Health Benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid

We discuss the impressive health benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid, a powerful antioxidant known for its potential to support cellular health and boost antioxidant defences.

What is Alpha-Lipoic-Acid (ALA)?

Alpha-Lipoic-Acid or ALA is a sulphur component produced by plants, animals and humans.

In humans, it is found in the mitochondria, the energy centre of the cells where is acts as a co-factor for different enzymatic functions required for the production of energy.

What is ALA found in?

The human body creates a small amount of ALA, but what we mostly consume is from fruit, vegetables and meat. However, It is primarily found in plant-based sources. Some common dietary sources of ALA are:

Flaxseeds and flaxseed oil

Chia seeds

Hemp seeds and hempseed oil

Walnuts

Soybeans and soybean oil

Canola oil

Leafy green vegetables, such as spinach and kale

What are the benefits of ALA?

Removal of heavy metals

It is a metal chelating agent, meaning it supports the removal of heavy metals from the blood stream.

Blood glucose control

Its involvement in glucose and lipid metabolism means it is useful for blood glucose control in diabetes and has been used therapeutically to support symptoms of diabetic neuropathy.

Anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

ALA is both water and fat soluble and has powerful antioxidant abilities. It inactivates free radicals and repairs damage but can also help to produce and restore other important antioxidants such as glutathione and vitamins C and E. Studies have also shown it maybe useful in the prevention of ovarian damage from certain chemotherapy drugs via its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Precautions

Side effects of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) supplementation are uncommon but may include insomnia, fatigue, diarrhea, and skin rash. It's important for individuals with diabetes or low blood sugar to use caution when taking ALA and seek guidance from their healthcare provider before starting supplementation.