Top 10 Benefits of Alpha-Lipoic Acid

Alpha-lipoic acid is a strong antioxidant, and the bulk of its benefits arise from that fact. Being uniquely fat and water-soluble permits this antioxidant fatty acid to work in a broader range of body tissues than other antioxidants, like fat-soluble vitamin E or water-soluble vitamin C. ALA can also bind with toxic metal ions such as mercury, copper, iron, and others so they can be expelled from the body.

ALA plays a role in energy metabolism in every cell’s mitochondria. Research has shown that ALA’s antioxidant properties support liver health, cardiovascular health, the nervous system, brain, skin, and muscle recovery following intense exercise. Additionally, ALA supports healthy weight and normal blood sugar levels.

1. Encourages normal thyroid hormone levels
2. Supports healthy nerves
3. Promotes normal heart health
4. Protects muscles from exercise-related stress
5. Supports the liver
6. Promotes a strong brain and sharp memory
7. Encourages healthy skin
8. Promotes graceful aging
9. Maintains healthy blood glucose levels
10. Supports a healthy body weight

If your body doesn’t produce enough ALA or you don’t get enough in your diet, which is especially true in Western culture where people consume processed foods and are exposed to environmental toxins, a nutritional supplement that contains ALA can help. Supplemental servings of ALA typically range from 50 to 600 mg, which is up to 1000 times more than naturally occurs in food. Most supplements contain 50-50 combinations of the mirror image isomers, while the highest quality supplements only contain pure R-LA. Studies show that the body absorbs ALA best on an empty stomach.