Alpha-tocopherol and alpha-lipoic acid. An antioxidant synergy with potential for preventive medicine
González-Pérez, O.; Moy-López, N.Angélica.; Guzmán-Muñiz, J.
Revista de Investigacion Clinica; Organo del Hospital de Enfermedades de la Nutricion 60(1): 58-67
2008
ISSN/ISBN: 0034-8376 PMID: 18589588 Document Number: 618513
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been involved in the induction and progression of damage of many human disorders, such as: heart infarction, cerebral ischemia, diabetic neuropathy, Alzheimer's disease, etc. In several studies, the synergism between alpha-lipoic acid and vitamin E has been described and potent antioxidant effects can be obtained when both antioxidants are simultaneously used. This review highlights recent findings showing that the combination of alpha-lipoic acid plus vitamin E effectively reduces oxidative damage in brain and cardiac ischemia as well as in other pathological events related to ROS increasing. These antioxidants are present in a broad variety of foods, are also available in several dietary supplements and their side effects are very rare. Therefore, alpha-lipoic acid and vitamin E may play an important role in clinical preventive medicine and human nutrition.