Alpha Lipoic Acid or thioctic acid is an antioxidant that is produced naturally in the body. It functions as a co-factor for a number of important enzymes responsible for the conversion of our food to energy (ATP). However, we still need to get most of our lipoic acid from our diet or from supplements. In nature, lipoic acid is found in the leaves of some plants and in red meat.
Unlike other antioxidants, lipoic acid is both fat and water-soluble and is easily absorbed and transported across cell membranes. This unique quality offers protection against free radicals both inside and outside the cell while other antioxidants only provide extracellular protection. Recent research has shown
Alpha-Lipoic Acid to be an efficient free radical scavenger (1)*, effective in numerous neurodegenerative disorders (2)*, and an agent that prevents deficits in nerve blood flow, oxidative stress and distal sensory conduction (3).* With its capabilities as a precursor to glutathione (GSH-a major antioxidant in the body), alpha-lipoic acid has shown to be a potential therapeutic agent fighting against HIV (4).* Lipoic acid has the ability to regenerate other antioxidants like vitamin E, vitamin C and GSH for further use after they have eradicated free radicals (5).* Numerous clinical trials have shown the benefits of supplementing with lipoic acid for medical problems such as moderating blood sugar concentrations, symptoms of cardiovascular ailments, blurred vision and liver complication (6).*
Individuals that display limitations in moderating blood sugar concentrations often have a serious problem with glycation caused by higher than normal levels of blood sugar due to low insulin production or insulin resistance. Glycation happens when blood sugar reacts quickly and spontaneously with proteins to form damaging cross-linking. This cross-linking causes severe tissue damage and leads to kidney ailments, plaque build-up in the arteries, and retinopathy. Lipoic acid curtails glycation and enhances the transfer of blood sugar into the cells by stimulating insulin activity (7,8).* One of the more severe complications of non-controlled blood glucose levels is reduced circulation to the lower extremities. Studies show that patients suffering from symptoms of diabetic neuropathy improved significantly when they supplemented with 600 mg of lipoic acid daily
