Discover the Important “Across-the-Board” Health Benefits of ALA

Good dietary sources of alpha-lipoic acid include grass-fed beef Photo by Valeria Boltneva/Pexels

When it comes to the health status of millions of Americans, there is definitely room for improvement.  And, that’s putting it mildly.  According to the Centers for Disease Control, a stunning two out of three adults in the United States are currently either overweight or obese.  In addition, the American Heart Association reports that over 34 percent of American adults live with metabolic syndrome – a cluster of undesirable conditions that includes high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels, high blood sugar, and excessive abdominal fat.  Unfortunately, this common syndrome greatly increases the chance of developing potentially life-threatening conditions such as stroke, heart attack, and type 2 diabetes.

Some researchers believe that alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) can support metabolic health, thereby helping to protect against metabolic syndrome and the chronic diseases that may accompany it.  In a recent scientific review published in Biomolecules, the authors credit ALA with “promising effects” and “clinically valuable properties.”  Let’s see what’s causing scientists to be so enthusiastic about this natural compound – and explore how it contributes to overall health.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid Is a “Team Player” That Facilitates the Actions of Other Antioxidants

Alpha-lipoic acid is found in the mitochondria (the tiny “power stations” of the cells), where it is needed for a variety of enzymatic reactions – including those involved in cellular energy generation and blood sugar metabolism.  ALA, which happens to be both fat- and water-soluble, is a potent antioxidant that neutralizes harmful reactive oxygen species both inside and outside the cells.  (In fact, it is sometimes referred to as the “universal antioxidant.”)