Alpha Lipoic Acid

Overview
With its potent antioxidant properties, research has shown ALA strongly supports the neurovascular system, as well as overall circulatory and blood vessel health. As a short chain fatty acid, ALA can both be absorbed by fatty tissues and maintain its solubility in water, allowing it to be easily excreted from the body when not needed. In addition, orally supplemented ALA readily crosses the blood brain barrier after absorption in the small intestine. It then undergoes distribution via systemic circulation. Once inside the tissues, ALA can exert its antioxidant benefits both inside and outside the cells, including the cellular powerhouse, the mitochondria, where it functions as a coenzyme in several different biochemical pathways. ALA also serves as a sulfur donor, which allows it to support detoxification pathways that require this nutrient.
Studies have shown that ALA also modulates the expression of genes which allows it to support blood sugar balance and cardiometabolic health.[2] Blood Sugar Balance†
In Germany, ALA has long been used to support neurovascular function. One of the many health benefits of Lipoic acid is its ability to support insulin sensitivity by preventing oxidative damage resulting from dips in blood sugar. A recent randomized, controlled trial looked at the effect of ALA on a measure of blood circulation showed that supplementing with 300 mg of ALA a day for four weeks improved blood flow by 44%.[3] ALA is also required for the cellular breakdown of carbohydrates and fatty acids, and its role in helping to regenerate antioxidants allows it to support blood vessel and circulatory health.
On the molecular level, ALA supports blood sugar balance by activating a protein called adenosine mono-phosphate kinase (AMPK), a regulator of cellular energy.[4] AMPK coordinates both long-term and short-term metabolic changes, improving energy production and reducing energy storage. The compound activates cellular metabolism by improving insulin sensitivity, down-regulating genes involved in fat storage and activating genes involved with burning fat. A three-month study using a dose of 600 mg/day of ALA demonstrated a 36% reduction in blood fats and a 38% improvement in oxidative stress.[5] An additional placebo-controlled trial on the effects of ALA on 74 subjects found that 600 mg of ALA per day significantly enhanced glucose transport and utilization.[6] BROAD ANTIOXIDANT
† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administra- tion. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.


Eye Health† References
Lipoic acid has also been used to support eye health. Lipoic acid, at 150 mg per day for one month, was found to improve visual function in patients with severe free radical stress of
the eyes.[7]