An Alpha Acid, Indeed

Moving in at out of cells with ease, alpha lipoic acid is often called the universal antioxidant, and boosts energy, brain health, heart health and more. An article posted on Live in the Now, a sister site to Stop Aging Now by Casie Terry, Stop Aging Nows lead nutrition expert and a certified nutrition counselor, noted alpha lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant used throughout the entire body.

Alpha lipoic acid is both fat and water soluble, meaning it can be passed from cells to bloodstream (this is there the universal antioxidant nickname comes from). Terry said alpha lipoic acid is necessary to provide energy and protection of all cells.

Its health benefits are numerous. A few mentioned in the article are: reducing insulin resistance; prolonging the antioxidant effects of vitamin E, vitamin C and glutathione; reducing oxidative stress; enhancing brain function; reducing eye damage; lessening nerve damage and pain; reducing chronic fatigue syndrome; decreasing the risk cancer; lowering liver disease risk; slashing high blood pressure (in combination with acetyl-L-carnitine); reducing high cholesterol; and promoting weight loss.

The article calls alpha lipoic acid an all-around anti-aging supplement with a lot of antioxidant firepower, adding any taking even a little bit offers helpful antioxidant protection. Terry noted the body produces less as a body ages, so she recommended higher doses for those 50 years and older.

As far as what those dosages should be, she said 50 to 100 mg per day is a good amount for antioxidant protection, but said no recommended doses have been established. For a more-specific health issue, such as diabetes and diabetic neuropathy, she said anywhere from 400 to 800 mg per day in divided doses may be beneficial.

Alpha lipoic acid can be found in food and supplement form. She said brewers yeast, organ meats and red meats are the best dietary sources, but its difficult to find in any others. She said the best way to get Alpha lipoic acid in the diet is with a supplement.