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.

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.

Lipoic acid is an excellent metal chelator and detoxifier, particularly for mercury, cadmium and lead, which it binds to and neutralizes for excretion.

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.

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.

Alpha lipoic acid has also been used to prevent atherosclerosis, cataracts, and for protection against irradiation damage.

Alpha lipoic acid protects cells against age-related deterioration in mitochondrial function and loss of vitamin C and glutathione.

To read more on alpha lipoic acid, check this Nutrition Science News article, or in scientific terms this Linus Pauling Institute review article.

Acetyl L carnitine is the stabilized form of L carnitine, a natural amino acid metabolite that plays a major role in converting fats into energy by transporting fatty acids into mitochondria, the energy-producing centers of the cells.

Carnitine is approved as a drug in the United States to protect against muscle wasting diseases, including heart muscle weakness and low energy levels, and for people with carnitine deficiencies.

Acetyl L carnitine has been shown to improve overall cognitive function (especially short-term memory), as well as mood and responses to stress in the elderly.

It also enhances aerobic endurance and athletic performance.

L carnitine supplementation has also been shown in various clinical studies to benefit individuals with congestive heart failure, alcohol-related fatty liver disease, certain male Infertility, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

The most important anti aging effect of acetyl L carnitine is to work with alpha lipoic acid to maintain the function of the mitochondria and to protect cells throughout the body against
degeneration. Acetyl L carnitine is critical to youthful cellular function in the brain, heart, liver, peripheral nerve and immune system.

Natural levels of L carnitine diminish as we age, or with Intense long-time exercises and certain diseases. For these and many other reasons, L carnitine supplement is highly recommend for those over 40 who want to maximize their energy and exercise endurance. L carnitine supplementation is particularly important for strict vegetarians..

For more on acetyl L carnitine, please check this "Health and Age" article, and this LifeExtension magazine cover story "The anti aging effect of Acetyl L Carnitine".