Fundamental Lipoic - 300 mg
Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplement
Alpha lipoic acid is an antioxidant molecule native to the body also known as lipoic acid, lipolate and thiotic acid. It plays a role in metabolic processes and hence is essential to the body. It was first used in the 1950s as a supplement both for general health and clinically in the treatment of a variety of chronic and complex diseases. This use persists today as it has demonstrated itself to be effective in preventing the damaging action of free radicals. It is an unusual antioxidant in that, unlike others such as vitamin C (ascorbic acid) which is water soluble or vitamin E which is fat soluble, it can act in water and in fats. Therefore it has beneficial effects in all of the body's tissue types and hence is known as a universal antioxidant.
Alpha Lipoic Acid - Powerful Antioxidant
Alpha lipoic acid is found naturally in the body and performs an essential role in the reaction chain which metabolizes glucose to provide the body with energy during aerobic respiration. It acts as an antioxidant in these reactions, counterbalancing oxidative reactions which also occur as part of normal metabolism. In every cell of the body oxidation reactions are a part of regular function, however an excess of this process can be damaging as it can lead to the production of free radicals. Free radicals, which are thought to play a role in diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, are unbound molecules that cause multiplying chain reactions of oxidation in bodily tissue. Again, they perform some necessary roles in cells, but in excess they are capable of causing great cell damage and cell death if they are not rendered inactive through antioxidant action. Damage may be caused indiscriminately to cell walls, blood vessels, DNA and the proteins and molecules that perform roles in signaling and regulating in the body. Alpha lipoic acid eliminates free radicals and also increases the recycling and formation of other antioxidants such as glutathione which, like alpha lipoic acid, has benefits in maintaining healthy immune function and minimizing cell damage.
Health Benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid
Alpha lipoic acid supplements have been used to treat serious liver conditions such as cirrhosis, jaundice and hepatitis. It has general protective effects over the liver, aiding its function and circulation. It also gives acts as an anti-inflammatory which is important in the regulation of inflammatory conditions and the immune response to such conditions. Alpha lipoic acid supplements have been used in the treatment of poisoning by cyanide, mercury and mushrooms (such as the toxic amanita), amongst other substances. It is effective in the treatment of diabetic conditions, reducing neuropathic pain, cell damage and minimizing the complications that commonly occur as a result of this disease. It may also help the body to regulate blood sugar levels.
As alpha lipoic acid supplements readily pass into the brain via the blood brain barrier, it has been proposed that it has potential for the treatment of neurological conditions. These include the acute therapy following stroke, in which secondary damage following blood vessel rupture which causes further cell damage and death may be prevented by the action of antioxidants. It has shown to be neuroprotective, ensuring the enduring health of the brain by eliminating free radicals and other reactive oxidizing species as well as helping to reduce harmful and accumulative heavy metals in the brain. By performing this role, it extends the lifespan of brain cells and reduces the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia that are associated with advancing age.
Alpha lipoic acid supplements are thought to retard the aging process, which is associated with a reduction of the body's levels of antioxidants and increased levels of oxidative stress. Other diseases of the central nervous system such as multiple sclerosis, which affects the central nervous system and manifests itself as a loss of motor (movement) function, have also been treated using this supplement. Not only is it used to minimize cancer risks by limiting DNA mutation, but it is also sometimes used in ameliorating pain associated with chemotherapy in cancer treatment.
There are many benefits to taking alpha lipoic acid supplements for those undertaking any sort of exercise program due to its role in glucose and regulation. It has been shown to improve uptake of glucose by muscle cells and maintain glucose stores and improving insulin regulation. It also increases creatine uptake, which is a substance often taken as a supplement by athletes and bodybuilders to increase muscle mass.
Why Take Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplements?
Alpha lipoic acid occurs in most foods, but only in very low levels. The highest levels of this antioxidant occur in organ meat such as kidneys, liver and heart. It can also be found in significant but low levels in vegetables such as broccoli as well as in foods containing yeast. Alpha lipoic acid supplements are synthesized because of the particularly low levels found naturally in foods; however these are chemically identical to naturally occurring alpha lipoic acid and hence have an identical effect. A supplement must be taken in order to provide a significant effect in the body, as they contain considerably higher levels than those naturally occurring in foods.
A lack of antioxidants is responsible for free radical damage
Various diseases are linked with low levels of alpha lipoic acid and antioxidants in general. These diseases affect organs of the body including the liver and the skin. Low levels of antioxidants lead to an excess of oxidation and free radical activity. Antioxidants like alpha lipoic acid neutralize free radicals rendering them inactive and, furthermore, work to repair damaged cells. Free radicals are capable of causing cell injury and cell death and their excess has been linked to conditions such as premature aging, stroke and hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). Not only is there evidence of reduced free radical damage in aging, but it has also been shown to improve metabolic rate and increase physiological activity in aging subjects. In this way it may also be helpful in assisting weight loss (as part of a calorie controlled diet). Free radicals also cause DNA damage which leads to cell mutation and hence the increased risk of the growth of certain cancers. They have also been linked to emphysema in cases of chronic tobacco smoking.
Taking alpha lipoic supplements in addition to consuming foods containing alpha lipoic acid is a way of introducing this antioxidant into the body. In conjunction to this, adopting a healthy lifestyle is a great way of reducing free radical activity in the body. This can be achieved by taking regular cardiovascular (aerobic) exercise such as running or cycling and avoiding exposure to free radicals by not smoking, not spending too much time in the sun, avoiding barbecued or processed foods and not ingesting pesticides in foods. It has also been shown that eating too much red meat, which is high in iron, leads to an excess of free radicals which in turn is associated with heart disease and stroke.
Having a well balanced diet, high in fiber and fresh fruit and vegetables whilst being low in fat, is the key to reducing free radical activity. Replacing protein from red meat with beans, pulses and fish ensures than iron levels are kept low. Living in highly stressful or polluted environments such as urban towns and cities leads to the accumulation of free radicals in the body. Taking antioxidant supplements such as alpha lipoic acid ensures that the health risks posed to the body by normal modern living are minimized. The effects of alpha lipoic acid supplements are much greater than the effects it alone confers, in that it has the ability to recycle other antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E and glutathione (GSH).
If you are a doctor or other seller of natural supplements, you can request a catalog to buy wholesale lipoic acid supplements such as Fundamental Lipoic.
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