Alpha Lipoic Acid

Alpha lipoic acid is a very interesting substance. It is not regarded as a vitamin, because it is made in the body from other substances including fats and methionine, but is nevertheless a very useful supplement because the amounts of alpha lipoic acid found in the body are often lower than ideal. In any case, many substances essential to life are not essential in the diet - this is usually because they are needed in very large amounts or even more important than the vitamins, or both. Alpha lipoic acid in supplement form has many uses, but they fall into two classes; alpha lipoic acid is an extremely strong antioxidant, and also has a specific effect in lowering blood sugar levels. Alpha lipoic acid, therefore, can be helpful in any problem helped by antioxidants, and also in type 2 diabetes and hypoglycaemia. Alpha lipoic acid is so strong that it is necessary to consult the doctor if you are taking drugs for diabetes, as it will almost certainly reduce the dosages needed. Alpha lipoic acid is also very useful for bodybuilders and other athletes, as it improves the rate of recovery from exercise.
One of the ways in which alpha lipoic acid works is by increasing levels of glutathione produced by the liver. This is important because glutathione forms part of one of the main antioxidant enzymes in the body, glutathione peroxidase. Therefore, alpha lipoic acid not only acts as an antioxidant directly, but increases the level of other antioxidants in the body.
Alpha lipoic acid also increases antioxidant levels by "recycling" vitamins C and E, thus making the effective levels of these two vitamins higher.
Alpha lipoic acid is also rather unusual, in that it can protect both fat-soluble and water-soluble elements of the cells, and finally alpha lipoic acid is one of the few things that can pass the blood-brain barrier so it can help protect brain tissue against damage; which can delay the onset of age-related problems such as Alzheimer's disease.