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Alpha Lipoic Acid: The Universal Antioxidant

Move over vitamins C and E, there is another antioxidant in town said to provide a far wider range of benefits. Lipoic acid, which is the priority name according to the American Society of Biological Chemistry, is also known as alpha-lipoic acid and thioctic acid. Like other antioxidants, lipoic acid has the ability to scavenge the body for disease-causing free radicals; however, that appears to only scratch the surface of this supplement's benefits...

Antioxidants typically come in two varieties: water soluble and fat soluble. A few, such as lipoic acid, are both. This dual nature allows lipoic acid to function in both fatty and aqueous regions of the body, an ability that is the reason…

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 Alpha Lipoic Acid: The Universal Antioxidant

Green vegetables are nourishing powerhouses when it comes to delivering healthy nutrients to your diet, but have you ever wondered why? It is truly incredible what veggies like spinach, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts have to offer, and one of those nutrients is alpha lipoic acid, also known as ALA. This hearty antioxidant is naturally found in the body already since we can produce it, but dietary forms of alpha lipoic acid play a valuable role in providing antioxidant protection.

 Alpha-Lipoic Acid Might Be Nature’s Perfect Antioxidant—Here’s Why

Since ALA is a tiny molecule, it is efficiently absorbed and easily crosses cell membranes. Unlike vitamin E, which is primarily fat-soluble, and vitamin C, which is water-soluble, ALA can quench either water- or fat-soluble free radicals inside and outside the cell. Furthermore, alpha-lipoic acid extends the biochemical life of vitamin C and E as well as other antioxidants.

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Alpha Lipoic Acid the “Universal Antioxidant”

A unique aspect of ALA is its ability to regenerate other antioxidants back to active states. This includes vitamin C, vitamin E, and coenzyme Q10. Alpha-lipoic acid also influences the production of glutathione, which supports a healthy person’s liver detoxification. “Alpha-lipoic acid could have far-reaching consequences in the search for prevention and therapy of chronic degenerative diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease,” says Lester Packer, one of the leading researchers in the area of antioxidants.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid as an Antioxidant Strategy for Managing Neuropathic Pain

Several pre-clinical in vitro and in vivo studies as well as clinical trials demonstrate the analgesic potential of ALA in the management of NP.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid: The Versatile Antioxidant

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a powerful antioxidant which is both lipid and water soluble. ALA’s most valuable role in the body is fighting the effects of free radicals, but the antioxidant action of ALA has other beneficial effects as well. Also called lipoic acid or thioctic acid, it is synthesized by plants and animals, including humans and is an essential cofactor in the mitochondrial production of energy.

Insights on the Use of α-Lipoic Acid for Therapeutic Purposes

Briefly, ALA is an organosulfur compound produced from plants, animals, and humans and exists in nature. In the Krebs cycle, ALA plays important roles in various chemical reactions, acting as a cofactor for some enzymatic complexes involved in energy generation for the cell.

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7 Incredible Benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid

ALA is sometimes referred to as the universal antioxidant because it supports other antioxidants like vitamins C and E, and glutathione. ALA is involved in multiple antioxidant functions in virtually all body tissues, protecting your body’s organs and systems from damage so they can keep you fit and healthy.

Ask the Scientists

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA), also known as lipoic acid (LA) or thioctic acid, is a vitamin-like antioxidant. Some refer to ALA as the “universal antioxidant” because it has the unique attribute of being both fat and water-soluble.

Linus Pauling Institute

Lipoic acid (often called α-lipoic acid), also known as thioctic acid, is a naturally occurring compound that is also synthesized by humans.

StatPearls

ALA has recently gained a reputation as an antioxidant. In its reduced form, dihydrolipoate reacts and neutralizes ROS, such as superoxide radicals, singlet oxygen, and hydroxyl radicals. Thus, it is extremely beneficial in several oxidative-stress-associated conditions such as ischemia-reperfusion or radiation injury