions.

Discovered LK in 1937. Then scientists identified bacteria containing this chemical. The antioxidant abilities of lipoate became known a few years later. Since then, research on this topic has not stopped. As a result, it was possible to determine that up to a certain age, on average 30 years, LA is produced by the body, but the identified amount is not enough to obtain significant benefits. We fill the deficiency of the substance with the help of products containing it:

• bananas;
• yeast;
• legumes;
• leafy greens;
• mushrooms;
• Luke;
• wheat groats;
• beef and meat by-products;
• eggs and dairy products.

True, there is one “but”: in order to maintain an optimal supply of lipoic acid in the body, you will have to eat exclusively the products of the specified list, while absorbing them in unlimited quantities. It is much easier and more expedient to use pharmaceutical products.

Speaking about vitamin N as a medicine, we can distinguish the following properties:

• protection of the body from free radicals and poisonous "agents";
• ensuring the proper functioning of the pancreas;
• improvement of visual functions;
• beneficial effect on the skeletal system;
• positive effect on blood vessels and heart;
• normalization of the psycho-emotional state and improvement of memory.

Since thioctacid is partially produced by the body, it is taken up organically by the cells.

Initially, ALA was used to protect the liver and restore its cells in case of poisoning, including alcohol poisoning, and then it began to be used to build muscle mass in athletes. Today, lipoic acid is of great interest precisely as a means of losing weight. Does it help in this direction? Definitely. Once in the body, alpha-lipoic acid turns into lipoamide, which triggers fat and energy metabolism, as a result of "accelerating" metabolism. A normal metabolism is a fundamental criterion for a slim figure, since weight loss is based on the difference between consumed and expended energy.

Experts identify three particularly beneficial properties of vitamin N for weight loss:

• Appetite suppression

Lipoate helps to reduce blood sugar levels, thereby blocking the feeling of hunger. It is for this reason that it is attributed to diabetics. Helping cells in the absorption of glucose and stimulating the production of the hormone insulin by the pancreas, LK restores the balance of carbohydrates and activates lipid metabolism. At the same time, a decrease in appetite is considered nothing more than one of the side effects of LK, which is successfully used by losing weight for the benefit of the figure.

Scientists have been able to prove that when a sufficient amount of a vitamin-like substance is consumed, the body can more easily cope with irritability and get rid of psycho-emotional discomfort. As a result, the need to “seize” stress disappears.

• Fat reduction

Despite the attempt of many dietary supplement manufacturers to present alpha-lipoic acid as a powerful fat burner, this property is not typical for it. In fact, ALA only prevents the formation of subcutaneous fat by actively converting carbohydrates into energy. Significantly reduce fat reserves when taking thioctacid allows a number of points determined by its action: the removal of toxins, oxidation and elimination of decay products.

It is noteworthy that the regular use of LK helps to prevent the formation of stretch marks, characteristic of the skin of losing weight.

• Elimination of physical fatigue

Controlling the level of alpha lipoic acid in the body leads to a lower fatigue threshold. This means that workouts can last longer without feeling overwhelmed. As a result, a person achieves better results and, consequently, the fastest modeling of the body.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

• in the form of drugs and vitamin complexes is relatively inexpensive;
• normalizes the level of cholesterol in the blood;
• increases the stability of the nervous system;
• protects the liver from adverse environmental factors;
• enhances endurance, gives a charge of vivacity;
• protects from solar radiation;
• relieves the skin of stretch marks;
• improves eyesight;
• supports the functioning of the thyroid gland;
• has an antioxidant effect;
• strengthens the immune system;
• can be used by patients with diabetes;
• promotes the growth of beneficial intestinal microflora;
• does not require dieting;
• accelerates metabolic processes;
• is a product of natural origin.

Flaws:

• with illiterate use provokes the development of side effects;
• requires several courses;
• does not guarantee lasting results;
• not combined with alcohol in any quantity;
• in the form of dietary supplements is quite expensive.

Instructions for use

In order for body modeling with lipoate to bring results, it is important to know exactly how to correctly calculate the dosage and duration of the course. Thioctacid is distinguished by its special chemical activity and reacts with other compounds, therefore, the features of its use should also be studied in advance.

Dosage

Since the substance enters the pharmaceutical market in the form of medicines and dietary supplements, manufacturers give their own recommendations regarding the dosage of lipoic acid for weight loss. Physicians, on the other hand, have established special rules regarding how to use the drug, obeying the law “do no harm”:

• in the absence of medical indications, the daily rate of ALA is up to 50 mg;
• a dose of 75 mg can be used exclusively during the complex treatment of diseases of the liver, heart and kidneys;
• diabetics are usually prescribed at least 400 mg of vitamin N per day;
• the maximum daily dose of thioctacid for healthy people is 100 mg;
• with a significant increase in physical activity, the dose of thioctacid can be increased several times, with high-intensity cardio training - up to 500 mg.

If weight loss is being considered, the minimum dosage for women is 30-50 mg per day (three times a day, 10-15 mg), for men - 50-75 mg (three times a day, 20-25 mg). Dosage for intramuscular injection should not exceed 50 mg. Some sources indicate that results can only be achieved when taking from 100-200 mg of ALA per day. In any case, in order to prevent the development of a negative reaction of the body, one should start taking it with small doses.

Neurologist D. Perlmutter, who is the author of the “brain diet”, calls 600 mg of LA a mandatory daily dose for anyone who wants to eliminate the consequences of years of abuse of fast carbohydrates. In fact, without a doctor's prescription and the necessary physical activity, such an amount of thioctacid can result in a sharp deterioration in well-being.

The duration of one course of weight loss on lipoate is limited to 2-3 weeks, although in order to achieve a qualitative result, it is possible to increase the duration up to 1 month. Further use of the substance without interruption is not possible, as there is a real risk to health. The optimal interval between courses is 1 month, but it is better to keep two.

special instructions

1. The best time to take (intramuscularly) LA is morning and evening.
2. To prevent the development of discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract, the use of ALA in the form of medicines or dietary supplements should be performed after meals.
3. Dairy products should be consumed at least 4 hours after taking vitamin N, as it reduces the absorption of calcium.
4. Athletes should consume vitamin N half an hour after the end of training.
5. It is strictly forbidden to combine the intake of lipoate and alcohol. The latter blocks the beneficial properties of vitamin N. In addition, against the background of losing weight with lipoic acid, a large amount of alcohol can lead to the development of nausea and dizziness.
6. After several weeks of active use of ALA in the form of drugs for oral administration or solution for intramuscular injection, the urine may acquire a specific odor. This moment should not alert and scare, as it is the norm.
7. It is better to stop taking serious medications while using ALC, but first you should talk to your doctor.
8. Losing weight with alpha lipoic acid should not be "passive". To improve results, you need to exercise and eat right. There is an explanation for this. With increased training, microtraumas occur in the muscles, and when the diet changes, chemical changes are triggered in the body. Under the pressure of these circumstances, oxidative processes are activated in the body, causing an acceleration in the formation of free radicals. Having neutralized them, LA “recovers” and again takes a course for an antioxidant effect. The result of an integrated approach to weight loss is noticeable after 1.5 weeks from the start of the course. In general, in 3 weeks you can become 4-7 kg lighter.

Side effects

As a rule, side effects with the use of lipoic acid develop extremely rarely. The exception is an overdose and an unnecessarily long period of admission. If the following symptoms occur, taking capsules, tablets and other forms of LC should be stopped immediately:

• stomach ache;
• anaphylactic shock;
• skin rash;
• hyperemia throughout the body;
• headache;
• metallic taste in the mouth;
• diarrhea;
• hypoglycemia;
• hives;
• skin itching;
• increase in pressure;
• convulsions and double vision;
• breath holding;
• eczema;
• nausea and vomiting.

Since thioctacid affects the level of thyroid hormones, hypothyroidism is likely to develop if used incorrectly. The condition is accompanied by the following symptoms: yellowing of the skin, lowering body temperature, lowering blood pressure, chills, anemia, drowsiness, menstrual cycle failure.

If vitamin N is used in the form of an injection, bleeding into the mucous membranes and skin is added to the side effects.

It seems to some who are losing weight that an increase in the daily dosage of a substance will lead to faster weight loss and will bring more benefits to the body. This opinion is extremely erroneous. Rather, on the contrary: an overdose is life-threatening, as it even leads to hypoglycemic coma and blood clotting disorders. The following methods are prescribed as assistance in critical conditions:

• symptomatic therapy;
• gastric lavage;
• artificial induction of vomiting;
• receiving activated charcoal.

It is important to know that all of these manipulations may be useless, since medicine does not know a specific antidote. That is why before you drink LA or perform injections with solutions containing it, you need to carefully consider the issue of studying the instructions.

Contraindications

Ignoring contraindications to the use of vitamin N can lead to negative consequences for the whole body, so they should be studied with particular seriousness:

• allergic reactions;
• pregnancy and lactation;
• age up to 16 years (in some sources - up to 6 or 14);
• gastritis;
• exacerbation of peptic ulcer of the duodenum and stomach;
• increased acidity of gastric juice.

Drug Interactions

Due to the risk of excessively lowering blood sugar levels, lipoate should not be taken concomitantly with insulin. Cisplatin contributes to a decrease in the effectiveness of vitamin N. Also, the ban on simultaneous intake applies to vitamin complexes containing calcium, magnesium and iron.

Storage conditions

Thioctacid capsules and tablets should be stored in their original packaging and protected from moisture. Ampoules for the preparation of the solution have a pronounced photosensitivity, so it is important to avoid direct sunlight on them. After the expiration date set by the manufacturer, it is prohibited to use LC in any of the forms presented on the pharmaceutical market in order to avoid poisoning.

Preparations

The drugs containing LA on the modern market can be divided into three groups:

Medicines

Drugs with LC are the most primitive group that can, but is not advisable to use for weight loss due to the high risk of developing negative reactions with an illiterate approach. Preparations are often produced under the guise of tablets (t) and solutions. Particularly recognizable:

1. Berlition. A drug for regulating metabolic processes. It is prescribed for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy, hepatitis, chronic intoxication. Of the drugs with LC, one of the most popular. The cost is from 750 rubles for 30 tons, and 550 for 5 ampoules.
2. Lipothioxone. An antioxidant drug that regulates lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Used in diabetic polyneuropathy. Price - from 440 rubles for 5 ampoules.
3. Thiolipon. The agent is an endogenous antioxidant that binds free radicals. Used in the treatment of diabetic polyneuropathy. The cost of 30 tons is approximately 850 rubles, and 10 ampoules - 450.
4. Thioctacid. A hypolipidemic drug that has a positive effect on the metabolic process. Used in the treatment of hepatitis, cirrhosis, diabetes. The price is 1800 rubles for 30 tons and 1630 for 5 ampoules.
5. Espa Lipon. Means for the regulation of metabolic processes, shown to effectively combat the manifestations of diabetes. Cost - 760 rubles for 5 ampoules.
6. Octolipen. The metabolite, which normalizes metabolic processes, actively fights the existing fat deposits. The cost of 30 tons is 340 rubles.

The average content of the active substance (LA) in the presented funds is 300 mg per dose.

It is possible that the effect of taking these drugs in relation to weight loss will not be immediately noticeable due to the lack of additional substances with fat-burning and metabolic effects, however, it will be possible to get rid of a few kilograms, subject to training and proper nutrition.

Important! In a pharmacy, you can buy a package of ordinary lipoic acid tablets, which costs mere pennies - from 30 to 50 rubles for 50 pieces. Newfangled drugs from the top list are just expensive "analogues" that operate on the same principle and with the same efficiency.

dietary supplements

It is much more expedient to use vitamin N for weight loss in the form of dietary supplements, additionally enriched with various components. Their range on the market is quite wide, so you can choose the most primitive version or suitable for professionals. At the same time, each manufacturer clearly notes how and how much to take the drug, which is very convenient.

In a separate form, that is, without additions, ALA is represented by such drugs:

"Alpha Lipoic Acid" from Evalar

The product of the Turboslim line marked "Anti-age", in the production of which raw materials from leading German manufacturers are used, is an easily digestible ALA for antioxidant protection and detoxification of the body. Additionally, it provides the ability to protect liver cells, control weight and reduce blood sugar levels. Allowed for children from 14 years old. The price of lipoic acid for weight loss from Evalar is 307 rubles for 30 soft gelatin capsules. Each contains 100 mg of the active ingredient, which does not exceed the permissible limit.

"Lipoic Acid" from Square-S

A biologically active additive from a Russian manufacturer is supplied to the market in the form of film-coated tablets. Recommended as an additional source of LA. In addition to affecting appetite and weight loss, it strengthens the immune system and has an effect on lipid metabolism. Each serving contains 30 mg of LA. The average cost of 30 tablets is 60 rubles.

Despite the low cost, real reviews on the Internet speak of the high effectiveness of dietary supplements, so it can be recommended as a budget tool for weight loss and body rejuvenation.

"ALK" from DHC

DHC is considered to be the leading manufacturer of nutritional supplements in Japan. Her remedy with LC is considered indispensable for anyone who wants to find a perfect figure, healthy skin and well-being. It is marketed in the form of capsules, each containing 210 mg of ALA. For a package of 40 capsules, they ask from 1000 rubles.

« Alpha Lipoic acid» by Solgar

The American company Solgar produces a kosher dietary supplement without gluten and wheat, suitable for vegetarians. Each serving contains 600 mg of the active ingredient. The package contains 50 tablets. Price - from 1450 rubles.

"Alpha Lipoic Acid" by Doctor's BEST

An American company supplies dietary supplements to the market in three samples - a package of 120 doses of 150 mg of the active substance each and 180 doses with an ALA content of 300 mg or 600 mg per serving. In the second case, the product can be used by vegetarians. Cost - from 900 rubles.

"Active Lipoic Acid" by Country Life

Kosher dietary supplement is a heat-resistant R-lipoic acid (30 mg) in combination with alpha-lipoic acid (270 mg), which guarantees greater efficiency when taken and the fastest achievement of results in the form of body rejuvenation and weight loss. R-lipoic is the "right isomer" of lipoate, with a slightly different molecular composition. Doctors believe that the human body absorbs this type of ALA more efficiently, since the substance has a great potential for inherent LK properties and significantly increases the sensitivity of cells to insulin. The price of the drug is 2300 rubles for 60 tablets.

The list can go on and on, as almost every sports nutrition company strives to release its own ALA drug. These are considered the most effective.

A more modest range of thioctic acid dietary supplements with additives that start an accelerated process of losing weight and bring maximum benefits to the body.

The best choice among the "mixes" is the Turboslim line from the Russian company Evalar "Alpha Lipoic Acid and L-Carnitine". The combination of two substances, which contributes to the acceleration of metabolic processes, is often used in sports and for weight loss. L-carnitine itself is produced by the body in the same way as ALA, that is, both components are natural. Thanks to levocarnitine, cholesterol and triglycerides are lowered, fat deposits are broken down and the body is provided with energy. The substance increases overall tone, increasing mental and physical activity, and also accelerates muscle recovery after training. The effectiveness of the drug "Alpha-lipoic acid and L-carnitine" in the matter of weight loss is due to the active burning of fats and the release of energy. Additionally, the dietary supplement contains a complex of B vitamins, which enhances the energy-forming properties of the main components and improves all types of metabolism.

ALA enhances the fat-burning effect of the natural anabolic L-carnitine.

A bioadditive is available in the form of tablets. Each contains at least 30 mg of alpha lipoic acid and at least 300 mg of levocarnitine. The manufacturer recommends taking 2 tablets per day, thereby forming the optimal daily dose of active ingredients for guaranteed weight loss. The cost of a Russian-made dietary supplement on the official website of Evalar is 289 rubles. for a pack of 20 tablets.

If there is no desire to swallow pills, you can choose a supplement from the same manufacturer. This is a fat-burning drink to speed up the metabolism, which also contains l-carnitine. A dietary supplement with a high concentration of a natural fat burner is perfect for those who seek to correct their figure. Helps speed up metabolic processes, increases the effectiveness of training and restores strength. The peculiarity is ease of use: since the bioadditive is not a concentrate, it is not required to dilute it with water. The package contains 6 bottles of 50 ml each. The cost is about 450 rubles.

Another complex with two components indispensable for weight loss - "Acetyl-L-carnitine and ALA"(Acetyll-Carnitin Alpha-Lipoic Acid) by Source Naturals . The bioadditive of the American pharmaceutical company is intended not only for fat burning, but also for vitality at the cellular level. The content of two nutrients allows you to maintain metabolic functions at the proper level. Acetylcarnitine is a relatively new form of levocarnitine that has an acetyl group added to it. According to the manufacturer, Acetyl-L-Carnitine is more bioavailable and more effective. One tablet contains 500 mg of acetyl levocranitine and 150 mg of ALA. There is no strictly defined dosage - you can take from 1 to 4 tablets per day. You have to focus on your own goals and well-being. The price of a bioadditive is about 1400 rubles. for a pack of 60 tablets and 2600 for 120 doses.

The American manufacturer Jarrow Formulas offers a special type of dietary supplement - "ALA Extract with Biotin"(Alpha Lipoic Sustain). Extract is a two layer extended release format for less GI irritation. Biotin is introduced for the optimal action of the main component. Each tablet contains 300 mg of thioctacid. You can buy a package of 120 doses from 4200 rubles.

Important! Dietary supplements with ALA should be taken strictly in accordance with the prescribed duration of the course. Otherwise, you can accustom the body to a constant intake of a substance that boosts metabolism and cause a "withdrawal syndrome", which turns into a refusal of the body to produce thioctacid on its own.

vitamins

The complexes are especially popular on the market:

1. "Complivit" (2 mg) and "Complivit Diabetes" (25 mg) of the Russian company Pharmstandard. Cost - from 140 rubles. for 60 tablets.
2. Vitamin-mineral complex AlfaVit Effect. Designed for people who are actively involved in sports and fitness. Here there are lipoic and succinic acids, as well as natural energy: taurine, carnitine and plant extracts with a tonic effect. Daily dose - 3 tablets of different colors. A package of 60 tablets will cost about 380 rubles. The company also produces a complex "In the season of colds", which also contains lipoic and succinic acid. 60 tablets will cost 300 rubles.
3. Selmevit Intensive, Slovenia. In addition to ALA (25 mg per dose), it contains a loading dose of B vitamins. The complex is designed specifically for people leading an active lifestyle. Price - 380 rubles. for 60 tablets.

Despite the fact that lipoate is one of the few means for weight loss without harm to health, it is necessary to consult a doctor before starting the course. If the goal is to lose weight, it is better to use dietary supplements, and not medicine.

Where can I buy

You can buy dietary supplements with LA in online stores specializing in the sale of sports nutrition, and from individual entrepreneurs. Things are much easier with the purchase of medicines and vitamin complexes - they are sold by almost every regular and online pharmacy.