What is alpha lipoic acid?
alpha lipoic acid (ala) is an enzyme naturally produced in the body that is used in aerobic metabolism for energy production. This organic compound, which is commonly referred to as lipoic acid, is a strong antioxidant. Lipoic acid, however, is in fact metabolite of alpha lipoic acid also known as dihydrolipoic acid. This reduced form of alpha lipoic acid contains lipoate, which is used by several other enzymes in oxidative metabolism.
Because alpha lipo acid has shown antioxidant effects in many studies, it is available as an oral eating supplement. However, it is also found in various foods, including organ meat, brewer yeast, potatoes, broccoli and spinach. The primary action of alpha lipoic acid is to inhibit oxidative stress. This is achieved against free radicals, waste products are formed during food conversion.amin E and glutathion. Dihydrolipoic acid and alpha lipoic acid also show chelating properties,Which means they bind with heavy metals to remove them from the bloodstream. In addition, alpha lipoic acid prevents glycosylation that occurs from abnormal sugar connection to protein. This is the same process that occurs when food brown in the oven, resulting in the formation of potential carcinogens. Similarly, dangerous by -products can also be produced in the human body.
alpha lipoic acid has been studied for its ability to prevent and/or treatment of various conditions and diseases. Because it can pass through the blood -brain barrier to provide antioxidant effects on nerve cells, alpha lipo acid can be useful in preventing Alzheimer's disease and stroke. In fact, a study involving animal models shows that complementing alpha lipo acid increases the chances of surviving stroke four times. It has also been shown that alpha lipo acid removes mercury from moschKní tissue.
Due to its detoxification properties, alpha lipo acid can be useful in the treatment of liver disorders such as chronic hepatitis. In fact, alpha lipo acid has long been a standard treatment of amanity poisoning, highly toxic sponges. Lipoic acid, however, has not shown any significant benefit to damage the liver in excessive alcohol consumption.
Numerous studies have found that alpha lipoic acid can improve symptoms of peripheral neuropathy associated with diabetes. In fact, it is commonly prescribed for this purpose in Europe. Studies have also shown that alpha lipo acid also improves glucose absorption and can play a role in kidney protection.
While alpha lipoic acid is generally considered safe, the supplementation of some individuals should be monitored by a healthcare worker. For example, because alpha lipo acid affects glucose serum, attention should be paid to preventing hypoglycemia or in diabetics low blood sugar. In additionAlfa lipo acid can interact with some drugs such as thyroid hormones and certain antibiotics.