Alpha Lipoic Acid
An Overview of Alpha Lipoic Acid
Alpha Lipoic acid (ALA) is relatively a versatile antioxidant that is arguably one of the most effective free radical scavengers ever to be revealed. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7] It has potent antioxidant effect, produced by the human body and found in every cell. [1] Alpha Lipoic Acid has ability to absorb in both fat and water based organs and tissues which is its versatility among most other antioxidants. [1, 2, 5] This unique quality of Alpha Lipoic Acid make it extremely popular nutritional supplement for those concerned with heart, nervous system ,skin, liver health and as well as overall energy level. [1]
Our entire range of Alpha Lipoic Acid
History of Alpha Lipoic Acid
Alpha Lipoic Acid is a supercharge antioxidant that was originally discovered in 1950, and primarily classified as vitamin. After a long time researchers discovered that, this vitamin like compound has ability to quench free radicals with high efficiency.
Now it is gained attention of researchers and become top most favorite compound. [1]
How Alpha Lipoic Acid Works?
Alpha Lipoic Acid is appropriately called as “universal antioxidant” because of its potent antioxidant function and scouring the body from harmful effects of free radicals. [1] ALA has unique structure and can ability to absorb in fat and water based organs and tissues and eradicate free radicals throughout the body and this activity make it incredibly versatile compound. [1, 5]
Alpha Lipoic Acid has another impressive quality that it can recycle other antioxidants and make them active again. [1, 2] Antioxidants after quenching of free radicals become a free radical themselves. ALA has the ability to recharge these compounds back to their active antioxidant state and release them to persist their missions. [1]
Alpha Lipoic Acid – As a Versatile Dietary Supplement
Our body has ability to manufacture ALA per day at very little amount which is inadequate to fulfill the dietary entails of it. Dietary supplementation is the best approach to get this adequate amount of antioxidant. [1]
Alpha Lipoic Acid – As an Antioxidant
Due to its diverse antioxidant effects and unique ability to restore and protect other antioxidant, Dr. Packer calls Alpha Lipoic Acid in his book “The Antioxidant Miracle” as “the universal antioxidant”. [1] A nutrition expert Richard Passwater, Ph.D. says about Lipoic Acid that “It would not be an exaggeration to call it a blessing.” [5]
Health Aspects of Alpha Lipoic Acid
Favorable Effects on Age-related Memory
Alpha Lipoic Acid has ability to pass through blood brain barrier because of its unique chemical structure and can fight free radicals. Animal study suggests that ALA may help to avoid damage that leads to age-related memory. [1, 3]
Effects on Brain Health
As Alpha Lipoic Acid can cross easily into the brain so that it has wholesome effects on brain and nerve tissues and helpful for the condition of stroke and other brain associated problems. [2]
Wholesome Effects on Fatigue
Alpha Lipoic Acid plays an important role in encouraging the production of energy and provides quick energy to the body. Supplementation with Alpha Lipoic Acid provides a pool of lipoic acid which not only provide added protection that cells need but also assists spark the energy that the body requires for metabolism and various other biological activities. [1, 4]
Effects on Vision
Alpha Lipoic Acid is found to be helpful in reducing the formation of cataracts. [1, 5]
Effects on Skin
Alpha Lipoic Acid has also aging reducing effects on the skin. [1]
Beneficial Effects on Blood Sugar Levels
Alpha Lipoic Acid exhibits favorable effects on lowering blood sugar levels, eradicates free radicals and may help to lessen pain, burning, itching and numbness in those people who have nerve damage due to high blood sugar levels. [2, 5, 7]
Advantageous Effects on Liver Health
Alpha Lipoic Acid is powerful antioxidant that has positive effects on avoiding liver damage that is caused by alcohol intake. It has beneficial effects in supporting the liver and pancreas health and guards them against alcohol damage. [2, 6] Lipoic Acid plays a significant role in detoxification of liver. [4] Alpha Lipoic Acid can restore the liver’s most powerful antioxidant, glutathione. [5]
References:
- Marcia Zimmerman, CN & Jayson Kroner, CSN. (2006). 7-Syndrome Healing. Page No. 52, 53, 54, 55. Chico, California: Nutrition Solution Publications.
- http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/alpha-lipoic-000285.htm
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpha_Lipoic_Acid
- Mike Fillon. (2003) Real RDAs for Real People. Page No. 223. USA: Woodland.k
- Dr. Richard Firshein (1998) The Nutraceutical Revolution. Page No. 318, 319. London: Vermilion
- Phyllis A. Balch, CNC & James F. Balch, M.D. (2000). Prescription for Nutritional Healing. (3rd edition) Page No. 152. Penguin Putnam INC. New York: Avery.
- Lorna R.Vanderhaeghe, BSc and Karlene Karst, BSc, RD. (2004). Healthy fats for life. (2nd edition). Page No. 37, 38. Canada :Wiley
Disclaimer
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent any disease.
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