THE IDEAL ANTIOXIDANT
Alpha Lipoic Acid holds properties as a free radical protectant for our cells as it is the only antioxidant which is both fat and water-soluble. What this means is that Alpha Lipoic Acid is capable of easily being absorbed and transported across cell membranes, offering us protection from free radical damage both inside and outside the cell. In the multiple processes of metabolism, particularly the catabolic processes, various intermediate molecules called "free radicals" are generated, which are chemically active and which are capable of destroying or improperly bonding with cellular structures and components.
Researchers nowadays tell us that free radical damage throughout the body is a major cause of aging, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer. Free radicals have been shown to most commonly attack three types of molecules: Polyunsaturated fatty acids, DNA, and Proteins. The generation of free radicals is an aspect of basic metabolism and these chemical reactions are unavoidable. The only way that we are capable of dealing with them is through antioxidants.
Antioxidants are protective compounds which absorb, buffer, and neutralize free radicals. The most common antioxidants are: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Beta-carotene, Glutathione, Methionine, Cysteine, Co-enzyme Q-10, Selenium and Zinc. The newest addition to this list is Alpha Lipoic Acid which posses very unique antioxidant properties. Not only does Lipoic Acid act as a free radical scavenger, it has the ability to reactivate antioxidants which have already been oxidized. What this means is that antioxidants such as Vitamin E will donate an electron to a radical thus causing Vitamin E to become oxidized and the free radical to become reduced. If the vitamin E does not receive another electron from another molecule, it is used up. This is where the regenerating properties of Alpha Lipoic Acid come into play. Alpha Lipoic Acid transfers an electron to vitamin E thus causing vitamin E to recycle back into its original form. This regeneration has also been seen in vitamin C and Beta-Carotene.
Another benefit which comes from Alpha Lipoic Acid is its ability to increase cellular glutathione content. Glutathione peroxidase is the premier antioxidant enzyme in the body. It plays an important role in cell detoxification, heavy metal detoxification, immune function, DNA and protein synthesis, transport processes, and the removal of free radicals. As we get older, glutathione levels tend to drop about 3 to 4 percent every decade from the age of 20 to 70. Low levels of glutathione have been shown to be associated with numerous health problems includes diabetes, cardiovascular disease and arthritis.
MIMICKING INSULIN
Insulin resistance is when the body is not efficient in using insulin to burn ingested carbohydrates, resulting in elevated glucose levels. This is caused by insulin resistance of cells or the inability of insulin receptors to utilize insulin efficiently. This is a condition which is seen in those who suffer from Type II diabetes.
Another one of the benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid is its ability to enhance glucose utilization. A number of studies have examined this property and have shown that Alpha Lipoic Acid increased the uptake of glucose in the absence or presence of insulin in the muscles by over 50%. In a more recent study Lipoic Acid increased the uptake of glucose by an average of 78% in lean laboratory rats and by 48% in obese rats. A study performed on humans with Type II diabetes showed that when each patient was given 1000 mg Lipoic Acid intravenously, the patients on average experienced a 50 percent improvement in insulin-stimulated glucose uptake.
Alpha Lipoic Acid increases glucose transport by stimulating the glucose transporters to move from the cell's interior to its membrane. Investigators have concluded that this enhanced effect involves, in part, its stimulatory effect on GLUT1 and GLUT4 glucose transporters, which are involved in the cellular, insulin-signaling pathway.
Alpha Lipoic Acid may as well be the most potent natural insulin mimicker compound on the market. It has been shown in studies to be far more effective then products such as vanadyl sulfate and chromium. It is no wonder Alpha Lipoic Acid has been used in Germany for over 30 years in treating patients who suffer from diabetes.
BENEFITING THE ATHLETE
Many athletes are quite aware that exercise increases oxidative stress on the body and the need for antioxidant protections. What is not known too well is that intense training can cause oxidative damage to red blood cells and fatty acids. Alpha Lipoic Acid has the ability to not only act as a powerful antioxidant but protect the common athlete from this type of internal damage.
A number of researchers have also reported how Alpha Lipoic Acid increases glucose uptake muscle cells and decrease glucose uptake by fat cells at the same time. The general result is more energy production in muscles and less fat stored in the body. A study done at the University of Negev in Israel reported that the increased glucose transport actually leads to increased energy production. Another study performed confirmed that Alpha Lipoic Acid does infact increase metabolism and ATP production in muscle tissues, and improve muscle recovery.
Alpha Lipoic Acid is the premier supplement for athletes who are trying to build muscle and loose fat. It may help speed recovery, increase endurance and ATP synthesis and give you fuller muscles. Bodybuilders using the product have reported greater "pumps" then those of creatine, accelerated fat loss and larger muscle gains.
OTHER BENEFITS
Alpha Lipoic Acid has many other reported benefits. These benefits include:
- Protection against liver damage
- Decreases the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy
- Can inhibit replication of viruses, including HIV-1
- Reduce the incidence of cataracts
- Improve visual functions of glaucoma patients
- Provides protective action on the nervous system and the brain
