CORVALLIS, Ore., March 31 (UPI) -- A study of rats suggests supplementation of lipoic acid results in lower triglycerides, a significant factor in hardening of the arteries, U.S. researchers say.
Regis Moreau of the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University said lipoic acid is a natural compound found at low levels in some foods, including red meat and green leafy vegetables. Lipoic acid is known to influence glucose uptake and bring down blood glucose by increasing its transport into skeletal muscle.
The study in lab animals, published in the Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics, found that supplements of lipoic acid lowered triglyceride levels up to 60 percent.
"The extent of triglyceride reduction was really dramatic, we didn't expect it to be this profound," Moreau said in a statement. "The potential is good that this could become another way to lower blood triglycerides and help reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. It's pretty exciting."
Until about 10 years ago, Moreau said, high blood levels of triglycerides -- basically a form of fat -- were not thought to be as significant as cholesterol at predicting atherosclerosis, commonly referred to as hardening of the arteries, and heart disease.
That perspective has changed, he added, and most experts now see triglycerides as a third important risk factor for atherosclerosis, along with levels of cholesterol.
