What is Alpha Lipoic Acid?
Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is an enzyme naturally manufactured in the body that is utilized in aerobic metabolism to produce energy. Commonly referred to as simply lipoic acid, this organic compound is a potent antioxidant. However, lipoic acid is actually a metabolite of alpha liporic acid also known as dihydrolipoic acid. This reduced form of alpha liporic acid contains lipoate, which is used by several other enzymes in oxidative metabolism. 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. This is achieved by counteracting free radicals, the waste products creat when converting food into energy. Alpha lipoic acid also assists other antioxidants to protect cells from oxidative damage, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and g
