#Alpha lipoic acid benefits free

ĪLA interacts with other biomolecules in ways that counter the development of age-related diseases and conditions. ALA’s antioxidant potential is greatest in this form. Reduced ALA is customarily referred to as DHLA. Upon entry into the watery interior of the cell, ALA is reduced by one of several thioredoxin-fold proteins. Alpha-lipoic acid’s role in the antioxidant defense systemĮxogenous ALA enters cells through the sodium-dependent multivitamin transporter (SDVT), a transmembrane protein responsible for the movement of vitamins and other essential cofactors such as biotin and pantothenic acid. Additionally, the cycle provides numerous amino acid precursors and the reducing agent NADH, which delivers electrons to the electron transport chain to drive the production of ATP. The four α-ketoacid dehydrogenase complexes function as parts of the Krebs/citric acid cycle, which transforms energy from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into carbon dioxide and chemical energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The glycine cleavage system is responsible for the synthesis of the nucleic acids that make up DNA, RNA, ATP, ribosomes, and other molecules critical to life. These complexes include the glycine cleavage system and four α-ketoacid dehydrogenase complexes. Alpha-lipoic acid as a co-enzymeĪLA is a non-protein co-enzyme that is bound to numerous protein-based multienzyme complexes. This is unusual when compared to other antioxidants, which are typically either water- or fat-soluble.

#Alpha lipoic acid benefits free

The central portion of ALA consists of a medium-length carbon chain, which enables ALA to neutralize lipid peroxidation reactions (another form of free radical oxidation). The left side of the molecule, which has two adjacent sulfur atoms, endows ALA with most of its reactive properties. The carboxylate end of ALA, shown on the right side of the molecule, enables it to anchor to proteins to perform as a coenzyme. Physically, ALA is a medium-chain fatty acid with a ring structure on one end that harbors two sulfur atoms.

What is alpha-lipoic acid?Īlpha-lipoic acid (ALA) functions as an essential metabolic co-enzyme, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory.

Its first isolation was in 1951 by Lester Reed, and its first clinical application occurred in 1959, when German scientists used it to treat liver failure caused by death-cap mushroom poisoning.