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Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) Facts

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a compound your body makes in small amounts and can also be found in supplements and foods like spinach, broccoli, and organ meats. It plays an important role in turning nutrients into energy and, because it works in both water and fat, it can function throughout the body—giving it unique benefits compared to many other nutrients.

Key Benefits of Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA):

  • Supports cellular energy production by helping mitochondria (the cell’s “powerhouses”) function efficiently.
  • Helps recycle other antioxidants (like vitamins C and E), making them more effective in protecting cells.

Why it Matters:

Mitochondrial efficiency naturally declines over time, which may affect how the body turns nutrients into energy ¹. Nutrients like ALA help support normal energy metabolism.
Everyday factors like diet, exercise, and environmental exposures increase free radical activity. ALA helps reinforce the body’s natural antioxidant defenses ².
Because the body produces only small amounts of ALA, and typical diets provide limited quantities, supplementation offers a practical way to achieve meaningful levels.

Citations:

1. Shay KP, Moreau RF, Smith EJ, Smith AR, Hagen TM. Alpha-lipoic acid as a dietary supplement: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2009;1790(10):1149-1160. doi:10.1016/j.bbagen.2009.07.026
2. Superti F, Russo R. Alpha-lipoic acid: molecular mechanisms and antioxidant activity. Antioxidants (Basel). 2024;13(1):63. doi:10.3390/antiox13010063