Is Combining Alpha Lipoic Acid with Exercise Dangerous for your Heart?

In a few small studies, taking a high dose combination of antioxidants (alpha lipoic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin E) after exercising reversed the benefits of exercise on blood pressure and blood flow. Recently researchers have suggested that this is because antioxidants block the beneficial adaptive responses of muscle cell mitochondria to exercise, and that antioxidant supplements may even be harmful. However, other experts have disputed these findings and conclusions. ^(iv.117-121)

Animal and clinical research continues to indicate alpha lipoic acid (by itself and combined with other vitamins or exercise) is helpful for many conditions that affect heart health. These include: ^{(iv.94, 121)}

• Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels in obese patients. ^(iv.122)
• Improving blood vessel function. ^(iv.86)
• Increased insulin sensitivity. ^(iv.122)
• Minimizing stroke-related cell damage. ^(iv.94)
• Reduced risk of atherosclerosis. ^(iv.89)
• Regenerating injured muscle from vigorous exercise. ^(iv.121)
• Treating fatty liver disease. ^(iv.100)
• Weight loss, if overweight or obese. ^(iv.50)
• Weight gain, in patients with advanced cancer. ^(iv.6)

Clinical evidence indicates alpha lipoic acid could also improve the effectiveness of certain types of heart medications. What's the bottom line? Consult with your doctor before adding or changing any nutritional supplements to your diet, including alpha lipoic acid. ^(iv.91)