What is alpha lipoic acid?
Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a sulphur-containing fatty acid that is both produced by the human body and absorbed through food. It plays an essential role in energy metabolism by being involved in the conversion of glucose into energy. ALA is unique in that it is active in both aqueous and fat-soluble environments, making it an effective antioxidant. This property enables it to neutralise free radicals and thus protect cells from oxidative stress. In addition, ALA is widely used in medicine and dietary supplements for its potential health benefits, such as assisting in the treatment of diabetes and promoting nerve function.
Functions of alpha lipoic acid in the body
Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is an important component of human metabolism and fulfils a variety of functions in the body. Its role ranges from energy production to protection against oxidative stress and support for various health problems. This text describes in detail the most important functions and benefits of alpha-lipoic acid in the body.
1. energy production and metabolism
Alpha-lipoic acid plays a central role in energy metabolism. It acts as a coenzyme in the mitochondria, the "power stations" of the cells, and is essential for the conversion of nutrients into energy. ALA is an integral part of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex and the alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex, both of which are key enzymes in the citrate cycle (also known as the Krebs cycle). These enzymes help to convert carbohydrates, fats and proteins into ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the main source of energy for cells.
2. antioxidant properties
Alpha lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant that is active in both water-soluble and fat-soluble environments. This property is unique because most antioxidants are either water-soluble (like vitamin C) or fat-soluble (like vitamin E). ALA can neutralise free radicals produced by oxidative processes in the body that can cause cell damage.
Oxidative stress is a condition in which the production of free radicals exceeds the body's ability to neutralise them. This can lead to damage to proteins, lipids and DNA and plays a role in the development of many chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases. Through its antioxidant properties, ALA helps to protect the body from this damage.
3. regeneration of other antioxidants
In addition to its own antioxidant effect, alpha lipoic acid also helps to regenerate other antioxidants. It can reactivate depleted vitamin C and vitamin E and increase glutathione levels in the body. Glutathione is another important antioxidant that is found in almost every cell and is important for the detoxification of harmful substances.
4. metal chelation
Alpha lipoic acid has the ability to bind to heavy metals, a property known as chelation. Heavy metals such as mercury, arsenic and lead can be toxic and cause various health problems. By binding to these metals, ALA can promote their elimination from the body and reduce the toxic effects.
5. blood sugar control
One of the most extensively studied applications of alpha lipoic acid is its effect on blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity. ALA improves the uptake of glucose into cells and increases insulin sensitivity, which is particularly important in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown that ALA can lower blood glucose levels and alleviate the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, a common complication of diabetes.
Diabetic neuropathy is damage to the nerves caused by high blood sugar levels and can lead to pain, numbness and weakness. By improving glucose uptake and reducing oxidative stress, ALA can help alleviate these symptoms.
6 Neuroprotective effects
The neuroprotective properties of alpha lipoic acid make it a promising agent for supporting brain health. Oxidative stress and inflammation play a major role in the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. ALA can cross the blood-brain barrier and acts directly in the brain, where it protects against oxidative damage and has anti-inflammatory effects.
Studies have shown that ALA can improve cognitive function and slow down the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, it is being investigated whether ALA can be helpful in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) by reducing inflammation and supporting nerve function.
7 Cardiovascular health
Alpha lipoic acid may also have a protective effect on the cardiovascular system. It improves endothelial function, which is important for regulating blood pressure and maintaining vascular health. By reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, ALA may help prevent atherosclerosis, a condition in which plaques build up in the arteries and can lead to heart attack and stroke.
8. liver health
The antioxidant and detoxifying properties of alpha lipoic acid are also beneficial for liver health. ALA supports the regeneration of liver cells and protects against damage caused by toxic substances such as alcohol and certain medications. It can be helpful in the treatment of liver diseases such as fatty liver, hepatitis and cirrhosis.
9. skin health and anti-ageing
Due to its antioxidant properties, alpha lipoic acid is also used in skin care. It can help reduce the signs of ageing by protecting skin cells from free radical damage. ALA can improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and refine skin texture. It also promotes skin regeneration and can have an anti-inflammatory effect, which can be helpful for skin conditions such as acne and rosacea.
10. pain management
There is evidence that alpha lipoic acid may be effective in the treatment of pain, particularly neuropathic pain. This type of pain, which is caused by nerve damage, is often difficult to treat. Through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, ALA can reduce the sensation of pain and improve the quality of life of people with chronic pain.
11. immune function
Alpha lipoic acid also plays a role in supporting the immune system. It strengthens the immune defence by improving the function of immune cells and promoting the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines. This can help fight infections and reduce inflammation in the body.
Alpha lipoic acid and diabetes
Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is an organic compound that is receiving increasing attention for its potential health benefits in the treatment of diabetes. Diabetes mellitus, particularly type 2 diabetes, is a chronic disease characterised by insulin resistance and elevated blood glucose levels. ALA plays an important role in improving blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity, making it a promising supplement for diabetics.
Blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity
Studies have shown that ALA can improve insulin sensitivity by increasing the uptake of glucose into cells. It does this by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an enzyme that promotes glucose uptake in muscle cells while increasing fat burning. By improving insulin sensitivity, ALA helps to lower blood sugar levels, which is particularly important for people with type 2 diabetes.
Antioxidant properties
Diabetes is often associated with increased oxidative stress, which can lead to cell damage and complications such as diabetic neuropathy. ALA acts as a powerful antioxidant, neutralising free radicals and preventing cell damage. Its antioxidant properties also help to reduce inflammation, which is common in diabetes.
Diabetic neuropathy
One of the most serious complications of diabetes is diabetic neuropathy, a nerve damage that can lead to pain, numbness and weakness. Clinical studies have shown that ALA can alleviate the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. By reducing oxidative stress and improving nerve function, ALA can reduce pain and improve the quality of life of diabetics.
Alpha lipoic acid deficiency
A deficiency of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) can have far-reaching effects on health, as this compound plays a central role in metabolism and as an antioxidant. Although the body is able to synthesise small amounts of ALA itself, certain conditions and lifestyles can lead to a relative deficiency. The possible consequences of ALA deficiency are detailed here:
1. reduced energy production
ALA is an essential coenzyme in the mitochondria, the "power plants" of cells, and plays a key role in the citrate cycle. This cycle is crucial for the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the cells' main source of energy. A lack of ALA can impair the efficiency of this process, resulting in reduced energy production. This could result in general tiredness, reduced physical performance and increased fatigue.
2. increased oxidative stress
ALA is a potent antioxidant that works in both water- and fat-soluble environments. A lack of ALA can lead to the body being less effective at neutralising free radicals. These unstable molecules can damage cells, proteins and DNA, leading to a variety of health problems. Increased oxidative stress is associated with ageing and the development of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.
3. weaker regeneration of other antioxidants
One of the special properties of ALA is its ability to regenerate depleted antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E. Without sufficient amounts of ALA, these antioxidants can be recycled less effectively, reducing the body's overall antioxidant capacity. This increases susceptibility to oxidative stress and its harmful effects.
4. impaired blood sugar control
ALA is known for its ability to improve insulin sensitivity and regulate blood sugar levels. A lack of ALA could therefore impair glucose uptake into cells and lead to the development or worsening of insulin resistance. This can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and lead to poorly controlled blood glucose levels in people already affected.
5. deterioration of nerve function
ALA plays an important role in maintaining nerve function and protecting nerves from oxidative stress. A deficiency can lead to increased susceptibility to nerve damage, which can manifest itself in symptoms such as numbness, tingling, pain or weakness. This is particularly relevant for people with diabetes as they have a higher risk of diabetic neuropathy.
6. weaker detoxification functions
ALA has chelating properties, which means it can bind to heavy metals and promote their elimination from the body. A lack of ALA can impair the body's ability to eliminate toxic metals such as mercury, arsenic and lead. This can lead to an accumulation of these metals and potential toxic effects that can damage various organ systems.
7 Negative effects on cardiovascular health
Oxidative stress and inflammation play a central role in the development of cardiovascular disease. A lack of ALA, which acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, could lead to a deterioration in vascular health. This can accelerate the development of atherosclerosis, where plaques form in the arteries and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
8 Reduced liver function
The liver is a central organ for detoxification and metabolism. ALA supports the regeneration of liver cells and protects against damage caused by toxic substances such as alcohol and certain drugs. A lack of ALA can impair the liver's ability to repair and detoxify itself, which can lead to liver diseases such as fatty liver, hepatitis and cirrhosis.
What makes alpha lipoic acid special?
Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is characterised by a number of special properties that set it apart from many other substances and make it an important component in both biochemistry and medicine. Here are the most important properties that make alpha lipoic acid special:
1. duality as an antioxidant
One of the most unique properties of alpha lipoic acid is its ability to act as an antioxidant in both water-soluble and fat-soluble environments. Most antioxidants are either water-soluble (like vitamin C) or fat-soluble (like vitamin E). ALA, on the other hand, can be active in both environments, providing more comprehensive protection against oxidative damage. This versatility allows it to act in different cellular compartments and organs, including cell membranes and the cell interior.
2. regeneration of other antioxidants
Alpha lipoic acid is able to regenerate and recycle other antioxidants that have been depleted. These include vitamin C, vitamin E, glutathione and coenzyme Q10. By restoring these antioxidants, ALA boosts the body's overall antioxidant capacity. This means that ALA not only acts as an antioxidant itself, but also increases the effectiveness of other antioxidants.
3. chelation
ALA has chelating properties, which means that it is able to bind to heavy metals such as mercury, arsenic and lead and promote their elimination from the body. This property is particularly important as the accumulation of heavy metals in the body can have toxic effects and lead to a variety of health problems. By binding to these metals, ALA helps to reduce their harmful effects.
4. blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity
Alpha lipoic acid has a remarkable ability to improve insulin sensitivity and regulate blood sugar levels. This makes it particularly valuable for people with type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance. Studies have shown that ALA increases glucose uptake into cells and promotes the activity of enzymes responsible for energy production from glucose. These effects can help to stabilise blood sugar levels and reduce diabetic complications.
5 Neuroprotective properties
The ability of alpha-lipoic acid to cross the blood-brain barrier gives it neuroprotective properties. It can act directly in the brain to reduce oxidative stress and exert anti-inflammatory effects. This is particularly important for the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. ALA can support neuronal health and improve cognitive function.
6. support liver function
The antioxidant and detoxifying properties of alpha lipoic acid are also of great benefit to the liver. ALA helps to protect liver cells from damage caused by free radicals and toxic substances. It also supports liver cell regeneration and promotes detoxification, which can be helpful in the treatment of liver diseases such as fatty liver, hepatitis and cirrhosis.
7 Versatile therapeutic applications
Thanks to its versatile effects, alpha lipoic acid is used in various therapeutic areas. It is used to support the treatment of diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, liver diseases and skin diseases. In addition, ALA is valued in anti-ageing medicine as it can help to reduce the signs of ageing and promote general health.
