Alpha Lipoic Acid(ALA) is a vitamin-like substance that functions as a co-factor for energy production. As both a water soluble and a fat soluble antioxidant, it provides internal cell protection and cell membrane (external) protection against free radicals. While the body can make ALA on its own, levels decline with age and stress and other natural causes.
When consumed, Alpha Lipoic Acid is absorbed by the small intestine and enters the bloodstream and crosses the blood-brain barrier and is found within cells, between cell tissue and within the cells powerhouse known as mitochondria. In fact, when the body makes its own Alpha Lipoic Acid, it synthesizes it in the mitochondria. As an antioxidant, Alpha Lipoic Acid prevents reactive free radicals from damaging the cell membranes.
ALA provides antioxidant protection inside and outside of cells. It also recycles other antioxidants circulating in the body, such as vitamins C, E, CoQ10 and glutathione.
In diabetic patients with neuropathy, Alpha Lipoic Acid reverses nerve vascular resistance and improves blood flow and nerve conduction velocity. It also plays a role in new neurite growth and in improving glucose uptake. Most research suggests several years of Alpha Lipoic Acid supplementation may be needed to improve neuropathy. In a case of a heart attack or stroke, Alpha Lipoic Acid prevents or at least reduces cell and tissue damage.
Research looks promising in its role in slowing brain aging. In diabetic patients with neuropathy, ALA reverses nerve vascular resistance and improves blood flow and nerve conduction velocity. It also participates in new growth and in improving glucose uptake.
Most research suggests several years of ALA supplementation may be needed to improve neuropathy. When tissue damage occurs (such as in a heart attack or stroke), ALA prevents or at least reduces cell and tissue damage. Heavy metal and mushroom poisoning have been reversed in those consuming ALA.
Alpha Lipoic Acid contributes antioxidant protection and regeneration of serum antioxidants to counter oxidative stress. As a component of mitochondrial function, Alpha Lipoic Acid was found to alleviate age-related decline in activity of the mitochondria .
Oxidative stress to the mitochondria is a sure sign of aging within cells. ALA contributes antioxidant protection and regeneration of serum antioxidants to counter oxidative stress. As a component of mitochondrial function, ALA was found to alleviate age-related decline in activity of the mitochondria.
As we get older, the brain is particularly susceptible to mitochondrial degradation. Alpha Lipoic Acid has been reported to improve enzyme activity in the brain. Alpha Lipoic Acid is also considered as a neuroprotective nutrient and was shown to have anti-inflammatory effects and improvements in spatial and temporal memory function. Another study notes ALA improved excitotoxic amino acid injury
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