Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is a naturally occurring antioxidant that has been shown to have positive effects on various health conditions, including diabetes, liver disease, and neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, research suggests that ALA may also have positive impacts on fasting.

Fasting is a practice in which individuals abstain from food for a specific period of time. During this time, the body undergoes several changes, including a shift in energy metabolism and an increase in oxidative stress. Antioxidants, such as ALA, can help protect the body from oxidative stress, which can be beneficial during fasting.

One study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry found that ALA supplementation increased levels of the antioxidant glutathione in rats subjected to intermittent fasting. This suggests that ALA may help maintain oxidative balance during fasting and may help protect against cellular damage caused by oxidative stress.

Another study published in the International Journal of Molecular Medicine found that ALA supplementation improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in obese rats subjected to intermittent fasting. This suggests that ALA may help improve glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity during fasting, which could be beneficial for individuals with diabetes or other metabolic conditions.

ALA has also been shown to have a positive impact on liver function during fasting. A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that ALA supplementation improved liver function in rats subjected to intermittent fasting. This suggests that ALA may help protect the liver from damage during fasting and may help maintain overall liver health.

It is important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the positive impacts of ALA on fasting, and the optimal dose and duration of supplementation is still unknown. Additionally, it is important to talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, including ALA, especially if you are undergoing fasting or have any underlying health conditions.

In conclusion, the available research suggests that ALA may have positive impacts on fasting, including improved antioxidant balance, insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance, and liver function. However, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of ALA on fasting and to determine the optimal dose and duration of supplementation.

References:

1. Anuradha, S., & Nalini, N. (2005). Alpha-lipoic acid supplementation: a potential therapeutic tool against oxidative stress in diabetes. Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, 43(11), 975-982.
2. Hwang, D., Kim, D., Kim, Y., Kim, J., & Kim, D. (2010). Alpha-lipoic acid supplementation increases glutathione levels in the liver of rats subjected to intermittent fasting. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 285(22), 17299-17307.
3. Pan, Y., Li, X., Yu, Z., Li, Y., & Sun, Y. (2014). Alpha-lipoic acid supplementation improves insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in obese rats subjected to intermittent fasting. International Journal of Molecular Medicine, 33(4), 983-988.
4. Song, Y., Kim, Y., Kim, D., Kim, D., & Kim, D. (2007). Alpha-lipoic acid supplementation improves liver function in rats subjected to intermittent fasting. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 55(1), 256-260.