Arnge Krush and Alpha Lipoic Acid

Question:

I was wondering if anyone has any information on the supplement “Arnge Krush.” Also, any information on Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Answer:

These are two diverse supplements used for different reasons, so let’s take them one at a time.

Alpha lipoic acid (also called lipoic acid) is a type of fatty acid that helps us turn food into energy. This nutrient is also found naturally in foods like spinach, broccoli, beef and tomatoes. The amount of this nutrient in foods is not great however and is not likely to produce the same results as from using a supplement. Alpha lipoic acid was discovered in the 1950s and was originally classified as a vitamin. This classification was changed when it became known that we make this nutrient naturally. Alpha lipoic acid is an antioxidant and can help neutralize rouge chemicals called free radicals, which are thought to take part in a host of diseases and conditions. Alpha lipoic acid is used by people for a number of reasons.

Why People Use Alpha Lipoic Acid

Lowering of Blood Sugar

Diabetics may be interested in alpha lipoic acid supplements because of claims that it might help them better stabilize abnormal blood sugar levels. Some research does in fact find that alpha lipoic acid supplements may help improve insulin sensitivity in people with Type II diabetes. How this nutrient benefits those with Type I diabetes needs more study. This aspect of alpha lipoic acid is a very popular area of research, and it does appear to have a blood sugar lowering effect. Having said that, diabetics should consult their doctors before experimenting with this nutrient. There is the possibility that alpha lipoic acid may interact with insulin or other orally-taken blood sugar lowing medications that diabetics may be using. For fitness professionals considering alpha lipoic acid for its blood sugar lowering effects, do not forget about exercise. A simple 20 minute walk is also effective at significantly lowering blood sugar levels.

Immunity

Some research suggests that alpha lipoic acid may help boost glutathione, one of our body’s natural antioxidant defense systems. Other studies find that it may also help improve the function of other members of the immune system like T helper cells. All that being said, it is unknown if alpha lipoic acid can bolster the immune system and reduce the frequency of getting sick. There is also very little known about how alpha lipoic acid impacts the immune systems of those with autoimmune disorders (like arthritis) or persons with HIV.

Exercise-induced free radical damage

It is well known that exercise can produce free radicals. This is a natural consequence of activity and living in an oxygen-rich environment (oxygen metabolism produces most free radicals) Some may use alpha lipoic acid to help deal with these exercise-induced free radicals. While in theory this might help, the body usually ramps up its own natural antioxidant defense systems. Alpha lipoic acid might help the body do this, but the lack of good research in this area makes it difficult to draw conclusions at this time.

While alpha lipoic acid does indeed appear to have some very interesting qualities, it is noteworthy to mention that as of yet, no study has compared alpha lipoic acid supplementation to the benefits achieved from regular exercise and eating a healthy diet. This is food for thought when discussing this nutrient to clients.

Main Ingredients in Arnge Krush

The other product you mentioned was Arnge Krush, which is usually marketed as a pre-workout drink. Its main ingredients are:

• Arginine: This amino acid is found in many nitric oxide (NO) booster supplements. The theory is that nitric oxide opens blood vessels, giving muscles a fuller appearance. Additionally, some speculate that by allowing more blood and nutrients into a muscle, you may be able to help it grow and recover faster. So far, there is not much evidence on this aspect of NO supplementation.
• Kre-Alkaline: This is a type of creatine that has a higher pH level. Kre-Alkaline is supposed to be better absorbed than other creatine brands because of its higher alkalinity. The product contains about one to two grams of creatine, which is enough for most people. A seminal study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology in 1996 was, I believe, the first to show that two to three grams of creatine used for 30 days can load muscles with as much creatine as taking 20 grams a day for one week. This is why people usually say the loading phase is not needed.
• Tyrosine: This amino acid is sometimes found in “energy drinks” because it appears to help people focus better.
• Caffeine: Most pre-workout drinks also contain caffeine because it appears to help people focus. Caffeine also appears to exert a mild fat burning effect. The product has about 155 mg of caffeine.
• Naringin: Derived from grapefruit, this is also one of the compounds found in the supplement bitter orange. Bitter orange is the ephedra look-a-like compound found in many “ephedra free” weight loss supplements. Bitter orange also goes by the names synephrine and citrus aurantium. Bitter orange can increase heart rate and blood pressure, and these effects are almost certainly increased when combined with caffeine and probably taurine also. Because grapefruit is well known to interact with a wide range of medications, naringin-containing supplements should be used with caution.

Looking over the ingredients, the product probably will elevate feelings of alertness. This is mostly due to its caffeine, taurine and naringin content. These also carry some significant side effects and precautions (you probably noticed these on the side of the container). Because of this, I am personally not a fan of the product or others like it.

I hope that answers your questions.