Research
Research suggests alpha lipoic acid is best known for its unique antioxidant properties, free radical scavenging abilities and participation in the effects of other antioxidants. Alpha lipoic acid is also known to ameliorate the effects of fructose by improving glucose homeostasis.[i] Scientific investigations have shown alpha lipoic acid supplementation is effective in helping with weight management, demonstrating positive effects on satiety, weight decrease and changes in fat and lean mass. Alpha lipoic acid exerts these weight management effects by suppressing hypothalamic AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity which is important in the central regulation of food intake and energy expenditure.[ii],[iii]
Chromium is an essential trace element and chromium (III) is the form of chromium found in supplements and in food. Chromium has been shown to be useful in its ability to support insulin thereby assisting in healthy glucose metabolism. It is thought that chromium potentiates the action of insulin by increasing receptor numbers and increasing insulin binding to cells.[iv] Chromium is widely used for weight loss, to increase muscle mass and fat-free mass, and decrease body fat. Results from scientific investigations have indicated that chromium supplementation increases muscle gain and fat loss associated with exercise and improves glucose metabolism and the serum lipid profile in patients with or without diabetes.[v],[vi],[vii],[viii],[ix],[x]
Manganese is an essential trace nutrient that plays a role in various physiological processes. Manganese is required for the regulation of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, reproduction and normal brain function. Manganese is also an important co-factor in the brain for several enzymes, such as the anti-oxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase and is involved in neurotransmitter synthesis and metabolism.[xi] Manganese may affect thyroid hormone homeostasis.[xii]
Resources
[i] Cummings BP, Stanhope KL, Graham JL, et al. Dietary fructose accelerates the development of diabetes in UCD-T2DM rats: amelioration by the antioxidant, alpha-lipoic acid. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2010 May;298(5):R1343-50. Epub 2010 Feb 10.
[ii] Doggrell SA. A-Lipoic acid, an ant-obesity agent? Exp Opin Investig Drug. 2004;13:1641-43.
[iii] Kim MS, Park JY, Namkoong C, et al. Anti-obesity effects of alpha-lipoic acid mediated by suppression of hypothalamic AMP-activated protein kinase. Nat Med. 2004 Jul;10(7):727-33.Epub 2004 Jun 13.
[iv] Cefalu WT, Frank B. Role of Chromium in Human Health and in Diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2004;27(11):2741.
[v] Potter JF, Levin P, Anderson RA, et al. Glucose metabolism in glucose-intolerant older people during chromium supplementation. Metabolism 1985;34:199–204.
[vi] Ghosh D, Bhattacharya B, Mukherjee B, et al. Role of chromium supplementation in Indians with type 2 diabetes mellitus. J Nutr Biochem. 2002;13:690–97.
[vii] Bahijri SM, Mufti AM. Beneficial effects of chromium in people with type 2 diabetes, and urinary chromium response to glucose load as a possible indicator of status. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2002;85:97–10.
[viii] Anderson R. Chromium as an essential nutrient for humans. Reg Toxicol Pharmacol. 1997;26:S35–S41.
[ix] Roeback JR Jr, Hla KM, Chambless LE, et al. Effects of chromium supplementation on serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in men taking beta-blockers a randomized, controlled trial. Ann Intern Med. 1991;115:917–24.
[x] Crawford V, Scheckenbach R, Preuss HG. Effects of niacin-bound chromium supplementation on body composition in overweight African-American women. Diabetes Obes Metab. 1999;1:331-37.
[xi] Bagga S, Levy L. Overview of Research into the Health Effects of Manganese (2002-2007) Report, Institute of Environment and Health for the Manganese Health Research Program (MHRP), Institute of Environment and Health, Cranfield University. Available at http://www.manganese health.org/data/assets /pdf_file/0017/53171/Overview_of_Research_into_the_Health_Effects_of_Manganese.pdf. Accessed January 13, 2011.
[xii] Soldin OP, Aschner M. Effects of manganese on thyroid hormone homeostasis: potential links. Neurotoxicology. 2007 Sep;28(5):951-6. Epub 2007 May 13.