Alpha Lipoic Acid

Alpha Lipoic Acid was found to have anti-oxidant activity as well as the activity to recycle other antioxidants and enhance energy production in the organism. Alpha Lipoic Acid and its metabolite Dihydro Lipoic Acid may neutralize a variety of reactive oxygen radicals. Therefore Alpha Lipoic Acid is considered to be a very potent antioxidant.

Alpha Lipoic Acid was found to increase production of ATP which is one of the main energy substances in the body. Alpha Lipoic Acid was also found to increase the blood flow in the various organs including the nervous system. Alpha Lipoic Acid is well absorbed in the small bowel and distributed to the liver and then to the other systems and organs in the body. Alpha Lipoic Acid easily crosses the blood-brain barrier.

Alpha Lipoic Acid may help prevent the oxidation of so called bad LDL cholesterol and by this mechanism express protective effects against oxidative stress. Specifically Alpha Lipoic Acid was found to protect against atherosclerosis as well as ischemic injuries. There is evidence that it may be helpful for neuro degenerative conditions of the central nervous system. Specifically, it has been suggested that Alpha Lipoic Acid may slow down the aging process in the brain and may express anti-aging properties in general. Alpha Lipoic Acid was found to promote the growth of neurons which are cells in the nervous system. Studies have shown that when Alpha Lipoic Acid is administered for up to three months, it improves blood flow in the nervous system by reducing the vascular resistance. Nerve conduction velocity was improved and even restored in certain nervous tissues.

Various animal studies have revealed tissue damage protective effects in cases of stroke and heart attack. There is data pointing to possible positive effects of Alpha Lipoic Acid in cases of Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and other neuro-degenerative disorders.

Anti-aging effects of Alpha Lipoic Acid was demonstrated on a few animal studies. In particular, Alpha Lipoic Acid was found to significantly reverse age related decline in the brain and general activity. When Alpha Lipoic Acid was given, the ability of the cells to utilize oxygen was significantly increased.