Alpha Lipoic Acid
ALPHA LIPOIC ACID
Overview:
The potential benefits of alpha-lipoic acid include improving blood sugar in diabetes, relieving nerve pain, promoting weight loss, reducing inflammation, and supporting heart and skin health
Classification: Antioxidant
Uses:
Diabetes and diabetic neuropathy (nerve pain)
Antioxidant support (protects cells from oxidative stress)
Improving skin texture (in anti-aging creams)
Weight loss and metabolism support (though evidence is limited)
Brain health (studied for use in Alzheimer’s and cognitive decline)
Liver support (in conditions like fatty liver disease)
How It Works:
Conversion to EPA & DHA (Partially)
ALA is partially converted in the body into eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)—the active forms of omega-3s found in fish oil.
This conversion is limited: typically less than 10% of ALA becomes EPA, and even less becomes DHA.
These converted forms play critical roles in anti-inflammatory pathways, brain health, and cardiovascular protection.
Incorporation into Cell Membranes
ALA is integrated into cell membranes, especially in the heart and immune system, improving membrane flexibility and function.
Regulates Inflammation
ALA helps reduce inflammation by affecting the production of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids (signaling molecules).
This can be beneficial in conditions like heart disease, arthritis, and metabolic syndrome.
Lipid Regulation
ALA can lower blood triglycerides and improve cholesterol profiles (increasing HDL and reducing LDL in some studies).
Antioxidant Effects
While not a direct antioxidant, ALA supports antioxidant defenses by modulating gene expression and reducing oxidative stress markers.
Dosage: As prescribed by your doctor.
Side effects:
Low blood sugar
Nausea
Rash (when using an ALA cream or ointment)
Vomiting
Headache
Heartburn
Precautions:
Ask a doctor other healthcare provider before taking ALA if it is safe for you to use this product if you have:
liver disease;
diabetes (Alpha Lipoic Acid can cause low blood sugar);
a thyroid disorder;
a thiamine deficiency (thiamine is a form of vitamin B); or
if you drink large amounts of alcohol.
Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical advice and proper dosage
Folic Acid
FOLIC ACID
OVERVIEW
Folic acid (vitamin B9) is a B vitamin supplement that may be used to prevent and treat folate deficiency (low blood levels of folate) that can cause megaloblastic anemia.
CLASSIFICATION
B-vitamin
USES
Folic acid is a B complex vitamin effective in the treatment of megaloblastic anemias due to a deficiency of folic acid (as may be seen in tropical or nontropical sprue) and in anemia of nutritional origin, pregnancy, infancy, or childhood.
HOW IT WORKS
Folic acid is approved for the prevention and treatment of folate deficiency. Healthy levels of this vitamin, which is really a hormone, not only helps form red blood cells, it protects your brain health and supports a healthy pregnancy.
DOSAGE
As directed by the physician
PRECAUTIONS
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant before using folic acid; folic acid requirements are markedly increased during pregnancy, and deficiency may harm a fetus. Folic acid passes into breast milk. Folic acid requirements are markedly increased while breastfeeding; however, amounts present in breast milk are adequate to fulfil infant requirements. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding
SIDE EFFECTS
Redness
skin rash
itching
feeling unwell (malaise), and
respiratory difficulty due to bronchospasm
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical advice and proper dosage.
PRECAUTIONS
Read the label carefully before use
Store in a dry and dark place at a temperature not exceeding 30C. Do not freeze
Keep out of reach of children
SIDE EFFECTS
· Redness
· Dryness
· Itching
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical advice and proper dosage.
Mecobalamin
MECOBALAMIN
Overview:
Mecobalamin, also known as methylcobalamin, is an active form of vitamin B12 that is directly used by the body. It plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy nerves, producing red blood cells, and supporting brain function. It also helps in treating certain types of anemia. Mecobalamin works by repairing nerve cells and improving their function.
Classification:
Vitamin B12
Uses:
Mecobalamin is mainly used to treat problems caused by a lack of vitamin B12 in the body. It helps in treating nerve-related issues like numbness, tingling, and weakness, especially in people with diabetes, alcohol-related nerve damage, or other nerve problems. It is also used to treat a type of anemia called megaloblastic anemia, which happens when the body can’t make enough healthy red blood cells.
How It Works:
Mecobalamin is the active coenzyme form of vitamin B12,which works primarily by participating in key biochemical reactions essential for nerve and blood cell function. It acts as a cofactor for the enzyme methionine synthase, which helps convert homocysteine to methionine—a vital amino acid used to produce S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe). SAMe is a universal methyl donor involved in various methylation processes such as DNA synthesis, neurotransmitter regulation, and myelin sheath maintenance. Mecobalamin is especially important in the nervous system, where it promotes the regeneration of damaged nerves, repairs the myelin sheath, and improves nerve signal transmission. Additionally, it supports nucleic acid synthesis, which is necessary for the production of healthy red blood cells, helping to treat megaloblastic anemia. This dual action—on nerves and blood—makes mecobalamin highly effective in managing neurological disorders, peripheral neuropathies, and vitamin B12 deficiency.
Dosage:
As prescribed by your doctor.
Side Effects:
Nausea
Dizziness
Diarrhea
Pain or swelling at the injection site
Fatigue
Precautions:
Before using Mecobalamin, certain precautions should be taken to ensure safe use. Patients should inform their doctor if they have a history of allergies to vitamin B12 or related compounds. Those with Leber’s disease, a rare inherited eye disorder, should avoid mecobalamin, as it may worsen vision loss. Caution is also advised in individuals with low potassium levels, folate or iron deficiency, or kidney and liver problems. Mecobalamin is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but it should only be used under medical supervision. It is important to tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking, especially metformin, antacids, or proton pump inhibitors, as these can reduce vitamin B12 absorption. Alcohol can also interfere with its effectiveness
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical advice and proper dosage.
Pyridoxine
Pyridoxine
OVERVIEW
Vitamin B6 is a type of B vitamin. Pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine are all forms of vitamin B6.
CLASSIFICATION
Pyridoxine is a form of B6 vitamin
USES
A rare seizure disorder that requires vitamin B6. Giving infants vitamin B6 by IV controls seizures caused by a condition called pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy. IV products can only be given by a healthcare provider.
A condition in which the body makes abnormal red blood cells that build up iron (sideroblastic anaemia). Taking vitamin B6 by mouth is effective for treating an inherited type of anaemia called sideroblastic anaemia.
Vitamin B6 deficiency. Taking vitamin B6 by mouth is effective for preventing and treating vitamin B6 deficiency.
HOW IT WORKS
pyridoxine (PN), pyridoxal (PL) and pyridoxamine (PM), and their phosphorylated derivatives, pyridoxine 5′-phosphate (PNP), pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP) and pyridoxamine 5′-phosphate (PMP). Although all six of these compounds should technically be referred to as vitamin B6, the term vitamin B6 is commonly used interchangeably with just one of them, pyridoxine. Vitamin B6, principally in its biologically active coenzyme form pyridoxal 5′-phosphate, is involved in a wide range of biochemical reactions, including the metabolism of amino acids and glycogen, the synthesis of nucleic acids, hemoglobulin, sphingomyelin and other sphingolipids, and the synthesis of the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
DOSAGE
As directed by the physician
PRECAUTIONS
Vitamin B6: What You Need to Know
Taking Vitamin B6 by mouth is usually safe when used in the right amount. For most people, 100 mg or less per day is considered safe. Some people might feel mild side effects like nausea, stomach upset, headache, or loss of appetite.
If you take more than 500 mg a day, it could be risky. Very high doses — especially over 1000 mg daily — may lead to serious nerve and brain problems.
During Pregnancy
Vitamin B6 is often used safely to help with morning sickness, but only under a doctor’s guidance. Taking too much during pregnancy can be harmful and may even cause seizures in newborns.
While Breastfeeding
Vitamin B6 is safe in small amounts — about 2 mg a day. High doses should be avoided, as we don’t have enough information to know if they’re safe for nursing babies.
Special Situations
After a heart stent: Avoid using a mix of Vitamin B6, folate, and B12 after a coronary stent procedure, as it may raise the risk of blood vessels narrowing again.
After weight loss surgery: You usually don’t need extra B6 unless your doctor tells you. Taking too much can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, and changes in skin color.
Side effects
Vitamin B6 is likely safe when used appropriately. Taking vitamin B6 in doses of 100 mg daily or less is generally considered to be safe. Vitamin B6 is possibly safe when taken in doses of 101-200 mg daily. In some people, vitamin B6 might cause nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, headache, and other side effects. Vitamin B6 is possibly unsafe when taken in doses of 500 mg or more daily. High doses of vitamin B6, especially 1000 mg or more daily, might cause brain and nerve problems.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical advice and proper dosage
