Alpha Lipoic Acid

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is a substance that is made in small amounts in the mitochondria, the powerhouse of our cells, and can be found in ALA rich foods like, red and organ meats, broccoli, tomatoes, spinach, brussels sprouts, and potatoes. Alpha-lipoic acid can also be synthetically made. Supplementation; however, offers a far higher concentration of ALA, oftentimes supplying over 1,000 times more alpha-lipoic acid than that found in food sources.

ALA is a powerful antioxidant that is both water and fat-soluble; therefore, has a distinct advantage over other antioxidants because it can function in every cell inside the body. Supplementation has been shown effective to help lower blood sugar, with studies reporting an up 64% reduction in glycemia, as well as for the prevention and treatment of insulin resistance, central obesity, metabolic syndrome, and the development of type II diabetes. There is also some very promising current research that is being conducted on the use of ALA to slow memory loss in dementia as well as to slow disease progression in Alzheimer's, and Multiple Sclerosis.

Benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid

• Facilitates Energy Production
• Provides Antioxidant Protection
• Protects Neurological Health
• Supports Blood Sugar Metabolism

Who Needs Alpha Lipoic Acid?

Some of the most common uses for ALA include lowering blood sugar, controlling inflammation, improving nerve function, slowing down cognitive degeneration associated with neurodegenerative diseases, as well as to offer robust antioxidant protection. Practitioners will also frequently suggest ALA to help support weight loss efforts by controlling satiety and increasing fat metabolism. ALA is also commonly used to reverse nerve damage caused by diabetic neuropathy and help with its management.

Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplements

Potencies

ALA supplements come in a wide range of potencies, anywhere from 100 to 1,000 mg, and the recommended daily dose will vary according to the condition and symptoms being treated, generally in the 600 to 1,200 mg range.

Forms

ALA is primarily offered in three forms; alpha R-lipoic acid, alpha S-lipoic acid, and alpha RS-lipoic acid.

R-Lipoic Acid is a form that occurs naturally in plants, animals, and the human body, and is also the form responsible for ALAs health benefits. Conversely, S-Lipoic Acid is not found in nature and can inhibit the most beneficial properties of the R form. Despite this R-Lipoic acid, when separated from the S form, is physically very unstable. This is why the most common form of ALA is a 50/50 mixture of the R-(natural) and S-(synthetic), as alpha RS-lipoic acid.

Formats

ALA supplements can be purchased in capsules (gelatin-based and veggie), tablets, as well as in a liquid, and even a powder form in individual serving size sachets. ALA is also frequently added to skin care creams and serums for its anti-aging effects.

Final Thoughts

ALA supplements are better absorbed when taken on an empty stomach, so it's recommended to take them away from food or to wait for 2 to 3 hours after eating to take them.