What is Alpha Lipoic Acid? What are the Benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid?

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA), one of the rare antioxidants that can be soluble in both fat and water, has many important effects on the body, from brain health, nerve damage, detoxification (detoxification) to blood sugar control..  

Of course, it stands out with its power to fight skin aging... Yeditepe University Hospitals Nutrition and Diet Specialist Harika Özkaya Yurttadur explained this antioxidant and from which foods it can be taken as follows:

What is Alpha Lipoic Acid?

Alpha lipoic acid is a natural substance found in some foods and can also be synthesized naturally in the liver. Lipoic acid prevents free radical damage and is called the universal antioxidant because it is the only fat and water soluble antioxidant.

Alpha Lipoic Acid and Antioxidant Properties

Alpha Lipoic Acid is an antioxidant that both protects cells by fighting free radicals and strengthens the overall defense mechanism by supporting other antioxidants in the body. This effect is achieved in the following ways.
This antioxidant effect;

• Prevention of radical metabolite production
• Scavenging of produced radicals
• Repair of cell damage
• Stopping chain reactions that produce secondary radicals
• Enhancement of endogenous antioxidant capacity is mediated through 5 different channels.

Alpha Lipoic Acid Benefits

Free Radical Hunter

Lipoic acid is a powerful substance that scavenges free radicals, the bad molecules that accumulate in the body and rapidly corrode and age cells. Thus, it both protects cells and strengthens the general defense mechanism by supporting other antioxidants in the body.

Protects the Brain

Lipoic acid is also beneficial for the brain as it has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.  Thanks to this feature, it has the potential to be used as a therapeutic agent against various brain diseases while protecting brain health.

Reduces Wrinkles

Alpha lipoic acid offers positive effects on skin health. It helps to increase skin elasticity and reduce signs of aging, especially fine lines. Thanks to its antioxidant properties, it contributes to the prevention of damage caused by free radicals in the skin, so that the skin gains a healthier and younger appearance.  It also contributes to the regulation of glucose metabolism, helping to keep blood sugar levels in balance. In this way, it enables cells to use glucose more effectively. Glycation is an aging and corrosive process.  Alpha lipoic acid, which keeps this process under control, is a natural substance that can delay skin aging. Since ALA is a powerful antioxidant, it is also used as a functional ingredient in the preparation of cosmetic products..

Called the 'Universal Antioxidant

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a natural substance found in some foods and can also be produced naturally in the body. Lipoic acid prevents free radical damage and is called the universal antioxidant because it is the only fat- and water-soluble antioxidant..

Found in Vegetables and Offal

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a natural substance found in some foods and is also synthesized in the body. Among plants, spinach, broccoli, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, tomatoes, peas and Brussels sprouts contain the most lipoic acid. Whole grains and rice can also provide low amounts of alpha lipoic acid. Among offal, kidney, heart and liver contain the most.

Supports Weight Loss

ALA consumption is reported to be effective in weight loss and lowering body mass index. It is predicted to lead to potential weight loss as it suppresses an enzyme called AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which plays an important role in appetite.

Replenishes Vitamins C and E

Lipoic acid can interact with other antioxidants, such as vitamin C and vitamin E, to prevent the symptoms of vitamin deficiency. Antioxidants such as ascorbate (vitamin C), glutathione, coenzyme Q and vitamin E oxidize when they capture free radicals.  Alpha lipoic acid has the ability to reduce these oxidized antioxidants and thus can give them antioxidant properties again. It helps replenish other antioxidants, such as vitamin C, E, etc., boosting the cell's defense power.

Cleanses the Body of Inflammation and Heavy Metals

Lipoic acid can chelate (bind) with some pro-oxidant minerals to provide detoxification in the organism and neutralize these minerals. In other words, it can be a potential therapeutic tool in the treatment of various diseases by purifying the body from heavy metals and protecting it against oxidative stress. It is known to be an effective component in reducing inflammation (inflammation in the body), which triggers many chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes..

Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplements and Recommendations for Use

Commercial forms used as dietary supplements contain 50-600 mg of alpha lipoic acid. In a study conducted on humans, a dose of 600-2400 mg/day was reported to be safe. Caution should be exercised in patients receiving insulin or oral antidiabetics and in patients with hypo/hyperthyroid therapy as drug interactions may occur. Although it does not have any carcinogenic and teratogenic effects, it is not recommended for use during pregnancy and lactation periods due to lack of sufficient evidence..

Like many antioxidants, ALA supplements are available. However, it is dangerous to use these supplements indiscriminately. Since they may be harmful in terms of side effects and drug interactions, they should be used in consultation with a doctor.
Please consult your doctor for Alpha Lipoic Acid usage and dosage.