In the late 1980s, scientists realized that alpha-lipoic acid, a compound classified as a vitamin when it was discovered, possessed antioxidants that could prevent cells from getting damaged by unstable free radicals.
Today Alpha Lipoic Acid can be used to treat many age related diseases, from heart disease and stroke to diabetes and cataracts in certain persons.
Lipoic acid is also known as thioctic acid. This antioxidant may some day be an important supplement. Not enough is known about it as of yet.

If you decide to take it, tell your doctor because there are drug interactions Some of Which are explained at the bottom.

Alpha Lipoic Acid or ALA is a powerful sulfur containing antioxident that helps the body to produce energy.
Its main function is to increase production of glutathione which helps dissolve toxic substances in the liver.
It plays an important part in the Mitochondria, which is the energy producing structures in your cells.
On it's own your body actually makes enough ALA for metabolic functions. But unless you take supplements there is little free Alpha Lipoic Acid in your body for protection.
Mainly ALA comes from dietary sources (spinach, liver, brewer's yeast). The body does make small amounts, but to get the concentrated amount that is recommended to treat specific ailments, supplementing is recommend. Foods have only small amounts.
It can be found in foods such as meats, and veggies (ie. spinach).
Lipoic acid is also easily absorbed into the blood stream, and it can also cross the blood brain barrier.

ALA works well with vitamin C and E plus other antioxidants and helps protect the genetic material, DNA.
When a person gets older the mitochondrial function is slowed down and this contributes to the effects of aging.

Dr. Bruce Ames, professor of molecular and cell biology at the University of California, Berkeley has studied a ALA supplement called Juvenon, which has been patented by UC Berkeley. It contains acetyl-L-carnitine, which products energy in the mitochondria. He found that high doses of these compounds helped elderly rats to act like younger ones.
Human studies are not conclusive as of yet.
ALA appears to be safe but the long-term effects of large supplemental doses are unknown. There are always dangers of too much of a good thing.

Talk to your doctor before taking ALA. The supplement may, for instance, affect the dosage of your diabetes medication.

An antioxidant helps neutralize free radicals in bodies and protects our cells from damage. A radical is an unstable molecule that ties to electrons from other molecules, thus causing damage. Smoking, pollution, car exhaust, fried foods are sources of free radicals.
ALA recycles C and E (as well as other antioxidants), enhancing their effectiveness.
It dissolves in both water and fat, this "Universal Antioxidant" is able to attack more free-radical cells than other antioxidants. Most antioxidants dissolve in either fat or water but not both. Alpha-lipoic acid can reach tissues that are mainly of fat, like the nervous system, but also those made mainly of water, like the heart.
And ALA helps the B vitamins in producing energy from the proteins, carbohydrates, and fats eaten daily.

Alpha-lipoic acid is used Intravenously in hospitals to treat acute mushroom poisoning and for other cases of poisoning that affect the liver.
Alpha-lipoic acid supplements hold promise for treating various disorders, including HIV infection, liver ailments, and glaucoma.
But most studies have been for preventing diabetes.

Alpha Lipoic Acid has many benefits and all types of people will benefit from taking ALA.
ALA will be even more beneficial for individuals with some of the following conditions:

• Diabetes or higher than normal blood sugar levels
• Have high cholesterol levels
• Are affected by cataracts (in the early stages)
• Cardiovascular problems as hardening of arteries

Below are some benefits of taking alpha lipoic acid.

• Alpha lipoic acid helps make vitamin C and E work better
• ALA is a powerful antioxident that fights free radicals
• It's easily absorbed either food eaten or from supplements
• Alpha lipoic acid helps glutathione which helps with detoxification
• It helps protect the lens and retina of your eyes from degeneration, and helps alleviate glaucoma
• Alpha lipoic acid is used to treat and detox the liver

Obviously, the 2 biggest from supplementing with Alpha lipoic acid is its antioxidant properties, and its ability to help Glutathione levels which plays a big role in toxic substances in the liver.

On the plus side, taking alpha lipoic acid can sometimes lead to a better feeling of well-being.

Alpha-lipoic acid may help to: