Alpha lipoic acid: a novel treatment for depression
Abstract
Insulin resistance has been associated with people diagnosed with depression. Conversely, it has also been documented that diabetics have an increased risk of depression. Evidence suggests that insulin activity plays a role in serotonergic activity by increasing the influx of tryptophan into the brain. This increased influx of tryptophan has been shown to result in an increase in serotonin synthesis. In accordance with the serotonin theory of depression, it may be possible to treat depression by increasing insulin activity. The antioxidant alpha lipoic acid has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity and is used to treat people with diabetes. Therefore, the nutrient alpha lipoic acid should be clinically tested as an adjunct treatment for depression.
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It has been posited that alpha lipoic acid supplementation in major depressive disorder would result in antidepressant effects, possibly via increased insulin sensitization and a consequent increase in monoamine synthesis.
“It has been posited that ALA supplementation in MDD would result in antidepressant effects, possibly via increased insulin sensitization and a consequent increase in monoamine synthesis [131].”
From Cognitive remission: a novel objective for the treatment of major depression? (2016) · cites this paper as [131]
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Cognitive remission: a novel objective for the treatment of major depression?
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- Authors
- Salazar, M. R.
- Affiliations
- Amherst College (US)
- Corresponding author
- Salazar, M.R.
- Venue
- Medical Hypotheses
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2000-12
- Volume
- 55
- Issue
- 6
- Pages
- 510-512
- ISSN
- 0306-9877 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2045769692
- Cited by
- 31
- References
- 42
- Citations by year
- 2025: 1 · 2024: 2 · 2023: 4 · 2022: 1 · 2021: 4 · 2020: 1 · 2018: 3 · 2016: 1 · 2015: 2 · 2013: 4 · 2012: 2
- FWCI
- 0.65
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Medical Hypotheses (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Pharmacology › Treatment of Major Depression
- Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Biochemistry › Biochemical Acid Research Studies
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Biological Psychiatry › Tryptophan and brain disorders
- Keywords
- alpha-lipoic acid, depression, insulin resistance, insulin sensitivity, serotonin
- MeSH terms
- Antidepressive Agents, Depression, Humans, Insulin, Insulin Resistance, Thioctic Acid, Serotonin
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