Alpha Lipoic Acid
Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a powerful antioxidant that safeguards each of the cells in our body, supporting longevity by reducing oxidative stress and protecting against cellular damage. Research shows alpha lipoic acid protects against age-related health decline of the heart, brain and skin.
- Supports cellular health by reducing oxidative stress
- Promotes energy production by supporting mitochondrial health
- Normalizes blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity
- Protects the heart from free radical damage
- Enhances cognitive health by protecting neurons from oxidative damage
- Improves skin health by aiding in collagen synthesis
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Research-Supported Benefits:
Supports Cellular Health. Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) functions as a powerful antioxidant, protecting each of the cells in our body from oxidative damage. (1) Studies show that oxidative damage is a key contributor to age-related health decline and decreased longevity. (2) ALA further supports cellular health by aiding in mitochondrial biogenesis (the creation of new mitochondria), which is critical for ATP (cellular energy) production. (3)
Regulates Blood Sugar. Research shows alpha lipoic acid exhibits blood-sugar regulating effects by increasing the uptake of glucose into cells and increasing insulin sensitivity. (4) A 2022 meta-analysis of 16 randomized controlled trials concluded alpha lipoic acid supplementation significantly reduces fasting blood glucose and Hemoglobin A1C. (5)
Enhances Heart Health. By reducing oxidative stress, alpha lipoic acid offers protection against age-related decline of heart health. A 2022 randomized controlled trial involving 46 participants found that 12 weeks of alpha lipoic acid supplementation offers additional cardio-protection by significantly reducing triglycerides and total cholesterol. (6)
Promotes Cognitive Health. Research shows that oxidative stress contributes to many of the symptoms of brain aging, including cognitive dysfunction and reduced memory. (7) Animal studies indicate alpha lipoic acid has neuroprotective effects by reducing markers of oxidative stress in the brain. (8)
Improves Skin Health. A key contributor to skin aging is the decline in collagen production that occurs after age 40. Alpha lipoic acid supports healthy collagen synthesis by aiding in the recycling of vitamin C, which is a critical nutrient that promotes collagen production within the body. The antioxidant effects of alpha lipoic acid offer further support for skin health by protecting against oxidative damage of skin cells from environmental factors.
References:
1. Gianturco V, Bellomo A, D'Ottavio E, et al. Impact of therapy with alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) on the oxidative stress in the controlled NIDDM: a possible preventive way against the organ dysfunction?. Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 2009;49 Suppl 1:129-133. doi:10.1016/j.archger.2009.09.022
2. Warraich UE, Hussain F, Kayani HUR. Aging - Oxidative stress, antioxidants and computational modeling. Heliyon. 2020;6(5):e04107. Published 2020 May 31. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04107
3. Dos Santos SM, Romeiro CFR, Rodrigues CA, Cerqueira ARL, Monteiro MC. Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Alpha-Lipoic Acid: Beneficial or Harmful in Alzheimer's Disease?. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2019;2019:8409329. Published 2019 Nov 30. doi:10.1155/2019/8409329
4. Capece U, Moffa S, Improta I, et al. Alpha-Lipoic Acid and Glucose Metabolism: A Comprehensive Update on Biochemical and Therapeutic Features. Nutrients. 2022;15(1):18. Published 2022 Dec 21. doi:10.3390/nu15010018
5. Jibril AT, Jayedi A, Shab-Bidar S. Efficacy and safety of oral alpha-lipoic acid supplementation for type 2 diabetes management: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized trials. Endocr Connect. 2022;11(10):e220322. Published 2022 Sep 26. doi:10.1530/EC-22-0322
6. Ahmadi M, Keshavarz SA, Abbasi B. Effects of alpha lipoic acid supplementation on serum lipid profile in patients with metabolic syndrome: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. ARYA Atheroscler. 2022;18(4):1-8. doi:10.22122/arya.2022.26181
7. Singh P, Barman B, Thakur MK. Oxidative stress-mediated memory impairment during aging and its therapeutic intervention by natural bioactive compounds. Front Aging Neurosci. 2022;14:944697. Published 2022 Jul 25. doi:10.3389/fnagi.2022.944697
8. Maciejczyk M, Żebrowska E, Nesterowicz M, Żendzian-Piotrowska M, Zalewska A. α-Lipoic Acid Strengthens the Antioxidant Barrier and Reduces Oxidative, Nitrosative, and Glycative Damage, as well as Inhibits Inflammation and Apoptosis in the Hypothalamus but Not in the Cerebral Cortex of Insulin-Resistant Rats. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2022;2022:7450514. Published 2022 Mar 29. doi:10.1155/2022/7450514
9. Salehi B, Berkay Yılmaz Y, Antika G, et al. Insights on the Use of α-Lipoic Acid for Therapeutic Purposes. Biomolecules. 2019;9(8):356. Published 2019 Aug 9. doi:10.3390/biom9080356