Description of Alpha Lipoic Acid
Alpha Lipoic acid is an enzyme. It is found in the mitochondria which are the energy producing structures in each of our cells. Alpha Lipoic Acid is essential in the production of energy because of its role in the Krebs cycle. Also, once in the body it is converted to dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA), which functions as a powerful antioxidant. Alpha Lipoic Acid is known as the Universal Antioxidant because it is effective in both water and fat soluble areas in the body.
Types of Alpha Lipoic Acid
Chemically, Alpha Lipoic Acid is a molecule that consists of the two isomers of R & S. Some brands provide Alpha Lipoic Acid in the R form only. It is much more expensive and the claim that it is more effective has not been validated.
Scientific Names
1,2-dithiolane-3-pentanoic acid
Common Names
Thioctic acid, lipoate, lipoic acid, 1,2 dithilpolane-3-valeric acid, 6,8 thioctic acid, ALA , thioctan
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