Alpha Lipoic Acid : All About Alpha-Lipoic Acid

posted September 2, 2009 - 2:25pm

Alpha Lipoic Acid : All About Alpha-Lipoic Acid

What is alpha lipoic acid? What are the benefits of alpha lipoic acid and why do people use alpha lipoic acid? What are the possible side effects and safety concerns?

Here are all answers related to Alpha Lipoic Acid.

What is Alpha Lipoic Acid?

Alpha Lipoic Acid, also known as - Dihydrolipoic acid; Lipoic acid; Lipolate; Thiotic acid, is an antioxidant fatty acid made by the body and is found naturally in every cell in the body. It helps to turn glucose into energy for proper functioning of our body.

How is Alpha Lipoic Acid Unique and Different from other Antioxidants?

Alpha-lipoic acid is unique in several ways. Alpha-lipoic acid has great role to play in human health. Alpha-lipoic acid is both fat- and water-soluble whereas the antioxidants are not. This unique property of alpha-lipoic acid allows it the freedom to work throughout the body and give better results. Alpha-lipoic acid also helps to regenerate other antioxidants that get depleted as they attack free radicals.
NOTE: Please note that alpha-lipoic acid is different from alpha linolenic acid even though both are sometimes abbreviated Alpha-lipoic acid.

What are the Dietary Sources of Alpha-Lipoic Acid?

Normally, Alpha-lipoic acid is made by cells in al normal body. Dietary sources of alpha-lipoic acid include - red meat, organ meats (liver), and yeast. Brewer's yeast is a good source of alpha-lipoic acid.

Is alpha-lipoic acid available in the form of supplements?

Yes, alpha-lipoic acid supplements are available as capsules.

What are the benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid?

Alpha Lipoic Acid has several benefits:

1. Helps in the treatment of neuropathy disorders.
2. Improves brain functioning.
3. Since Alpha Lipoic Acid is an antioxidant, it acts as anti aging.
4. Improves skin

What are the side effects of Alpha Lipoic Acid?

Side effects of alpha lipoic acid may include headache, tingling or a "pins and needles" sensation, skin rash, or muscle cramps.

Benefits Of Alpha-Lipoic Acid