ALPHA LIPOIC ACID, CALLED ALA
Alpha lipoic acid, also known as thioctanoic acid, is a saturated fatty acid, a compound that occurs naturally in food. Its action is comparable to that of vitamins. Is a powerful antioxidant.
• We use in the prevention and treatment of cancer (begins programmed death of cancer cells).
• It supports the redistribution of vitamins C and E (so prolongs their action in the body).
• It works as a metal chelate (by binding heavy metals and has antiatherosclerotic activity).
• It regenerates liver cells (in case of overload and drug intoxication, hepatitis).
• Stimulates the synthesis of glutathione in the body, the main scavenger of free radicals.
• It is used in anti-aging medicine.
• It has a positive effect on the skin rejuvenation process.
Alpha-lipoic acid reduces oxidative stress (which underlies most chronic diseases) including by stimulating the synthesis of glutathione, the main free radical scavenger in the human body, and prolonging the duration of vitamin C action.
One of the most important functions of lipoic acid in the body is to redirect the anaerobic metabolism of cells to the aerobic route, i.e. the “normal” metabolism, which does not increase the acidification of the body and is able to generate a lot more energy. What’s more, this also happens with cancer cells – the normal energy cycle is restored, which improves the healing process of cancer.
For these two reasons, ALA is used in the treatment and prevention of cancer. What’s more, it also affects the programming of the death of cells that have already suffered cancerous mutations (including colorectal cancer or hepatocellular carcinoma), so it is also used to treat cancer.
Significant regeneration of liver cells is also observed in other liver pathologies, such as hepatitis A, B or C hepatitis, and fungal or drug intoxication (e.g. so widespread use of paracetamol, painkillers, since most drugs are metabolized in the liver). In combination with milk thistle (silymarin) and selenium, it can restore liver function.
Alpha lipoic acid lowers blood sugar levels and reduces diabetes complications. It improves insulin sensitivity, i.e. cells more efficiently respond to insulin produced by the pancreas, which reduces the need for insulin and the degree of protein glycation (which can be seen in studies as a decrease in glycated hemoglobin – HbA1c). It also reduces diabetic neuropathy, i.e. nerve damage in diabetes also depends, among others from too high blood glucose and glycated proteins.
An important field of action of alpha lipoic acid is also anti-aging medicine. Stimulation of stem cells to rebuild tissues, protection against atherosclerosis, stimulation of the body’s antioxidant systems (glutathione), as well as all the above-mentioned properties of ALA not only improve the appearance and functioning of the skin, but also all other organs.
* ALA is used to describe two different substances: alpha-lipoic acid and alpha-linolenic acid, including in linseed oil.