How does Alpha Lipoic Acid work?
Alpha-Lipoic acid is important to the body in many ways. First, it is a powerful antioxidant. Second, it acts as a “recycler” of vitamins C, E, and glutathione, thus adding to its total antioxidant effect. It “recycles” these vitamins by restoring their antioxidant properties after they have acted to neutralize free radicals. Thirdly, the body needs alpha-lipoic acid to produce energy. That is, alpha-lipoic acid is necessary for the mitochondria to carry out its energy producing process. This process is called cellular respiration. Without ALA, the mitochondria cannot use sugar to produce energy. And lastly, the body converts alpha-lipoic acid into dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA), which acts as another antioxidant against free radicals. The body is able to produce alpha-lipoic acid, but just enough for the basic metabolic functions. However, having such small amounts of alpha-lipoic acid present in the body does not allow for any significant antioxidant effect. This is where taking an alpha-
