OBJECTIVES: Multiple
sclerosis is a neurodegenerative and demyelinating disease of central
nervous system. High levels of oxidative stress are associated with
inflammation and play an important role in pathogenesis of multiple
sclerosis. This double-blind, randomized controlled clinical study was
carried out to determine the effect of daily consumption of lipoic acid
on oxidative stress among multiple sclerosis patients.
METHODS: A
total of 52 relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients, aged 18-50
years with Expanded Disability Status Scale ≤5.5 were assigned to
consume either lipoic acid (1200 mg/day) or placebo capsules for 12
weeks. Fasting blood samples were collected before the first dose taken
and 12 hours after the last. Dietary intakes were obtained by using
3-day dietary records.
RESULTS: Consumption
of lipoic acid resulted in a significant improvement of total
antioxidant capacity (TAC) in comparison to the placebo group (P =
0.004). Although a significant change of TAC (-1511 mmol/L, P = 0.001)
was found within lipoic acid group, other markers of oxidative stress
including superoxide dismutase activity, glutathione peroxidase
activity, and malondialdehyde levels were not affected by lipoic acid
consumption.
DISCUSSION: These
results suggest that 1200 mg of lipoic acid improves serum TAC among
multiple sclerosis patients but does not affect other markers of
oxidative stress.
So lipoic acid consumption affrects some markers in the blood, it tells us little of what is happening in the brain. Yet another nutraceutical study telling us little.