Alpha Lipoic Acid 100 mg

What is Alpha Lipoic Acid?

Alpha Lipoic acid (ALA) is a powerful antioxidant and a cofactor for mitochondrial enzymes. ALA is amphipathic, meaning it can work as an antioxidant in both fat and water, and it can cross the blood-brain barrier allowing it to work everywhere in the body. It is involved in insulin-mediated glucose utilization and supports nerve health and endothelial function.

How does Alpha Lipoic Acid Work?

ALA is not only an antioxidant in its own right, protecting cells from oxidative damage, it also reduces, and thereby recycles, oxidized forms of other powerful antioxidants, such as glutathione, vitamin C, vitamin E, and CoQ10 so they too can continue to scavenge reactive oxygen species. ALA may also increase glutathione synthesis.

The cognitive decline that often accompanies aging is most often a result of oxidative stress in the brain and lack of cellular energy due to loss of mitochondrial productivity. Oxidative stress occurs when reactive oxygen species (“free radicals”) build up faster than antioxidants can work to quench them. Supplementing with potent antioxidants such as ALA that can readily cross the blood-brain barrier may aid in staving off some of the damage caused by oxidative stress in the brain. ALA is a required cofactor for several mitochondrial enzymes that catalyze energy production and the breakdown of amino acids, thereby supporting normal mitochondrial energy production in brain cells and throughout the body.

ALA has been shown to benefit the function of neurotransmitter systems, including dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, sometimes even reversing age-related loss of both neurotransmitters and their receptors, which may underlie the apparent positive effects of ALA on cognition.

ALA supports healthy glucose metabolism by activating the insulin signaling cascade necessary for glucose uptake.

The endothelium is an important layer of cells that lines the inside of the heart and blood vessels. ALA supports endothelial function and microvascular health by supporting endothelial-dependent vasodilatation. Poor endothelial-dependent vasodilatation is known to be associated with cardiovascular disease. Both vascular health and glucose metabolism are known to contribute to neuroprotection and ALA likely aids in neuroprotection as it plays an important role in both of these systems.

What are the Suggested Uses for Alpha Lipoic Acid?

• Supports protection and recovery from oxidative damage throughout the body (including the brain) as a versatile fat and water-soluble antioxidant. *
• Aids in healthy glucose metabolism as an activator of insulin signaling. *
• Promotes cardiovascular and nerve health by supporting endothelial function and vasodilation. *

Source Materials: Alpha lipoic acid is made by chemical synthesis. Metabolic Maintenance uses only ALA made in Europe, where it has a long history of use. Ascorbic acid is made from corn sorbitol.

Allergens: According to information provided by our suppliers, these capsules are free of the eight major allergens as identified by the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA): Wheat (gluten), eggs, milk, soybeans, shellfish, fish, peanuts, tree nuts.

Recommendations: One to three (1-3) capsules daily with meals, or as directed by a healthcare professional.

Precautions: Pregnant or lactating women and individuals taking prescription medications should consult with a healthcare professional before taking any supplement. ALA may lower blood glucose levels. Those on antidiabetic medications, take only under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

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