IYKYK: Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) plays a crucial role in energy metabolism and antioxidant support.
ALA is used therapeutically to manage insulin resistance & promote antioxidant status.
Alpha Lipoic acid is both synthesized by the body and available through certain foods and supplements.
While the body can produce ALA, it can also be obtained from dietary sources & supplements.
Foods rich in ALA include:
spinach
broccoli
tomatoes
peas
Brussels sprouts
organ meats such as liver and heart
The body's ability to synthesize ALA depends on the availability of precursor molecules, a medium chain fatty acid: caprylic acid and an amino acid: cysteine, as well as the proper functioning of the enzymes involved in its biosynthesis and overall mitochondrial health.
Although the body can produce ALA, this endogenous synthesis is generally in small amounts, which is why dietary sources and supplements can be beneficial in certain situations.
Alpha Lipoic Acid’s role in our health:
Antioxidant Properties: ALA functions as a powerful antioxidant, helping to neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. This antioxidant effect is unique because ALA is both water- and fat-soluble, allowing it to work in various parts of the body.
Energy Production: ALA is essential in the mitochondrial production of energy. It acts as a coenzyme in the Krebs cycle, a process that converts nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of the cell.
Regeneration of Other Antioxidants: ALA helps regenerate other antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and glutathione, enhancing their effectiveness in combating oxidative stress.
Potential Therapeutic Uses:
Diabetes: ALA has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce symptoms of diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage caused by diabetes).
Neuroprotection: Its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier makes ALA potentially beneficial in protecting brain cells from oxidative damage, which may be useful in conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects: ALA may help reduce inflammation, which is linked to various chronic diseases, including heart disease and cancer.
Although determining ALA status in the body is difficult, looking at an individual’s overall health status can signal if supplementation is beneficial.
Common symptoms include:
accelerated aging & chronic inflammation and those disease states that go along with it like cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer
neurological symptoms such as cognitive decline, memory impairment, and neuropathy
low energy, fatigue & weakness
Nourishing yourself with a variety of foods gives your body what it needs thrive. We are here to help you get there.
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NOTE: the information provided on the site is for educational purposes only, and does not substitute for professional medical advice