Alpha Lipoic Acid

Chemical Formula: C8H14S2O2.

Other Names: A-lipoic acid, lipoic acid, lipoate, pyruvate oxidation factor (POF).

Alpha lipoic acid is formed from the conjugate base lipoate, which is a critical cofactor involved in aerobic metabolism. 

It assists in the transference of acyl and methylamine groups and is a necessary co-factor for many enzyme complexes.

Sources of alpha lipoic acid: Alpha lipoic acid can be consumed in a variety of foods, including:

• Spinach
• Broccoli
• Potatoes
• Kidney
• Heart
• Liver meats

These are rich in alpha lipoic acid. 

The substance can be found in supplemental form as both a pill and a liquid, though pills are more common.

Home Remedies using Alpha Lipoic Acid:

Benefits and Uses of Alpha Lipoic Acid:

Alpha lipoic acid assists in preventing deficiencies in vitamins C and E and is considered in some fashions to be an antioxidant because of such properties. 

It can scavenge reactive oxygen species and reduce metabolites like glutathione and vitamins for a healthy redox state.

Alpha lipoic acid is used as a dietary supplement and is believed to aid in reducing the effects of diabetes by increasing the cellular uptake of glucose. 

This is accomplished through the recruiting of a specific enzyme that allows glucose to pass into a cellular structure. 

In combination with L-carnitine, lipoic acid can also result in increased memory performance and functionality.

It can assist in delaying the decay of structural mitochondria, both processes of which can possibly reduce the effects of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

Side Effects of Alpha Lipoic Acid:

The S-enantiomer of lipoic acid has been determined to possibly increase stress levels by reducing the effect of the R-enantiomer of lipoic acid (known for stress reduction), and due to the improved glucose uptake, the S-enantiomer is also suggested to increase insulin resistance. 

In very large doses, alpha lipoic acid could be toxic.

Additional Information for Alpha Lipoic Acid:

Lipoic acid can be used to aid those suffering from mercury intoxication.