Lipoic acid and acetyl-carnitine reverse iron-induced oxidative stress

We have seen the value of antioxidants with Sharmin's son, Little A, and have heard that in spite of frequent transfusions and iron overload in the liver, that Little A's liver was protected by the antioxidants he regularly takes. I have long promoted antioxidants as a way to protect the body from the damage that iron causes and have always recommended a diet rich in antioxidants along with supplements that have antioxidant properties. I was quite pleased at the Singapore conference to hear about the importance of antioxidants and to learn more about FPP (Fermented papaya preparation).

We have discussed L-carnitine and its role in countering pulmonary hypertension and while looking for more information I came across this article.

http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/maney/rer/2008/00000013/00000001/art00001

Lipoic acid and acetyl-carnitine reverse iron-induced oxidative stress in human fibroblasts

Abstract:
Iron overload occurs frequently in thalassemia and other disorders that require regular blood transfusions. Excess iron is toxic owing to the generation of free radicals that lead to oxidation of biomolecules and tissue damage. In order to identify compounds that reduce oxidative injury from iron, we evaluated α-lipoic acid (LA), a multifunctional antioxidant, in iron-overloaded primary human fibroblasts (IMR-90). Oxidant stress was measured using dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate that is converted to the fluorescent dichlorofluorescein (DCF) upon oxidation. Exposure to ferric ammonium citrate (FAC) increased the iron-content of IMR-90 cells and caused a rise in oxidant appearance. The addition of LA improved the cellular redox status and attenuated the iron-mediated rise in oxidants in a dose-dependent manner. The R- and RS-enantiomers of LA demonstrated similar antioxidant activity. N-tert-butyl hydroxylamine (NtBHA) treated cells also exhibited a decrease in DCF fluorescence, but at a much higher concentration compared with LA. The combination acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) and LA exhibited superior antioxidant effect at all dose levels. We conclude that LA is highly effective in reversing oxidative stress arising from iron overload and that its antioxidant efficacy is further enhanced in combination with ALCAR.

Authors: Lal, Ashutosh1; Atamna, Wafa1; Killilea, David W.1; Suh, Jung H.1; Ames, Bruce N.1

Source: Redox Report, Volume 13, Number 1, February 2008 , pp. 2-10(9)

Publisher: Maney Publishing

Alpha Lipoic Acid and Acetyl L-Carnitine are often found together in supplements. See http://www.puritan.com/l-carnitine-063/acetyl-l-carnitine-400mg-w-alpha-lipoic-acid-200mg-066070  for an example.

Those who have followed the recommendations about supplements that are found here, have been reporting positive results, in posts here and also in emails to me. I was very happy to hear from a minor recently whose Hb has increased and health is improving since he started taking supplements. I know it's easy to be skeptical, but thalassemia minor through major, puts stresses on the body that deplete essential nutrients. In addition, certain nutrients are used in far greater quantities in the bodies of thals than in non-thals. This is all supported by research. It's great to hear more people are paying attention as we try to give them sound advice and I hope more will do so as we continue to present evidence of the value of diet and supplements.

Thanx Andy for sharing a superb informative article ...

Thanks Andy, hope you are doing fine 
manal

I look forward to coming home with a prescription for L-carntine. 

You should stop at a drug store or grocery store and pick up some L-carnitine. It will be much cheaper than what is sold in Canada and if you can get the prescription, you won't have any trouble bringing it back into Canada.

Thanks Andy, I will be sure to do so. 

Andy,

Should we be looking into Lipoic acid as well for our son?

Sharmin

Sharmin,

If you can find a supplement that combines both, yes. I'm thinking of little A and trying to minimize how many pills he has to take very day.

Andy,

I will look for a lipoic acid and acetyl-carnitine supplement when I am in the US.  What dose should I be looking for (whether I find them together or separate) for my son?  (his weight varies between 26 - 28kg). 

Thanks Andy,

Sharmin

Look for something that is around 300-400 mg L-carnitine and about 200 mg alpha lipoic acid.

Thank you very much Andy. 
Sharmin

Hello,
I have found a new person with pkd. She's in her 55's and was transfused until the age of 11. Then she had her spleen removed. From that on she only gets a blood transfusion when she has been ill and her general level of hgb is between 6 and 7. She's American so I believe she talks about gl/dl. Her doctor has determine she has an elevated (sp?) level of ferritin but the range is unknow to her. She was describedd Exjade which she refused because she went online and found the article at wikipedia. She did her own research and now takes only alpha lipoic acid to chelate. This is beyond my understanding, but I found this topic on thalpal. Could someone help me a bit. Is this an adequate way to chelate. Does someone use it? Has it been proven to chelate (so far I have not found an article that says it does).
Thank you in advance,
Dore
PS No, I havent restart Exjade yet.

I have found a new person with pkd. She's in her 55's and was transfused until the age of 11. Then she had her spleen removed. From that on she only gets a blood transfusion when she has been ill and her general level of hgb is between 6 and 7. She's American so I believe she talks about gl/dl. Her doctor has determine she has an elevated (sp?) level of ferritin but the range is unknow to her. She was describedd Exjade which she refused because she went online and found the article at wikipedia. She did her own research and now takes only alpha lipoic acid to chelate. This is beyond my understanding, but I found this topic on thalpal. Could someone help me a bit. Is this an adequate way to chelate. Does someone use it? Has it been proven to chelate (so far I have not found an article that says it does).

Unless we know her exact ferritin levels, it is difficult to comment. Elevated levels of ferritin can be anything above the normal range. If her ferritin level is above normal, she needs to know the exact count and needs to chelate with Iron chelators. In my opinion, Lipoic Acid is a supplement that can help but can NOT be used explicitly alone as a chelator.

Unless we know her exact ferritin levels, it is difficult to comment. Elevated levels of ferritin can be anything above the normal range. If her ferritin level is above normal, she needs to know the exact count and needs to chelate with Iron chelators. In my opinion, Lipoic Acid is a supplement that can help but can NOT be used explicitly alone as a chelator.

I was wrong. She has told me her ferritin level and it is 1200.

While her levels don't seem dangerously high, it might be a good idea to keep a tab on her ferritin levels and start chelation to maintain it to a safe value.