Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant also known as Acetate Replacing Factor, ALA, Biletan, Lipoicin, Thioctan, and many other names.
Alpha-lipoic acid is a naturally occurring fatty acid that can be found in many foods such as yeast, spinach, broccoli, potatoes, and organ meats such as liver or kidney.
ALA is associated with many health benefits including converting glucose to energy, improving diabetic neuropathy, reducing blood sugar and potentially lowering the risk of heart disease. "It is a naturally occurring antioxidant that plays an important role in the breakdown of nutrient enzymes in our body, which in other words means it helps our body turn nutrients into energy," according to registered dietitian and certified nutrition support clinician Monica Kelly, MS, RD, CDN, CNSC. "It’s antioxidant effect also helps neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS), also known as free radicals, which are negatively associated with inflammatory processes such as chronic diseases, such as diabetes, since they can damage the cells," Kelly adds.
MORE FROM GOOD HOUSEKEEPING
Alpha-lipoic acid is unique in that it can function in both fat and water unlike most supplements that function either as fat soluble (such as vitamins D, E and K) or water-soluble (such as B vitamins, vitamin C, etc.). According to Kelly, "when you have a supplement or a vitamin that is water-soluble, it means that it can be dissolved in water and be utilized in our bodies easily, and you can take them any time; if they are fat soluble, they won't dissolve in water so they will be stored in fat until your body utilizes them and you will need to take them with foods that contain fat so they can be better absorbed." She adds, "when a nutrient is both water and fat soluble like ALA, it's an added benefit because it means it can be more easily absorbed and utilized by our cells.
Health benefits and uses of alpha-lipoic acid:
- May help with weight loss.
- May help with diabetic neuropathy.
- May help with glucose sensitivity.
- May improve cognitive function.
- May provide anti-inflammatory benefits.
- May help to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Are ALA supplements safe?
ALA supplements are generally considered safe, that said, when introducing any new supplement into your diet you should first consult with your health care provider. Additionally, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve supplements for safety and effectiveness, so we recommend choosing brands that have been third-party certified to ensure that the information on the label is accurate. Supplements carrying the USP or NSF seal have had their ingredient list verified, and have cleared tests for manufacturing contaminants like lead or other heavy metals. Other third party labs such as ConsumerLab.com provide their own testing and verification on a range of supplements.
Antioxidants help to bolster your immune system and work to keep you in your best health. Healthy individuals can usually produce many of the needed antioxidants naturally. Dietary sources and supplements can compliment the amount of needed antioxidants. Factors that we all deal with, such as stress, colds, illnesses and poor sleep quality, can take a toll and lead to depletion of these needed nutrients. This is where alpha-lipoic acid, (ALA) a.k.a. the "antioxidant of antioxidants," stands apart from others.
ALA is found in every cell, and it can help to regenerate and replenish other antioxidants, although the mechanism for this is not fully understood. Fortunately, ALA can be obtained through both diet and supplements. While the goal is to get it through food first, a supplement can help fill in where diet is lacking.
What is the most important information I should know about Alpha-Lipoic Acid (Alpha Lipoic)?
Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have:
- liver disease;
- diabetes (alpha-lipoic acid can cause low blood sugar);
- a thyroid disorder;
- a thiamine deficiency (thiamine is a form of vitamin B); or
- if you drink large amounts of alcohol.
It is not known whether alpha-lipoic acid will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether alpha-lipoic acid passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.