Alpha Lipoic Acid is an antioxidant, and is widely used in prevention of various diseases. Its main function is to increase production of glutathione, which helps dissolve toxic substances in the liver. An antioxidant helps neutralize free radicals in our bodies and protects our cells from damage.
Since alpha lipoic acid has demonstrated antioxidant effects in numerous studies, it is available as an oral dietary supplement. However, it is also found in a variety of foods, including organ meats, brewer?s yeast, potatoes, broccoli, and spinach. The primary action of alpha lipoic acid is to inhibit oxidative stress.
In the cells of the body, alpha-lipoic acid is converted into dihydrolipoic acid. Alpha-lipoic acid is not the same as alpha linolenic acid, which is an omega-3 fatty acid (see “Alpha linolenic acid”) that may help heart health. onfusion can arise because both are sometimes abbreviated Alpha-lipoic acid.
R lipoic acid has been demonstrated to be a potent antioxidant in several ways. First, it can scavenge toxic free radicals directly. Second, because it is soluble in fat and water, it can insert itself in membranes as well as in the cell’s water compartments.
Due to its detoxification properties, r lipoic acid may be helpful in treating liver disorders, such as chronic hepatitis. In fact, alpha lipoic acid has long been the standard treatment for poisoning from Amanita, a highly toxic mushroom. However, alpha lipoic acid has not demonstrated any significant benefit for liver damage from excessive alcohol consumption.
Numerous studies have found that alpha lipoic acid may improve symptoms of peripheral neuropathy associated with diabetes. In fact, it is commonly prescribed for this purpose in Europe. Studies have also shown that alpha liporic acid also improves glucose uptake and may play a role in protecting the kidneys.
Because lipoic acid works synergistically with many other nutrients, deficiency symptoms for this substance alone are difficult to characterize or diagnose. A true deficiency can mimic the general symptoms of inadequate antioxidant activity, including weakened immune function, decreased muscle mass and memory problems.
Alpha Lipoic Acid is an antioxidant, a substance that neutralizes potentially harmful chemicals called free radicals, and converts glucose (blood sugar) into energy.
In 1951, a fat-soluble coenzyme factor was discovered from lactic acid bacteria. Researchers isolated and identified alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) and found it to be an important growth factor for many bacteria and protozoa.
A healthy body makes enough alpha-lipoic acid. It is also found in red meat, organ meats (such as liver), and yeast (particularly Brewer’s yeast).
What alpha lipoic acid may do ? and may not do.
Because alpha-lipoic acid has not been studied for pediatric use, it should not be given to children.
Animal research has shown that R lipoic can more efficiently than other forms of lipoic acid increase or maintain levels of other antioxidants including COQ 10, vitamin C, vitamin E and glutathione, which often declines with age.
Alpha Lipoic Acid is a fatty acid found naturally inside every cell in the body. It’s needed by the body to produce the energy for our body’s normal functions. Alpha Lipoic Acid converts glucose (blood sugar) into energy.
Alpha lipoic acid is often mentioned to those who have diabetes or are concerned about the effects of aging on your body. It protects your cells from damage done by free radicals.