Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is also known as "The Universal Antioxidant. Alpha lipoic acid is both water and fat soluble and can pass the brain blood barrier. This means it can be used throughout the body: muscles, fat, organs, brain. It also works on the inside and outside of cells, allowing it to destroy free radicals  The amount of Alpha Lipoic Acid naturally present in the body may not be adequate to obtain the antioxidant benefits. Increasing the amount of Alpha Lipoic Acid through dietary supplementation can be helpful to perform this vital function.

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Background Information

Dietary Sources of Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)

Benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) increases the levels of intra-cellular glutathione. Glutathione has been shown to enhance recovery from heavy training by reducing intra-cellular damage. Alpha Lipoic Acid is one of the latest fatty acid supplements to make the news. The body needs Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) to produce energy. It plays a crucial role in the mitochondria, the energy-producing structures in cells. The body actually makes enough Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) for these basic metabolic functions. This compound acts as an antioxidant, however, only when there is an excess of it and it is in the free state in the cells. But there is little free Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) circulating in your body, unless you consume supplements or get it injected. Foods contain only tiny amounts of it.

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) helps protect the mitochondria and the genetic material, DNA. As we age, mitochondrial function is impaired, and it’s theorized that this may be an important contributor to some of the adverse effects of aging. Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) also works closely with vitamin C and vitamin E and some other antioxidants, recycling them and thus making them much more effective. Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is being studied in animals and in humans as a preventive and treatment for many age-related diseases. These range from heart disease and strokes to diabetes and Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as declines in energy, muscle strength, brain function, and immunity. It is also being studied for HIV disease and multiple sclerosis.

In Germany, in particular, it is already prescribed to treat long-term complications of diabetes, such as nerve damage, thought to result in part from free-radical damage; there is also evidence that it can help decrease insulin resistance and thus help control blood sugar. Many studies have yielded promising results; others are still underway. Lipoic acid shows evidence of being effective in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy and may be useful in treating some other aspects of diabetes.

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) may help prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol and may be protective, generally, against oxidative stress and, specifically, against atherosclerosis, ischemia-reperfusion injury and various radio logic and chemical toxins. Alpha lipoic acid  may also be useful in some inborn metabolic disorders. There is less evidence that it might be helpful in some neurodegenerative conditions. There is preliminary evidence that it might have some immune-modulating effects. It has been suggested that lipoic acid may slow aging of the brain and that it may be an anti-aging substance, in general. Nearly everyone knows someone who has suffered from a stroke. They hit quickly and usually without warning, often leaving the victim crippled in the wake. Research is showing a strong connection between stroke recovery and Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is also crucial for energy production. It helps break down sugar for the production of ATP, the fuel used by cells to keep the body running.