Alpha-Lipoic Acid: A Versatile

Alpha-lipoic acid (also known as thioctic acid) is produced in the body, and found in food sources such as liver, brewer's yeast, and potatoes. Red meat is among the rich sources of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA). ALA was first isolated in 1957, and is chemically known as 1,2-dithiolane-3-pentanoic acid. ALA plays key roles in health, as an antioxidant, and as a cofactor for a number of vital enzymes responsible for metabolism of glucose, fatty acids and other sources for cellular energy. ALA is used to restore liver health, treat diabetes-related neuropathy, and help regulate blood sugar, prevent diabetic retinopathy, and provide protection against oxidative processes involved in the degenerative diseases. Recycling Antioxidants As an antioxidant ALA is unique in that it is both water- and fat-soluble; thus it can offer protection against free radicals throughout the body. ALA can regenerate other antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and glutathione, thus prolonging their existence in the body. Vitamin C, vitamin E, and glutathione work together to protect tissues, cells, and DNA from free radical damage. Vitamin E is a potent fat-soluble antioxidant that works primarily to scavenge lipid peroxyl radicals, which are formed in fatty tissues and membranes. Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant that has the ability to regenerate vitamin E from its free radical form. And the oxidized free radical form of ascorbic acid can be regenerated by ALA.1 Glutathione is an amino acid that acts as an essential antioxidant inside of biological cells, and its oxidized free radical form can be recycled by other antioxidants including ALA and the antioxidant coenzyme called NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, reduced form). Glutathione provides protection against cataract formation, liver damage, and cancer. All these antioxidants are interlinked and ALA plays a major role in recycling many of these key antioxidants in the body. ALA is readily absorbed when taken orally, and once inside cells is reduced to dihydrolipoic acid, which can then be released by the cell. Urinary excretion of ALA is maximal three to six hours after oral administration of ALA.