Big Mama You are what you eat - and drink - and that's especially (and unfortunately) true if you're drinking and eating products that contain the sugar substitute aspartame (also known as Equal and NutraSweet). Last week I told you about an HSI member named John who had a harrowing experience with aspartame ("Just For The Poison Of It" 4/10/03). One of his most severe adverse reactions was diabetic neuropathy, a nerve disorder that made it impossible for him to walk. Writing on the HSI Forum, John said that his legs had "little feeling except pain," but had been responding well with "noticeably increased feeling" thanks to supplements of the antioxidant alpha lipoic acid (ALA). We've told you about ALA in previous Members Alerts and e-Alerts - detailing its benefits as well as one possible drawback for those with low blood sugar (and I'll have more on that in a moment). Now a new study, released just last month, brings confirmation of what John already knows - ALA is an important nutrient for diabetics. And as we've also seen, it may be a potent cancer fighter as well. The Mayo Clinic and Moscow's Russian Medical Academy for Advanced Studies teamed up to examine the effects of ALA on 120 patients (with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes) who also had diabetic neuropathy. Divided into two equal groups, one group received 600 mg intravenous doses of ALA daily for 14 days, and the other group received a placebo. Progress was determined by testing nerve conduction, sensation, and nervous system function, and through written surveys. As reported in the March issue of Diabetes Care, the researchers concluded that ALA "significantly and rapidly" reduced both the severity and frequency of diabetic neuropathy symptoms. Mayo Clinic neurologist, Peter Dyck, M.D., added that even at the high dosage level used in the study (not available intravenously in the U.S.) there were no known complications. Dr. Dyck noted that a large trial is currently underway to test oral supplements of ALA, and the results of that research will be eagerly anticipated. Previous trials of ALA have been relatively small, and none have been long term, so there are still some unknown factors. Even so, ALA has been in use since the late 50's (primarily in Germany), and, like other antioxidant nutrients, it reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other age-related degenerative diseases. In the case of diabetes, glucose levels often fluctuate and run too high. Over time, this creates trace chemicals that cause oxidative stress to nerve cells, degeneration of nerve fibers, and eventually the painful symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. ALA helps regulate glucose levels by protecting cell membranes and blood lipids against oxidative damage. But ALA also does something that no other antioxidant is known to do. It has the unique capacity to actually recycle vitamins C and E from their molecular building blocks. For this reason, it is sometimes referred to as the "mother" antioxidant. In addition, ALA can help your body better utilize coenzyme Q10 and glutathione. Many studies have shown that antioxidants are most effective when several different kinds are used together. One of the factors to consider when supplementing with ALA is that it is quickly metabolized and cleared from the liver. As a result, a supplement will only cause a relatively brief rise in blood levels of ALA. Several studies have concluded that significant benefits (for all of us - not just diabetics) can result from an intake of 50 mg per day. But whatever your dosage, it's best to take lower amounts throughout the day, rather than all at once. Before adding ALA to your supplement regimen I have one important word of caution. ALA has many beneficial applications, including its use as a blood-sugar-lowering agent in diabetics. The effect of ALA on those who suffer from hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) has not been specifically studied. There is, however, research showing that ALA lowers blood-sugar levels in normal, or non-diabetic, subjects as well as in those with diabetes. Our current understanding of how ALA affects blood sugar suggests that it should not be used by those with very low blood sugar, as it could further decrease blood glucose. So if you do take ALA, proceed with caution. And, as always, it's a good idea to discuss your supplement intake with your doctor or healthcare provider - especially if you're diabetic, or if low blood sugar might be an issue. Sources:
"The Sensory Symptoms of Diabetic Polyneuropathy Are Improved With A-Lipoic Acid" Diabetes Care 26:770-776, 2003, Care.diabetesjournals.org
"Antioxidant Alpha Lipoic Acid Significantly Improves Symptoms of Diabetic Neuropathy" Ascribe Newswire, 4/7/03, ascribe.org
"NINDS Diabetic Neuropathy Information Page" National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke" ninds.nih.gov
"A Special Antioxidant, But…" Berkeley Wellness Letter, September 1999, berkeleywellness.com | 
