Known as the “Universal Antioxidant”, Alpha-Lipoic Acid has unique solubility traits in water and fat. It serves as a coenzyme in the energy production process, which allots for quick bursts of energy at one time. ALA is vital for the aerobic metabolism while cutting down on muscle fatigue and protecting the brain and nerve cells in the process.
The body needs ALA to produce energy. Alpha lipoic acid converts glucose (blood sugar) into energy.It plays a crucial role in the mitochondria, the energy-producing structures in cells. The body actually makes enough ALA for these basic metabolic functions. This compound acts as an antioxidant, however, only where there is an excess of it and it is in the “free” state in the cells. But there is little free ALA circulating in your body,unless you consume supplements or get it injected. Foods contain only tiny amounts of it. What makes ALA special as an antioxidant is its versatilty it helps deactivate an unusually wide array of cell-damaging free radicals in many bodily systems.
Its been over 30 years since Burt Berkson M.D. wrote his his book “The Alpha-Lipoic Acid Breakthrough” and while his position is that injections are the most effective treatment, many have found that 300mg of supplmental ALA each day can be one of the best cost effective preventives available.