Description
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA, also known as thioctic acid) is a naturally occurring vitamin-like nutrient that has been intensely investigated as a therapeutic agent for a variety of conditions involving the body’s nervous, cardiovascular, immune, and detoxification systems. It is produced in lesser amounts in the liver and other body tissues, where it is needed by enzymes to catalyze numerous essential chemical reactions in the body. For instance, ALA is essential inside the mitochondria (power plant) of cells, where it is needed to metabolize glucose and direct calories into energy production.
Nature’s Most Versatile Antioxidant
Researchers have found that ALA displays diverse pharmacologic and antioxidant properties. ALA is a powerful antioxidant and performs several other vital functions in the regeneration of other antioxidants like Vitamin C, E and the master antioxidant, Glutathione.
Help Maintain Healthy Glucose Levels
The latest, and arguably the most important discovery regarding ALA, is its ability to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels when used as part of the diet. In a 2018 study published in the journal Metabolism researchers concluded that ALA administration may lead to an improvement in glucose homeostasis parameters and lipid profiles except HDL-cholesterol levels. Â The importance of ALA’s role in blood sugar metabolism is evidenced in recent studies.
Recently, researchers have shown that alpha lipoic acid when added to the diet can increase the body’s sensitivity to the hormone insulin. In a randomized controlled study published in the National Library of Medicine researchers measured the effect of ALA on insulin resistance. This study supports the use of ALA as an antioxidant in the care of diabetic patients.
Researchers at Oregon State University’s Linus Pauling Institute for Micronutrient research have found that our body’s natural lipoic acid levels decline markedly with age but can be replenished through dietary supplementation. They describe ALA as an “age-essential” micronutrient and have shown that, when fed to rats, it markedly improves mitochondrial function and ameliorates many signs of aging (Hagen et al. 2002; Suh et al. 2004; University 2007). ALA is also being extensively studied in humans by researchers across the globe, and so far, has been found to exhibit several of both confirmed and potential benefits for health and longevity.
60 X 600mg Veg Capsules
Directions: As a dietary supplement, take 1-2 capsules daily, or more as directed by your health care professional
