What is alpha-lipoic acid used for?

Alpha-lipoic acid is used in the body to break down carbohydrates and to make energy for the other organs in the body. Alpha-lipoic acid seems to work as an antioxidant, which means that it might provide protection to the brain under conditions of damage or injury.

Is alpha-lipoic acid an anti inflammatory?

α-Lipoic acid has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties: an experimental study in rats with carrageenan-induced acute and cotton pellet-induced chronic inflammations. Br J Nutr.

Where does alpha lipoic acid ( ALA ) come from?

Alpha-lipoic acid or ALA is a naturally occurring compound that’s made in the body. It serves vital functions at the cellular level, such as energy production. As long as you’re healthy, the body can produce all the ALA it needs for these purposes. Despite that fact, there has been a lot of recent interest in using ALA supplements.

Are there any health benefits to taking alpha lipoic acid?

What there is, though, does suggest some possible benefits. Here is what’s known about the potential health benefits of using alpha-lipoic acid supplements. ALA is an antioxidant. Antioxidants protect against damage to the body’s cells. There are food sources of ALA such as yeast, organ meats like liver and heart, spinach, broccoli, and potatoes.

How does alpha lipoic acid neutralize free radicals?

Alpha-lipoic acid can also recycle “used” antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin E, and an potent amino acid compound known as glutathione. Whenever these antioxidants neutralize a free radical, they destabilize and become free radicals themselves.

Is it OK to take alpha lipoic acid for altitude sickness?

Alcoholic liver disease. Taking alpha-lipoic acid daily for up to 6 months does not improve liver function or reduce liver damage in people with alcohol-related liver disease. Altitude sickness. Taking alpha-lipoic acid along with vitamin C and vitamin E does not seem to prevent altitude sickness.