Aging Reversed?
By Dr. Edward Thorpe
A remarkable new study has shown that a combination of Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) and Acetyl l-Carnitine (ALC) can reverse aging. Please speak to Dr.Thorpe at Kripps Pharmacy for references to this exciting research.
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is both a coenzyme necessary for the metabolism of energy from food and also a powerful scavenger of free radicals. It is called a universal antioxidant because it is both water and fat (lipid) soluble and therefore it can provide protection both in the lipid environment of the cell membrane and in the aqueous environment in the interior of the cell. Also, ALA appears to enhance the activity of a network of antioxidants including: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and glutathione. Free radicals are major factors in many diseases, including cardiovascular, cancers, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, etc. This powerful antioxidant destroys free radicals and helps prevent these diseases, or alleviates their side effects. Alpha Lipoic Acid supplementation also reduces damage to proteins and normalizes blood sugar levels.However, there is one problem in getting optimal protection from ALA. This nutrient is quickly absorbed by the body and is also quickly excreted. Thus, one gets protection for only part of the day.
Kripps Pharmacy has solved this problem. Kripps Pharmacy provides ALA in a slow release base, which extends the protective power continuously through the day. R(+) Alpha Lipoic Acid is the natural form of Alpha Lipoic Acid. Acetyl l-Carnitine [ALC]: This nutrient is an important transport molecule in mitochondrial energy production, resulting in improved cellular oxygenation and the prevention of cellular damage. It can cross the blood-brain barrier, where it acts as a source of acetyl groups for synthesis of acetylcholine. It also decreases lactic acid accumulation and spares glycogen, and therefore plays a role in delaying fatigue. ALC has beneficial effects in maintaining cardiovascular wellness and maintaining healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels. ALCs other properties include restorative and protective actions against aging processes and neuro-degeneration, which makes it effective for syndromes such as Alzheimers, Depression, and Parkinsons.The combination of Alpha Lipoic Acid and Acetyl L-Carnitine has extraordinary effects, which were shown in a study by biochemist Bruce Ames, Ph.D., at the University of California, Berkeley. Dr. Ames believes that the production of energy in the mitochondria in human cells is highly efficient; nonetheless, minor elements of inefficiency release free radicals that are a primary cause of aging. Dr. Ames found that Acetyl l-Carnitine helps the cells produce more energy, although they still generate free radicals. Furthermore, as people age the free radicals reduce the effectiveness of the mitochondrial energy production, thus releasing even more free radicals. However, ALA offsets these free radicals. Dr. Ames commented in the article on the effectiveness of a combination of ALC and ALA combination: With these two supplements, these old rats got up and did the Macarena. The brain looked better, they were full of energy. It was the equivalent of making an 80 year-old person look and act middle-aged[Readers Digest, November, 2003].
Suggested Protocol as a supplement combination:
1. Acetyl-L-Carnitine 500 mg capsule: Take one twice daily, with or without food.
2. R(+) Alpha Lipoic Acid Slow Release 100 mg: Take one 100 mg capsule of twice daily with or without food. {Natural R(+) Alpha Lipoic is 100% active}
3. Take two FISHOL E.C. Omega-3 essential fatty acid capsules twice daily at any time.Contraindications and Disclaimer: There are no known contraindications. Please note: as always, consult your physician prior to beginning any therapeutic nutritional program. Kripps Pharmacy Ltd. offers this article for educational purposes only; it is not intended as a substitute for diagnosis or treatment with a qualified health care professional.
To contact Dr. Thorpe, or Kripps Pharmacy,
Visit us at 5413 West Boulevard, Vancouver, BC, V6M 3W5
Call us at 604.687.2564; Fax 604.685.9721
Email us at altermed@portal.ca
See us at www.krippspharmacy.com