GREGORY CHANDLER, ATTORNEY, ON ALPHA-LIPOIC ACID

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is often called the universal antioxidant because it protects a wide range of body systems and assists other antioxidants in the body. Some researchers believe that ALA helps shift glucose into muscles and away from fat cells. This process increases energy and reduces stored fat. In a study, scientists gave 1,127 overweight or obese men and women 800 mg of ALA per day. After four months, average blood pressure had declined significantly. The participants in the study also had an average of two to four points lower body mass index scores. Obese women lost an average of 3.5 inches in waist size, and obese men lost an average of 4.3 inches from the waist. GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law