Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Main Function: antioxidant
Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant and an enhancer of other antioxidants.
Normal metabolism and other processes produce oxidative or free radical
byproducts that damage all living tissues in the body. The antioxidant
properties of alpha-lipoic acid help to protect these tissues from damage caused
by aging, sugar metabolism and certain pollutants in our environment and the
foods we eat.
In, particular, alpha-lipoic acid
can reduce damage oxidative damage to blood vessels, brain, peripheral nerves,
liver, skin and bone. Other beneficial effects have been demonstrated that are
not yet well understood.
Alpha-lipoic acid is effectively
used to treat neuropathy, muscle fatigue, diabetic insulin resistance, vitamin E
deficiency, vascular dysfunction, radiation injury, mushroom poisoning, and
alcoholic hepatitis. It inhibits cataract formation and also frequently used as
an anti-aging supplement. |
