Description

What Is Alpha Lipoic Acid/R-Alpha Lipoic Acid?

Alpha lipoic acid is lipoic acid. Lipoic acid is a coenzyme present in mitochondria. It has two enantiomers, namely R-lipoic acid and S-lipoic acid. The commonly mentioned alpha lipoic acid is essentially the biologically active form of R-lipoic acid, which exists naturally in nature and can be efficiently utilized by the human body.

Alpha lipoic acid has high biological activity and can more effectively participate in various physiological processes of the human body, such as anti-oxidation and participation in energy metabolism. In contrast, the biological activity of synthetic racemic lipoic acid is only about half of that of alpha lipoic acid, because S-lipoic acid has almost no biological activity.

Alpha lipoic acid is a natural substance found in some foods and can also be synthesized naturally in the liver. Lipoic acid prevents free radical damage and is called the universal antioxidant because it is the only fat and water soluble antioxidant.

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a naturally-occurring fatty acid made by your body. Its primary role is to convert blood sugar (glucose) into energy using oxygen, a process referred to as aerobic metabolism. ALA is also an antioxidant, meaning it neutralizes harmful compounds called free radicals that damage cells at the genetic level. Your body makes its own ALA, but it is also available from certain foods and as a supplement.

Alpha-lipoic acid is most valuable role in the body is fighting the effects of free radicals, which are dangerous, chemical-reaction byproducts that form during the process of oxidation. Within our cells, ALA is converted into dihydrolipoic acid, which has protective effects over normal cellular reactions, such as those involved in metabolic functions and neuron signaling. Like other antioxidants, alpha lipoic acid can help slow down cellular damage that is one of the root causes of diseases. It also works in the body to restore essential vitamin levels, such as vitamin E and vitamin C, and acts as a cofactor for several important mitochondrial enzymes. Additionally, it helps the body digest and utilize carbohydrate molecules.