 | | Alpha lipoic acid is known as the "universal |
| | antioxidant" because of its unique solubility in both water and fat. Unlike vitamin E which is primarily fat soluble and vitamin C which is water soluble, alpha lipoic acid can enter all parts of the cell to neutralize a wide variety of harmful free radicals, and it is the only antioxidant that can easily get into the brain. In addition, lipoic acid is capable of repairing damaged molecules and mitigating the oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
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 | | Alpha lipoic acid is a crucial component of the cellular |
| | energy production process that break down carbohydrates, proteins and fats into sugars, and then utilize sugars to produce energy. Alpha lipoic acid supplementation has been shown to increase energy production, and improve mental and physical stamina.
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 | | Lipoic acid is an excellent metal chelator and |
| | detoxifier, particularly for mercury, cadmium and lead, which it binds to and neutralizes for excretion.
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 | | Alpha lipoic acid can conserve and prolong the life of |
| | a variety of other antioxidants including glutathione, vitamins C and E, and coenzyme Q10, increasing their bioavailability and effectiveness. Lipoic acid is the only antioxidant that can boost the intracellular level of glutathione, which is the body's primary water-soluble antioxidant, a major detoxification agent and is absolutely essential for the functioning of the immune system.
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 | | Alpha lipoic acid has been widely used in Germany for |
| | over 30 years as an approved drug for treating diabetic neuropathy, helping regulate blood sugar, and preventing diabetic cardiopathy.
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 | | Alpha lipoic acid has also been used to prevent |
| | atherosclerosis, cataracts, and for protection against irradiation damage.
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 | | Alpha lipoic acid protects cells against age-related |
| | deterioration in mitochondrial function and loss of vitamin C and glutathione.
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 | | To read more on alpha lipoic acid, check this Nutrition |
| | Science News article, or in scientific terms this Linus Pauling Institute review article.
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