Alpha Lipoic Acid or ALA
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Alpha Lipoic Acid, known in the pharmaceutical world by the acronym ALA, is an organic molecule, very similar in structure to some vitamins, which our body synthesises from the amino acid Methionine.
It is very useful from several points of view and widely used in medicine and nutrition; let's find out why.
ALA is just one of many molecules in a very large family of compounds generally referred to as "antioxidants", molecules the body uses to protect itself from the effects of other, highly reactive compounds: the notorious free radicals.
As we have already discussed in other articles, radical species are molecules that originate from the normal biochemical reactions taking place at cellular level, both energy-producing and otherwise. These "waste" products are unstable molecules, many of them made up of oxygen atoms, which try to become stable by relying on nearby structures, stealing the electrons they need to complete their energy levels but, in doing so, triggering chain reactions, also known as "domino reactions". These reactive processes are continuous and contribute to the tissue deterioration seen in certain disease states, in intracellular and extracellular environments under severe stress or, more simply, as a result of normal cellular ageing. That is why, in this context, the support of molecules that interrupt these reactive cascades is fundamentally important, and Alpha Lipoic Acid is without doubt one of the best available in nature.
In addition to this direct activity, ALA has an indirect action, namely the ability to regenerate other molecules with antioxidant activity, which carry out their functions in intracellular or extracellular settings different from those in which ALA operates. Among these, vitamin C, ascorbic acid, is one of the molecules positively influenced by the presence of ALA.
The main physiological function of ALA in the body, however, takes place at cellular level: Alpha Lipoic Acid is in fact an energy cofactor and plays a part in energy production in the mitochondria, in particular in the processes involved in the oxidation of pyruvate and alpha-ketoglutarate, molecules derived from glucose which are in turn important intermediates of cellular respiration and of carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism.
Alpha Lipoic Acid and weight loss
Several clinical studies have also shown that Alpha Lipoic Acid has positive and encouraging effects in diabetic and obese patients: a clear improvement in insulin sensitivity and weight control was observed in these patients. In particular, its action is thought to work by improving the oxidative metabolism of sugars, thereby making the reactions responsible for the metabolic use of glucose at cellular level more efficient.
What about athletes? Its biological potential keeps growing, but it rests on the molecule's basic structure and underlying antioxidant reactivity. Certainly its usefulness in preventing muscle and tendon damage caused by the reactive oxygen species produced in significant quantities during cycles of intense training may be relevant, as may the new evidence concerning improved energy and carbohydrate metabolism.
Secondary uses? Did you know that the molecule can be used in cases of heavy metal overload? ALA is in fact an excellent chelator of mercury and lead, which means it can "sequester" molecules of these metals, preventing their biological reactivity and so ensuring they are eliminated quickly.
It is also worth knowing that, in addition to being produced by our body as mentioned, the molecule is easy to find in foods of both animal and plant origin: red meat and offal, but also broccoli, spinach and tomatoes, are rich in it and can make up for the body's increased requirements.
Alpha Lipoic Acid - contraindications
No contraindications to the use of alpha lipoic acid have been recorded.
Some research reports possible interactions in patients taking anti-cancer drugs or medication to control diabetes.
Alpha Lipoic Acid - best brand
When searching online, everyone asks which is the best brand of alpha lipoic acid.
Among the products in the Volchem range is PROTOGEN, high-purity Alpha Lipoic Acid with no added sugars, fats or preservatives, in handy 200mg tablets that are easy to swallow, to be taken up to 3 times a day.
To optimise absorption and make the most of its biochemical properties, it is best taken with main meals.
It is very useful from several points of view and widely used in medicine and nutrition; let's find out why.
ALA is just one of many molecules in a very large family of compounds generally referred to as "antioxidants", molecules the body uses to protect itself from the effects of other, highly reactive compounds: the notorious free radicals.
As we have already discussed in other articles, radical species are molecules that originate from the normal biochemical reactions taking place at cellular level, both energy-producing and otherwise. These "waste" products are unstable molecules, many of them made up of oxygen atoms, which try to become stable by relying on nearby structures, stealing the electrons they need to complete their energy levels but, in doing so, triggering chain reactions, also known as "domino reactions". These reactive processes are continuous and contribute to the tissue deterioration seen in certain disease states, in intracellular and extracellular environments under severe stress or, more simply, as a result of normal cellular ageing. That is why, in this context, the support of molecules that interrupt these reactive cascades is fundamentally important, and Alpha Lipoic Acid is without doubt one of the best available in nature.
In addition to this direct activity, ALA has an indirect action, namely the ability to regenerate other molecules with antioxidant activity, which carry out their functions in intracellular or extracellular settings different from those in which ALA operates. Among these, vitamin C, ascorbic acid, is one of the molecules positively influenced by the presence of ALA.
The main physiological function of ALA in the body, however, takes place at cellular level: Alpha Lipoic Acid is in fact an energy cofactor and plays a part in energy production in the mitochondria, in particular in the processes involved in the oxidation of pyruvate and alpha-ketoglutarate, molecules derived from glucose which are in turn important intermediates of cellular respiration and of carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism.
Alpha Lipoic Acid and weight loss
Several clinical studies have also shown that Alpha Lipoic Acid has positive and encouraging effects in diabetic and obese patients: a clear improvement in insulin sensitivity and weight control was observed in these patients. In particular, its action is thought to work by improving the oxidative metabolism of sugars, thereby making the reactions responsible for the metabolic use of glucose at cellular level more efficient.
What about athletes? Its biological potential keeps growing, but it rests on the molecule's basic structure and underlying antioxidant reactivity. Certainly its usefulness in preventing muscle and tendon damage caused by the reactive oxygen species produced in significant quantities during cycles of intense training may be relevant, as may the new evidence concerning improved energy and carbohydrate metabolism.
Secondary uses? Did you know that the molecule can be used in cases of heavy metal overload? ALA is in fact an excellent chelator of mercury and lead, which means it can "sequester" molecules of these metals, preventing their biological reactivity and so ensuring they are eliminated quickly.
It is also worth knowing that, in addition to being produced by our body as mentioned, the molecule is easy to find in foods of both animal and plant origin: red meat and offal, but also broccoli, spinach and tomatoes, are rich in it and can make up for the body's increased requirements.
Alpha Lipoic Acid - contraindications
No contraindications to the use of alpha lipoic acid have been recorded.
Some research reports possible interactions in patients taking anti-cancer drugs or medication to control diabetes.
Alpha Lipoic Acid - best brand
When searching online, everyone asks which is the best brand of alpha lipoic acid.
Among the products in the Volchem range is PROTOGEN, high-purity Alpha Lipoic Acid with no added sugars, fats or preservatives, in handy 200mg tablets that are easy to swallow, to be taken up to 3 times a day.
To optimise absorption and make the most of its biochemical properties, it is best taken with main meals.
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