3 replies to this topic

[ozone]

While it is an anti-oxidant, I've read that many anti-oxidants have pro-oxidative characteristics if certain conditions are met. For example, NAC becomes pro-oxidative in doses above ~500mg/day. CoQ10 becomes pro-oxidative when the body is subject to low oxygen conditions (e.g., the results of exercise). Heck, even too much Vitamin C can become pro-oxidative. So... what about R-ALA? Where is it's achilles heal?

[scottl]

"NAC becomes pro-oxidative in doses above ~500mg/day"

Source? That is less then a very commonly used dose of 600 mg, and less then I believe the number mentioned on the avant board.

[lancelot]

NAC becomes a pro-oxidant above 2g/day. Of course this will vary depending on your weight, physical activity, health condition/needs, etc. As a BB, i personally take 600mg 3X/day. For non-athletes, 600-1200mg/day is fine.

source: Dr. lancelot

[ozone]

Failure of N-acetylcysteine to reduce low-density lipoprotein oxidizability in healthy subjects.

Kleinveld HA, Demacker PN, Stalenhoef AF.

Department of General Internal Medicine, University Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.

We have studied the effects of N-acetylcysteine, which is thought to have antioxidant properties, on the susceptibility of low-density lipoprotein to oxidation and on whole-blood glutathione concentrations in six healthy volunteers. N-acetylcysteine was given orally in a dosage of at 1.2 g per day for 4 weeks, followed by 2.4 g per day for a further two weeks. The susceptibility of low-density lipoprotein to in vitro Cu(2+)-oxidation was determined by continuously measuring the formation of conjugated dienes. Whole-blood concentrations of reduced and oxidized glutathione were also determined. N-acetylcysteine had no effect on the susceptibility of LDL to oxidation. Concentrations of vitamin E in the serum and in low-density lipoprotein were not changed. Compared with controls the concentration of glutathione in N-acetylcysteine treated subjects was reduced (-48%) and the concentration of oxidized glutathione was higher (+80%). The GSH/GSSG-ratio, a marker of oxidative stress was 83% lower. The results do not support the supposed antioxidative action of N-acetylcysteine. It seems more likely that N-acetylcysteine acts as a pro-oxidant in the dosage used.

PMID: 1493846 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

So it's not clear I guess if 1.2g/day is too much or not (since they did bump it up to 2.4g). I wonder if there are any more studies out there using a lower dosage on healthy folks. But I agree, my assertation that 500mg/day was pro-oxidative is incorrect.

So back to the question... what's the deal with R-ALA? If I injested 10g/day would it hurt me? (Not like I'm going to, or could afford to though).