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Alpha Lipoic Acid and Healthy Glucose Metabolism

by Jaime Keiller

In this blog you will gain a greater understanding of ways to support healthy glucose metabolism and balance with alpha lipoic acid, optimal nutrition and self-management.‡

As a Registered Dietitian, I've worn many hats. When I worked as a Certified Health Coach, I continued to see how important it was to support and guide the individual to ensure they take an active role in managing their health and wellness goals. I hope that providing an understanding of alpha lipoic acid and its role will assist you in supporting your glucose metabolism and overall well-being.

Navigating Nutrition

There’s a lot of nutrition information out there and even more advice! Everyone wants to share their stories of what worked or didn’t work so well for them. Sometimes, the nutrition basics get a little distorted when we have information overload.

  • But sharing is good - it means that people care to help. Knowing, though, that your healthcare provider can help you sort things out if you are uncertain, is a must.
  • News flash! - Carbohydrates do not need to be eliminated from your diet! Carbohydrates are an important macronutrient that provide energy for short term and long term (storage) use.
  • Yes, they can raise your glucose quicker than the other macronutrients--protein and fats, however balancing the types and amount of carbohydrate rich foods is key.
  • Opt for complex carbohydrates (whole grains like oatmeal, quinoa, legumes, non-starchy vegetables, fruits and seeds) vs. simple or refined carbohydrates like soda, concentrated fruit juices, some cereals with added sugars, and cookies or sweets), which may cause a quick spike in your glucose levels.
  • Remember eating a mixed meal of your macros, including complex carbs, protein and healthy fats may help with balance.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid

Vitamins, minerals and polyphenols beyond the basics, may also play a key role in supporting glucose metabolism like antioxidant, alpha lipoic acid.‡

Alpha lipoic acid can be obtained from your diet from foods like:

  • Broccoli, beets, brussel sprouts
  • Carrots, tomatoes, potatoes, yams and more

But some people may consider supplementing their diet with Alpha Lipoic Acid.

  • Alpha lipoic acid is a key component of the metabolic process.
  • It produces energy in our muscles and converts calories into energy used by the body.1‡
  • It also helps maintain healthy glucose metabolism, supports the nervous system and provides nutritional support for healthy liver function.2‡

Supplements like Alpha Lipoic Acid with GlucoPhenol® also support healthy glucose and fat metabolism, as well as support for cardiometabolic and vascular health.‡

  • This supplement contains GlucoPhenol® which is a clinically studied, proprietary extract of cranberry and Orléans strawberry developed and studied as part of a research collaboration with the Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods (INAF).
  • In a 6-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, subjects receiving 300 mg polyphenols from GlucoPhenol® per day exhibited a 14% improvement over baseline in glucose balance.3‡

GlucoFunction‡ combines key nutrients, antioxidants and herbal extracts to promote broad spectrum support for healthy glucose metabolism.‡

Beyond Your Plate!

In addition to following a nutrient dense diet with close monitoring to ensure glucose balance support, you may look at discussing options other than alpha lipoic acid, with your healthcare provider.

For example, trace minerals like Chromium (picolinate) play an important role in glucose and lipid metabolism, in part, by maintaining healthy enzyme activity.‡

  • Optimal levels of chromium promote healthy carbohydrate and fat utilization.4,5,6‡

The role of chromium supplementation, as seen with ChromeMate® in ChromeMate® GTF 600, has been clinically studied for its potential role in supporting healthy body composition when combined with a healthy diet and exercise.‡

  • One study showed that ChromeMate® combined with exercise was more effective than exercise alone in supporting healthy glucose metabolism. 7‡

Give me a B!

Let’s not forget about vitamin B3 or niacinamide. According to research, niacinamide may support healthy glucose metabolism and protect the function of beta cells in the pancreas. 8‡

  • In fact---in a meta-analysis of 10 randomized controlled trials, niacinamide supplementation promoted healthy C-peptide levels, insulin metabolism and beta cell function in the pancreas.9‡

Give me a G!

Glucose Support Formula may be another option since its formula provides a combination of botanicals and bioactives that support healthy glucose balance. ‡

To Thy Own Self Be True

  • Self-management is a key component to managing healthy glucose levels. These approaches vary based on the individual; however, we know that self-monitoring is important. In monitoring your intake, activity and making positive lifestyle changes, you are making informed decisions about your health and well-being. 
  • Physical activity is a great way to promote healthy glucose balance. When you are active and using your large muscle groups, it may support the body in the uptake of extra glucose floating around in the bloodstream. 
  • Hydration Keeping hydrated throughout the day is important for supporting optimal health. If you are physically active, be sure to drink before, during and after exercise to ensure proper hydration. 
  • Relaxation and meditation Whether you download a relaxation app or enjoy the beauty of nature in your back yard; learning to focus and enjoy the simple things such as nature is rewarding. We run through many of our days so swiftly, we don’t take the time for ourselves to focus inwards. 
    • Setting time aside daily for meditation or deep breathing may help to promote a decrease in stress hormones, while leading you to be more focused and relaxed when faced with challenges throughout the day. 
  • Mindfulness is also a way to connect with yourself and be in the moment when you are eating. This may help you to stay in tune with your choices and to acknowledge your hunger and fullness cues.

Take Away:

Having healthy blood glucose balance is important for overall health. Discussions with your healthcare provider, as well as routine visits and self-monitoring, play a big role in your health. Sharing your goals in this two-way dialogue with them will help you both to see where you are at on your journey. Ask questions about supplementation, such as alpha lipoic acid or others, and how they may help you to achieve support healthy glucose metabolism and a healthy lifestyle long term.

With Great Intentions; Purely for you!

  1. Kishi Y, et al. Diabetes. 1999 Oct;48(10):2045- 51.
  2. Porasuphatana S, et al. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2012;21(1):12-21.
  3. Paquette M, et al. Br J Nutr. 2017 Feb;117(4):519-531.
  4. Grant KE, et al. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1997 Aug;29(8):992-8.
  5. Rabinovitz H, et al. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2004 May;74(3):178-82.
  6. Balk EM, et al. Diabetes Care. 2007. 30(8); 2154-2163.
  7. Grant KE, et al. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1997 Aug;29(8):992-8.
  8. Ding Y, et al. Clin Nutr. 2015 Oct;34(5):838-44.
  9. Pozzilli P, et al. The Nicotinamide Trialists. Diabetes Care. 1996 Dec;19(12):1357-63

GlucoPhenol® is a trademark used under license by Pure Encapsulations®. 

ChromeMate® is a trademark used under license by Pure Encapsulations®.

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