Folic acid for weight loss: lipoic, succinic, nicotinic

Mechanism of action

Lipoic acid (better known as α-lipoic or thioctic acid, and also vitamin H) is a vitamin-like substance that is involved in biochemical transformations. They first learned about it in the middle of the last century. After numerous studies, the therapeutic properties of the coenzyme and its effectiveness for weight loss have been proven.

According to the mechanism of action, lipoic acid is similar to B vitamins. The substance affects cholesterol levels, protects the liver, participates in the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids, produces a lipotropic effect, and helps treat poisoning by poisons or toxins.

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When losing weight, thioctic acid works in several directions at once, which is very valuable for those who want to lose weight:

• suppresses appetite, which makes it easy to tolerate diets;
• prevents the deposition of adipose tissue;
• speeds up metabolism;
• cleanses the body of waste products;
• increases insulin sensitivity and reduces blood glucose concentrations.

Without the typical toxicity of drugs, lipoate has a beneficial effect on the central nervous system, endocrine glands, and digestive tract - it reduces appetite and eliminates associated neurotic disorders. Acid also improves the functioning of the liver and stomach, eliminating bloating, constipation, and discomfort in the epigastric region. The result is rapid weight loss.

Attention! The effect of using drugs with lipoic acid can be improved if complex therapy is carried out - using a low-calorie diet and physical activity.

pharmachologic effect

The vital activity of the human body is an amazing interweaving of various processes that begin from the moment of conception and do not stop for a split second throughout life.
Sometimes they seem quite illogical. For example, biologically significant elements - proteins - require non-protein compounds, so-called cofactors, to function correctly. It is precisely these elements that include lipoic or, as it is also called, thioctic acid. It is an important component of many enzymatic complexes that work in the human body. Thus, when glucose is broken down, the final product will be salts of pyruvic acid - pyruvates. It is lipoic acid that is involved in this metabolic process.

Due to its ability to improve cholesterol metabolism and liver function, lipoic acid reduces the pathogenic effects of toxins of both endogenous and exogenous origin. By the way, this substance is an active antioxidant, which is based on its ability to bind free radicals.

According to various studies, thioctic acid has hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, hypocholesterolemic and hypoglycemic effects.

Derivatives of this vitamin-like substance are used in medical practice to impart certain degrees of biological activity to drugs containing such components. And the inclusion of lipoic acid in injection solutions reduces the potential development of side effects of drugs.

Benefits for the body when losing weight

Vitamin H is involved in many vital processes in the body; it acts as a coenzyme (catalyst). But this substance plays a special role in overcoming insulin resistance. Lipoate not only stimulates the conversion of glucose into energy, but also restores the metabolic response to endo- and exogenous insulin and improves mitochondrial functionality.

Lipoic acid also neutralizes toxins and slows down oxidation. Therefore, it is used not only for weight loss.

The instructions for use provide the following indications:

• fatty hepatosis;
• cirrhosis, hepatitis;
• hyperlipidemia;
• intoxication.

In addition to helping with these conditions, α-lipoic acid has powerful antioxidant properties and slows down the aging of the body.

The effectiveness of vitamin H increases significantly when taken simultaneously with acetyl-l-carnitine. While carnitine burns fat, alpha lipoic acid provides the body with the necessary energy and prevents adipocytes from being deposited again.

Attention! The proportion of the daily dose of acetylcarnitine and lipoate should be 2.5:1, respectively.

For information on using lipoic acid for weight loss, watch the video:

Linoleic acid for weight loss

This substance is a set of fatty acids and is scientifically called “conjugated linoleic acid” (CLA). Due to the properties of this acid, which promote the breakdown of fats and help build muscle mass, it is used to prepare various sports nutrition, which is very popular among athletes. Nowadays, many nutritionists recommend its use in comprehensive weight loss programs, since against the backdrop of sports, CLA promotes:

• reducing the fat layer, especially in the abdominal area, and acid makes it possible not only to eliminate such accumulations, but also to maintain slimness after various diets, since it does not allow fat to accumulate;
• activating the growth of muscle mass, namely, with regular training, it favors the burning of subcutaneous fat and the manifestation of muscle relief, and the fatty acids included in its composition help build muscles without harm to health;
• preventing new inflammatory processes and reducing chronic ones, which often occur against the background of obesity;
• removing waste and toxins from the body.

The only contraindication for the use of CLA is individual intolerance to this substance.

In order to build muscle mass or lose weight, it is enough to consume only 3 g of acid per day. It’s good when linoleic acid enters the body with food, and it is found in such products as

• beef, lamb, turkey;
• Swiss cheese, low fat yogurt, milk;
• vegetable oils, especially flaxseed and sunflower;
• mushrooms.

But the thing is that in recent years, due to the unfavorable environmental situation and new industrial methods of food processing, its content in them is decreasing or simply disappearing. That is why food supplements based on CLA have now become very popular, using which you can get the optimal daily intake of this substance.

By the way: Belly slimming belt

Contraindications and precautions

Despite its beneficial properties, lipoic acid cannot be taken by everyone. There are conditions in which it cannot be used, these are:

• pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• individual intolerance to the substance;
• children under 6 years of age (up to 18 years in the presence of diabetic polyneuropathy).

Attention! Before using the drug, you should consult a doctor, since improper use of thioctic acid can provoke an attack of hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes.

There is also speculation that the supplement reduces thyroid hormone levels. Dietary supplements are also used with caution for stomach or duodenal ulcers and hyperacid gastritis.

Application of thioctic acid

Some reception features

It is best to drink on an empty stomach and wait 30 minutes to an hour before breakfast. But if you have stomach discomfort, you can take it with food. The dosage is completely different.

Attention! Don't self-medicate! Wait for your doctor to prescribe the course!

Note! The dosages suggested in the list above are for thepareutic purposes. If you want to take lipoic acid as a preventative measure , choose drugs with a minimum dosage (50-150 mg).

Cautions: do not exceed the dose of 121 mg per 1 kg of body weight (may put stress on the liver and mammary glands[44] ).
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Release forms

Lipoic acid is produced in the form of tablets, capsules and liquids for parenteral (bypassing the gastrointestinal tract) administration. The number of pills in the package varies, so before you start taking the supplement, you should read the instructions.

Doctors advise those losing weight to choose tablets and capsules with lipoic acid, since they are convenient to take and do not require dosing. The tablets are coated, which dissolves under the action of gastric juice and protects the active substance from the influence of acid.

The capsules are absorbed quickly, have no taste, and are therefore well tolerated by most patients. The powder, located inside a vegetable capsule and purified from impurities, rarely causes allergic reactions.

You can find a liquid form of lipoic acid on sale. It is intended for intravenous infusions (IV), therefore it is used exclusively for medical purposes. Thioctic acid injections are not suitable for weight loss.

Drugs

You can buy lipoic acid supplements at a pharmacy or online store. But prices there are often inflated, and Russian-made dietary supplements contain too little active ingredient. Therefore, you will have to take such medications for a long time and in large quantities.

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ALA in combination with other drugs

1. with Acetyl-L-carnitine[41], they are amazingly successful in resisting the aging process. Neutralizes the effects of alcohol and prevents a hangover if taken in the evening. Also, they keep brain functions at the proper level, strengthen the immune system and take care of heart health. Plus, you can add a third drug for maximum effect - carnosine or metformin.
2. With Superoxide dismutase relieves chronic neck pain. [42]
3. Contraindications! Do not take high doses of B12 and thioctic acid together. [43] It is permissible to take ALA up to 100 mg, and B12 up to 500 mg.

Dosage and regimen

Before taking lipoic acid for weight loss, you must carefully read the instructions for use and decide on the dosage.

In order to maintain shape, doctors recommend taking 25 mg of the drug twice a day before meals. If you are actively losing weight, it is recommended to adhere to this dosage regimen - take 0.6 g per day, dividing this portion into 3 times.

Attention! The amount of the supplement should be increased gradually, starting with a dose of 100-200 mg and slowly bringing it to the recommended dose.

The best time to take it is morning, evening or immediately after physical activity. Tablets should not be chewed or crushed. Take the pills with water.

Patients with chronic diseases should drink lipoic acid for weight loss under the supervision of a doctor. Only a specialist can determine when and how many tablets to take so as not to harm your health.

The course of use of thioctic acid is 2 months. The results of proper use of the supplement can be seen within 4-6 weeks after starting to use the product.

Vitamin E folic and lipoic acid

Oddly enough, but practice has shown that improper use of ascorbic acid can negatively affect weight loss, even interfere with it.

This is especially true for forms of the vitamin such as a candy, drink or shake fortified with vitamin C.

If you do not follow the dosages recommended by a specialist, then ascorbic acid for weight loss will pose a real threat. Under no circumstances should you eat this vitamin as candy.

Source: https://vitamingid.ru/articles/vitamin-e-folievaya-i-lipoevaya-kislota/

Side effects and allergies

Prophylactic doses of alpha lipoic acid are essentially safe. In rare cases, preparations with vitamin H can provoke the following unpleasant symptoms:

• increased production of gastric juice;
• dyspepsia (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, stool disorder);
• metallic taste in the mouth;
• increased intracranial pressure;
• double vision.

The most severe complication is anaphylaxis. The condition develops in people with lipoate intolerance. Taking the drug in such patients can also cause a skin rash, itching, redness, swelling of the mucous membranes, dry mouth, and lacrimation.

Overdose

If dosages are not observed or used for too long, lipoic acid can cause a number of complications instead of weight loss. Excess vitamin affects the functioning of the thyroid gland, provokes the development of hypothyroidism, and disrupts the activity of the endocrine system.

Overdose symptoms:

• convulsions;
• headache;
• lactic acidosis;
• blood clotting disorder;
• anxiety, irritability;
• hypoglycemia.

With a slight excess of vitamin, a person only feels nausea, headache or discomfort in the epigastric zone.

If you notice any symptoms of overdose, you should stop taking the supplement and consult a doctor. At home, to relieve intoxication, you need to perform a gastric lavage, take any absorbent - Polysorb, Polyphepan, activated carbon.

Incompatible vitamins

It is a known fact that the incompatibility of vitamins often manifests itself in mutual inactivation, the formation of salts, or competitive inhibition, which means that it is worth considering this important issue in detail:

• A does not combine well with B12, suppresses K, which impairs blood clotting and leads to the deposition of salts in cartilage and joints.
• It is recommended to take C separately from B1,2,5,7; when combined with B12, allergic reactions occur.
• E is not recommended to be used with D, B12, B3 and K - this contributes to the formation of inactive compounds.
• B1 cannot be taken with B2 and B3 (they destroy thiamine), B6 ​​slows down activity, B12 causes allergies.
• B6, together with B1 and B12, disintegrate, so there is no benefit from such use.
• B 12 is useless when taken with A, E, B3, B1, C and B6 - they are destroyed.

Reviews of use for weight loss

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Lipoic acid for weight loss

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People who have used lipoic acid for weight loss say in reviews that the drug works if the instructions are followed.

Buyers note the following advantages:

• general improvement in well-being;
• increasing endurance and performance;
• a surge of strength and energy.

Many consumers who start taking dietary supplements for weight loss note improved functioning of the liver and digestive organs, a decrease in skin rashes, and the disappearance of cravings for sweets.

Negative reviews are usually written by people who are sure that to lose weight it is enough to just take lipoic acid. Such patients speak negatively about the properties of the drug and believe that they wasted their money.

Storage, shelf life of additives

It is recommended to store supplements in tablets and capsules in a dry place at room temperature. The liquid product should be kept in a darkened room.

Shelf life – 36 months.

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Drug interactions

Before you start using α-lipoic acid, you should make sure that it is compatible with other medications currently used. The instructions indicate that dietary supplements cannot be used simultaneously with the following medications:

• Cisplatin;
• Renotinex;
• Liquidation;
• magnesium, calcium and iron preparations.

Since vitamin H binds metals, the interval between doses of these products should be 2-3 hours.

Attention! Lipoic acid is not recommended for diabetics without a doctor's prescription. The drug enhances the effect of glucose-lowering drugs and can provoke hypoglycemia. During the therapeutic course, constant monitoring of sugar is necessary.

To lose weight, it is recommended to combine thioctic acid with succinic and folic acid, taurine, acetylcarnitine, Modelform.

With succinic and folic acid

Supplements can be used simultaneously, but combined use increases the weight loss effect slightly. If the drugs need to be taken together, the dosage of each substance should be determined by the doctor.

Succinic acid is a harmless remedy, but with prolonged use it affects the functioning of the heart muscle and can increase blood pressure. Therefore, its use should be discussed with a cardiologist. Folic acid thins the blood and, with increasing dosage, can disrupt hormonal balance.

With taurine

Vitamin H and taurine are compatible. With this combination, you can not only lose weight, but also eliminate swelling, restore water-salt balance, and reduce blood pressure. Simultaneous use improves the body's antioxidant defense, strengthens the immune system, strengthens the heart muscle, and increases endurance during physical activity.

With Modelform

Dietary supplement Modelform is designed to reduce body weight and reduce body fat. When used together, lipoic acid enhances the effect of the drug, improves tolerability, and reduces the risk of adverse reactions.

Attention! Vitamin H prolongs the effect of taking Medelform, which allows you to reduce the frequency of use of a not very useful supplement.

With Glucophage and Metformin

Simultaneous use of thioctic acid with hypoglycemic drugs in the usual dosage is possible only by completely healthy people - they do not experience a hypoglycemic effect. But even in this case, consultation with an endocrinologist is necessary.

If the person losing weight does not have diabetes, it is enough to drink 200 mg of lipoate with a minimum portion of Glucophage (500 mg) 2-3 times a day during or after meals. The course of treatment is 2 months (no more), the complex treatment can be repeated only after a three-month break. The same regimen should be used to take vitamin H with Metformin.

To avoid complications from taking it together, you need to follow a number of rules:

• during the treatment period, do not carry out exhausting training;
• do not take diuretics and iodine-containing drugs at the same time as supplements;
• do not starve (daily calorie intake should not be lower than 1000 Kcal).

During acute intestinal infections accompanied by diarrhea, Glucophage should be abandoned.

Attention! Patients with diabetes mellitus who decide to correct their weight with Metformin and Glucophage should definitely consult a doctor.

Is it better or worse together?

A fairly common incentive to self-medicate for various medications, including the drug “Lipoic acid,” is price and reviews. Thinking that only benefits can be obtained from a natural vitamin-like substance, many patients forget that there is also the so-called pharmacological compatibility that must be taken into account.

Since lipoic acid actively binds many substances in the body, its use should not be combined with taking medications containing components such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, and iron. Treatment with these drugs should be divided over time - a break of at least 2-4 hours will be the best option for taking the medications.

Treatment with alcohol-containing tinctures is also best done separately from taking lipoic acid, since ethanol weakens its activity.