News Lipoic Acid, an Over-the-counter Antioxidant, Seen to Slow Brain Atrophy in SPMS Patients Lipoic Acid, an Over-the-counter Antioxidant, Seen to Slow Brain Atrophy in SPMS Patients by Janet Stewart, MSc | July 6, 2017 Share this article: Share article via email Copy article link The over-the-counter antioxidant lipoic acid slowed brain deterioration in patients withĀ secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS), according to a pilot study. AnĀ Oregon Health & Science UniversityĀ research team conducted the study,Ā “Lipoic acid in secondary progressive MS.” It wasĀ published in the journal Neuroimmunology and Neuroinflammation. A hallmark of SPMS is increasing disability. This form of the disease follows a less severe form known as relapsing-remittingĀ MS (RRMS). There are few treatment options for SPMS. The body produces lipoic acid, also known as oalpha lipoic acid, to help break down nutrients to generate energy. Companies also manufacture the antioxidant as a dietary supplement or drug. It is sold over-the-counter in a number of countries. Oregon researchers’ two-year, randomized, double-blind study covered 51 patients with SPMS. Twenty-seven of the participants received a daily dose of 1,200 milligrams of lipoic acid, while 24 received aĀ placebo. Those who took lipoic acid had 68 percent less brain deterioration than those who took a placebo, researchers said.Ā The team used magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, to measure brain tissue loss. Researchers also noticed improvedĀ walking times and fewer falls in the lipoic acid group. They hope to confirm the findings in aĀ larger, multicenter clinical trial to begin later this year. Lipoic acidĀ was safe and well-tolerated at the dose used, with the most common side effect being upset stomach, the research team said. āThese are high doses,ā Dr. Rebecca Spain, assistant professor of neurology at the medical school and the study’sĀ lead author, said in a press release. āAnd while it seems safe, we wonāt know whether it actually improves the lives of people with MS until we can replicate the results in the pilot study through a much bigger clinical trial. Fortunately, weāre going to be able to answer that question with the participation of kind volunteers.ā Print This Page About the Author Janet Stewart, MSc Janet Stewart is a life sciences writer and editor, holds an MSc. in Virology and Immunology and has worked on research on multiple sclerosis during the course of her graduate studies. Tags brain atrophy, disability, lipoic acid, SPMS, walking
March 28, 2024 Columns by Benjamin Hofmeister Multiple sclerosis awareness is for people with MS, too
March 28, 2024 News by Lindsey Shapiro, PhD Restoring ‘lost’ pathway of neuroprotection benefits MS mice