Alpha Lipoic Acid / DMAE

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Alpha lipoic (ALA) acid is a sulphur-containing vitamin-like substance playing key roles in the production of ATP and acts uniquely as a potent antioxidant in protecting against both fat and water soluble free radicals. It also extends and enhances the effect of other antioxidants, which are used to defend the body against free radical damage.

Brain Function - Alpha lipoic acid has been shown to prevent oxidative stress in neuronal (nerve) tissue. Lipoic acid helps maintain glutathione levels which are found to be depleted in conditions such as Parkinson's disease. Examination of current research reveals protective effects of lipoic acid in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion, excitotoxic amino acid brain injury, mitochondrial dysfunction, diabetes and diabetic neuropathy, inborn errors of metabolism, and other causes of acute or chronic damage to brain or neural tissue.
Skin Health - ALA is a potent antioxidant and is used to regenerate glutathione. It offers particular benefits in skin health through preventing glycation (the free radical damage caused by sugar's toxic effects) causing collagen 'cross-linking'. When collagen cross-links, it becomes stiff and inflexible, leading to the wrinkling and stiffness of old skin.

DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol)

DMAE is normally present in small amounts in the brain and is known for its remarkable brain-enhancement effects. It is naturally occurring in anchovies and sardines - this may explain why fish has often been said to be a 'brain-food'.

Brain Function - DMAE works by accelerating the brain's synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which in turn plays a key role in maximising mental ability as well as in preventing loss of memory in ageing adults. DMAE has been shown to decrease the accumulation of lipofuscin (age spots) within the brain. DMAE is used for treating attention deficit disorder (ADD), enhancing memory and mood, boosting cognitive function, treating Alzheimer's disease, increasing IQ and physical energy, improving athletic performance, delaying aging, improving red blood cell function, improving muscle reflex and increasing oxygen efficiency, extending life span, treating autism, and treating tardive dyskinesia.
Skin Health - DMAE acts as an antioxidant membrane stabiliser preventing the breakdown of the cell plasma membrane and protecting against free radical damage. DMAE inhibits and reverses the cross-linking of proteins and removes lipofuscin from the skin. DMAE in conjunction with the antioxidants vitamin C and lipoic acid can have a profound effect on skin health and vitality, including delaying ageing and liver spots.

Ascorbyl Palmitate

Vitamin C is essential for the production of collagen and elastin and provides crucial antioxidant mechanisms for health, including skin protection. Ascorbyl palmitate is a form of vitamin C joined with a fatty acid derived from palm oil (palmitic acid). This is an ideal form of vitamin C for skin health as it is non-acidic, fat-soluble and is able to penetrate the cell plasma membrane, thus protecting against free radicals.

Alfalfa, Spirulina, Bilberry blend

This base blend (natural excipient) mix of nutrient dense superfoods provides an ideal range of nutrients to support antioxidant protection and optimal cellular health. This blend is rich in trace minerals, carotenoids, anthocyanidins, chlorophyll, enzymes and more.

Dosage

One to three capsules daily.

Potential applications

Skin health - anti-ageing (wrinkles, lines, sagging skin, age spots, collagen damage, broken capillaries, acne, enlarged pores, under-eye bags and puffiness)
Insulin resistance (syndrome X) and diabetic glycation conditions
Brain function - ADD, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, memory, mood.
Blood sugar disorders such as diabetic neuropathy, retinopathy, and other problems associated with glycation.
Fatigue and sleep disorders - DMAE causes dreams to become more lucid (vivid). Both ALA and DMAE have been shown to increase the body's production of energy.

Known contraindications

None known. As a precaution, until further information is available, alpha lipoic acid and DMAE are not recommended for pregnant women.

Interactions

ANTICHOLINERGIC DRUGS: Theoretically, concomitant use might decrease the effect of drugs with anticholinergic activity, due to the potential cholinergic activity of DMAE.

Use in conjunction with

Skin Health - Zinc, EFAs, trace minerals (selenium), beta-carotene complex, pycnogenol/grapeseed
Brain Function - EFAs, ginkgo biloba, vitamin E, trace minerals (selenium), L-glutamine, rhodiola

REFERENCES

Davies C, Maidment S, Hanley P, et al. Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE). HSE. Risk assessment document; EH72/2;1997. (TOXLINE).
Re O. 2-Dimethylaminoethanol (deanol): a brief review of its clinical efficacy and postulated mechanism of action. Curr Ther Res Clin Exp 1974;16(11):1238-42.
Rimland B. Controversies in the treatment of autistic children: vitamin and drug therapy. J Child Neurol 1988;3 Suppl:S68-72.
Pieralisi G, Ripari P, Vecchiet L. Effects of a standardized ginseng extract combined with dimethylaminoethanol bitartrate, vitamins, minerals, and trace elements on physical performance during exercise. Clin Ther 1991;13(3):373-82.
Casey DE. Mood alterations during deanol therapy. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 1979;62(2):187-91.
Sergio W. Use of DMAE (2-dimethylaminoethanol) in the induction of lucid dreams. Med Hypotheses 1988;26(4):255-7.
McGrath JJ, Soares KVS. Cholinergic medication for neuroleptic-induced tardive dyskinesia (Cochrane Review). In: The Cochrane Library Update Software, Oxford,1999(4).
Packer, L. Antioxidant Properties of Lipoic Acid and its Therapeutic Effects in Prevention of Diabetes Complications and Cataracts. Annals NY Acad Sci 738, 257-264, 1994.
Scott, B. et al., Lipoic and Dihydrolipoic Acids as Antioxidants: A Critical Review. Free Rad Res 20, 119-133, 1994.

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Alpha Lipoic Acid / DMAE