What Is Alpha Lipoic Acid?
Alpha lipoic acid (ALA), chemically known as C8H14O2S2, is a potent antioxidant and an essential cofactor for enzymatic activities. Distinguished by its capability to enhance mitochondrial thermal energy production and promote metabolism, ALA surpasses the antioxidant power of vitamin C by 400 times. Its benefits extend to promoting sugar metabolism and heavy metal excretion.
Uses of Alpha Lipoic Acid
As a versatile pharmaceutical ingredient and dietary supplement, ALA supports liver function, and brain metabolism, and can be found in foods like carrots, tomatoes, and spinach. Its pharmaceutical use includes dosages of 10-60 mg for adults to improve liver dysfunction and influence brain metabolism.
Properties of Alpha Lipoic Acid
ALA is characterized by its melting point of 59-62°C and solubility in ethanol. Research indicates its potential to improve insulin resistance, LDL cholesterol, and fasting blood glucose levels, alongside slight decreases in body weight and BMI. However, its use in diabetic patients requires caution due to the risk of hypoglycemia.
Structure of Alpha Lipoic Acid
Derived from octanoic acid, ALA features a cyclic disulfide bond and exists as two mirror isomers, (R)-ALA and (S)-ALA. The biologically significant form is (R)-ALA, highlighting the importance of optical activity in its efficacy.
Other Information on Alpha Lipoic Acid
1. Production of Alpha Lipoic Acid
The industrial availability of (R)-ALA and (S)-ALA with high optical purity marks significant progress from the racemic forms used in the mid-20th century. Today, China leads in ALA production, with contributions also from Italy, Germany, and Japan.
2. Role of Alpha Lipoic Acid
In aerobic metabolism, ALA acts as a cofactor for the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, among others, facilitating the transport of acyl groups and aiding in the citric acid cycle.
3. Related Compounds of Alpha Lipoic Acid
ALA transitions between its oxidized form, β-ALA, and its reduced form, dihydrolipoic acid, which is essential for its biochemical activity, emphasizing the dynamic nature of its function in the body.