Alpha Lipoic acid
Alpha Lipoic Acid, often abbreviated as ALA, scavenges free radicals like no other. It is an antioxidant naturally occurring in the human body and present in every single cell. Whenever it is deployed against free radicals, it creates a twofold effect: first, it scavenges most known reactive oxygen species, radicals for example, and, second, it reactivates other antioxidants. By so doing, it significantly raises the antioxidant defense of cells, and this has been supported by decades-long studies. In fact, ALA research is among the most advanced of all known antioxidant supplements in the market today, and for good reason. It displays not only desirable results in vitro, but also shows to be exceptionally effective when absorbed by the body.
Puts an End to Oxidative Stress
We all know what free radicals are, but their effects are still a matter of great debate. What we do know is that they bring damaging effects to cell organelles and even tissues. Free radicals are the most harmful of all reactive oxygen species, which comprises a group of compounds highly reactive to oxygen. Alpha lipoic acid actively neutralizes these compounds to avoid oxidative stress, the harmful cycle that follows the impaired capacity of cells to get rid of free radicals. In addition, it also creates a stabilizing effect on releases of reactive nitrogen species found in proteins of the blood.
Regenerates Other Antioxidants
How does Alpha lipoic acid differ from other antioxidants? The body employs many different antioxidants, vitamin C being the most commonly known. However, the antioxidant reserves of the body are not always in abundance, and those present in cells do get depleted. When cells run out of antioxidants, they are more susceptible to oxidative stress. ALA, on the other hand, replenishes the antioxidant stores of the body while at the same time acts as the first line of defense against free radicals.
Alpha Lipoic Acid – Crosses the Blood-Brain Barrier
Alpha lipoic acid has shown to cross the blood-brain barrier, and this is quite a feat since research on neuroprotective antioxidants has seen limited success. This ability of ALA allows it to be extremely useful against neuropathy brought on by diabetes. Studies point to its effect to alleviate the tingling, pain, and twitching characteristic of peripheral neuropathy and rapid heart rate or slow heart rate tied to autonomic neuropathy, all with very visible outcomes, and this has been attributed to its antioxidant properties.
Dissolves in Both Fat and Water
One property unique to Alpha lipoic acid is its solubility in fat and water, the reason why it alleviates the symptoms exhibited by a deficiency in vitamin C or vitamin E. Vitamin C is water soluble, and thus exogenous sources gets excreted on a regular basis. Vitamin E, on the other hand, is fat-soluble, but easily gets depleted. ALA has shown to mimic the antioxidant activities of both vitamins, making it effective in both fatty tissues and water-based environments. This is the reason why it is also utilized as a chelating agent to most dietary minerals.