Alpha-lipoic acid reduces triglycerides in model of obesity/diabetes.

An article published in the Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics reports the benefits of the antioxidant compound alpha-lipoic acid in lowering triglycerides. * High triglyceride levels often occur in obesity, and are a predictor of atherosclerosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and even premature mortality.

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For the current research, Regis Moreau and colleagues at Oregon State University's Linus Pauling Institute used rats bred to become obese and diabetic. Beginning at five weeks of age, the animals were given 200 mg R-alpha-lipoic acid per kilogram of body weight each day for five weeks. While triglyceride levels doubled among those that received alpha-lipoic acid, they increased by over 400% in the control group.

"The potential is good that this could become another way to lower blood triglycerides and help reduce the risk of atherosclerosis," Dr. Moreau remarked. "It's pretty exciting."

Reference

* Arch Biochem Biophys. 2009 Feb 20