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Alpha Lipoic Acid
Amino Acids
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is an amazing nutrient that has several valuable healing properties. The main functions of ALA are:
- helps with detox by enabling the liver re-generate glutathione, the major detoxifier of the body
- helps with blood sugar control in pre-diabetes and diabetes
- can help with peripheral neuropathy
- purported to help remove toxic heavy metals from the brain by passing through the blood brain barrier
ALA is a symmetric molecule, so there is a Left and Right versions, called L-ALA and R-ALA. L-ALA does not occur in humans, while R-ALA does. When ALA is synthesized, both forms, L and R, are made equally. ALA can be purchased as the mixed L/R form, or purified into the R- form only. For some purposes, the mixed form works sufficiently; in more critical circumstances, purified R-ALA can be utilized at higher cost.
A Case for Alpha-Lipoic Acid as an Alternative Treatment for Diabetic Polyneuropathy.2018
lipoic acid basics 2002 health world online
Related Links
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) and Cysteine
External Links (new Tab opens)
References
Vitamin B12
Vitamins
B12 Mystery!
B12 Self-Injection Protocol (Patients Only)
This page is under development. Working links will provide starting information. Please let us know about your interest in this page by emailing us here, and check back soon.
NAC, N-Acetyl Cysteine and Cysteine
Amino Acids
NAC is an amazing nutrient that is also used as a drug. It is a derivative of a natural amino acid cysteine, which will also be the focus of this post.
As a nutriceutical, NAC is preferred to cysteine, in general, because of some of its special features. However, some people do better with cysteine depending upon the situation. NAC contains sulfur, a premier element used for detoxificatioin due to its “stickiness”.
The main functions of NAC (and cysteine) are:
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- helps with detox by enabling the liver re-generate glutathione, the major detoxifier of the body
- helps thin mucus in the lungs in cystic fibrosis and pneumonia
- helps brain function in mental illness
- helps fight acute infections
NAC is used in cases of Tylenol overdose to save the liver. If it is administered within a few hours after overdose, it can completely protect the liver. Otherwise the liver can be severely damaged and require transplant.
It is also available as a prescirbed nebulizer solution, brand name Mucomyst, to help with thick lung secretions.
As seen in the references below, it can be used for general detox in cases of known or presumed toxicity, such as petro-chemicals, Roundup, fluoroquinones and other chemicals).
By thinning mucus, it can worsen stomach acid complaints so it should be taken with food or the dosage may need to be adjusted.
NAC for COVID
indications for nac from fluoroquinone toxicity
Deciphering-the-interplay-between-cysteine-synthase-and-thiol…2017
Superoxide signaling mediates N-acetyl-L-cysteine-induced G1 arrest–regulatory role of cyclin D1 and manganese superoxide dismutase
Thiol redox transitions in cell signaling–a lesson from N-acetylcysteine
Topical N-Acetylcysteine Accelerates Wound Healing in Vitro and in Vivo via the PKC-Stat3 Pathway
!Updated clinical practice guidelines for the prevention and treatment of mucositis( review nac last ref) cysteine_pdr effect_of_cysteine_on_acetaldehyde_self_administration
File Access
Niacin & Niacinamide (B3)

Vitamins
Niacin, Vitamin B3, originally named “nicotinic acid” is a nutrient that goes back to the beginning of life. It plays a major role in genetics (via NAD, NADP and related molecules, brain function, cancer prevention, heart disease, and detoxification of fat-seeking toxins.
While it requires finesse in its management, it is a magnificent anti-aging and anti-cancer agent. The RDA of 18 mg is way too low. Hoffer took 3,000 – 4,500 mg a day of niacin, but most people struggle even with 25 to 50 mg. Separately niacinamide can be taken at 500 mg twice a day which does not have the same scope as niacin but is proven to help with skin cancer (and possibly other cancers as well; click here for more)
Niacin’s Effects on Histamine and Prostaglandin-Related Conditions.ai.2025_02
Niacin Effective to Raise HDLs, Italian Scientists Reluctantly Concede in 2014
Though this article from Italy clearly panders to big pharmacy, the authors apparently have enough residual integrity to mention niacin favorably.
Niacin Flush Management
Niacin-Hoffer Interview
FYA: Chat GPT's opinion
You
How can one balance out the positive and negative reports about niacin to determine how much and when to take?
ChatGPT
To balance positive and negative reports about niacin and determine appropriate dosage and timing, one must consider scientific literature, individual health conditions, and consultation with a healthcare professional.
Factors to Consider:
Research-Based Information:
Examine peer-reviewed studies and clinical trials on niacin to understand its effects.
Consider both positive and negative findings to form a comprehensive view.
Individual Health Profile:
Assess personal health conditions, including cardiovascular health, cholesterol levels, and existing medications.
Individuals with specific health issues may benefit differently from niacin supplementation.
Dosage Recommendations:
Follow established dosage guidelines recommended by health organizations or medical professionals.
Avoid self-prescription and consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Timing of Administration:
Consider the specific form of niacin being used (immediate-release or extended-release).
Follow any specific instructions provided by healthcare professionals or on product labels.
Self-Critique:
While providing information on niacin, it’s crucial to acknowledge the limitations and potential risks associated with its use. Niacin supplementation may lead to side effects such as flushing, gastrointestinal issues, or liver toxicity at higher doses. Monitoring liver function and adjusting dosage accordingly is essential. Moreover, individual responses to niacin may vary, and caution is warranted for those with pre-existing medical conditions.
It’s important to note that the information provided here is based on general knowledge up to January 2022. For the latest updates or specific recommendations tailored to individual health, consulting with a healthcare professional is advised.
For further reference, you can explore scientific articles on niacin from reputable sources such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) at nih.gov.
Always prioritize evidence-based information and seek guidance from healthcare professionals for personalized advice.
File Access
Dr. Hoffer's Supplements
External Links & References P2
Dietary-histone-deacetylases-HDACs-inhibitors-in-health-and-disease
Kynurenine-Pathway-Pathologies-CFS-FMS.2013
Here is a pathetic article from Harvard, 2019, that sites ancient articles and essentially says nothing:
Assessment of the Role of Niacin in Managing Cardiovascular Disease Outcomes.jama.2019