The results of a just released study done with two types of heart-disease prone mice showed that the dietary supplement lipoic acid reduced the genesis of arterial lesions, lowered triglycerides, and reduced blood vessel inflammation and weight gain.

Atherosclerosis is a protracted inflammatory disease process that begins when specific white blood cells called monocytes bind to "adhesion molecules" on the walls of arteries. This allows the monocytes to penetrate the arterial wall there they go on to become inflammatory macrophages. When exposed to low density lipoprotein (“the bad cholesterol), these macraphages turn into lipid-laden foam cells that generate arterial fat deposits.

Researchers believe that high levels of alpha lipoic acid may inhibit the formation of the adhesion molecules, as well as lower triglycerides. 

The study was carried out by scientists from the Linus Pauling Institute and College of Veterinary Medicine at OregonStateUniversity, and the Department of Medicine at the University of Washington.

"We are excited about these results, particularly since the supplements of lipoic acid appear to provide several different mechanisms to improve cardiovascular health," said Balz Frei, professor and director of the Linus Pauling Institute. "They are helping in a fundamental way to reset and normalize metabolic processes, in ways that could help address one of the most significant health problems in the Western world.

Alpha lipoic acid is found in low levels in green leafy vegetables and potatoes, plus meats (especially organ meats such as kidney, heart or liver). To obtain levels comparable to what was used in the study the average adult would need to take about 2 grams of alpha lipoic acid daily.

The full study was recently published in Circulation, a journal of the American Heart Association, and was supported by the National Institutes of Health and the NationalCenter for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Readers interested in ways to counter heart disease that complement the use of alpha lipoic acid should check out these articles:

Prevention of Artery Blocking Clots

Guide to Living Longer and Healthier

Blood Viscosity, A Major Player in Heart Disease

Natural Health Measures Support for Diabetes

Oregon State University (2008, January 17). Lipoic Acid Could Reduce Atherosclerosis, Weight Gain. ScienceDaily. Retrieved February 1, 2008, from http://www.sciencedaily.com­ /releases/2008/01/080114162506.htm