Alpha-lipoic acid helps manage liver disease 01-12-2007 In the December 2007edition of the Townsend Letter the benefits of alpha-lipoic acid for managing chronic liver diseases like hepatitis and liver cancer and encouraging liver detoxification are mentioned.  Natural health specialist Dr Burton Berkson elaborates on the benefits of using alpha-lipoic acid which has the ability to recycle other antioxidants like co-enzyme Q10, vitamin C and vitamin E, chelate and remove heavy metals like mercury, lead and arsenic as well as reduce inflammation.  He then goes on to discuss the effectiveness of using alpha-lipoic acid (600mg), together with the herb st mary’s thistle (900mg) and selenium (400mcg) for treating chronic hepatitis.  Interestingly vitamin B12 and magnesium are also discussed in this edition and their utility for helping manage liver disease and a condition called fatty liver is endorsed.