Alpha Lipoic Acid Health Benefits, Properties, and Uses
Properties: Anti-cancer, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory
What is Alpha Lipoic Acid?
Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant naturally produced by the body. Every cell in the human body contains alpha lipoic acid. Alpha lipoic acid helps convert glucose into the body’s usable energy.1 As an antioxidant, alpha lipoic acid attacks excess free radicals throughout the body. Free radicals are the waste that the body produces after it turns food into usable energy.1 Too many free radicals can harm the body, increase inflammation and make it more difficult to fend against disease and infection. While the body naturally produces a small amount of ALA, humans can increase their intake of ALA by eating plant foods that naturally contain this substance.2 ALA is found in green vegetables, potatoes and yeast. Like a vitamin, ALA is available as a supplement product.2
Alpha Lipoic Acid Health Uses and Health Benefits
Alpha lipoic acid benefits include being a powerful natural antioxidant that improves overall human health. Some of the important alpha lipoic acid benefits include:2
- Fighting against disease and infection by boosting glutathione—another antioxidant
- Protecting against diabetes and symptoms of diabetes
- Improving vision and eye health
- Preventing cognitive decline
- Preventing skin damage
Alpha lipoic acid uses for health and disease prevention include:
- Diabetes - Alpha lipoic acid uses include being a natural remedy for defending against diabetes. ALA has an important role in hormone production that helps the body protect against diabetes.
- Cataracts - ALA helps boost vision health and can protect the eyes against developing cataracts.
- Congestive Heart Failure - Alpha lipoic acid can help reduce oxidative stress and protect healthy heart cells to prevent congestive heart failure.
- Down Syndrome - Alpha lipoic acid uses include helping to prevent cognitive decline in people with Down syndrome.
- Diabetic Neuropathy - As a natural remedy for diabetes, alpha lipoic acid can help to prevent diabetes complications like diabetic neuropathy. ALA can help treat symptoms like itching, burning, tingling and numbness caused by diabetic neuropathy.
Alpha Lipoic Acid Side Effects and Precautions
Alpha lipoic acid side effects are limited and it is generally safe to use for adults. However, some alpha lipoic acid side effects may include insomnia, fatigue, diarrhea and skin rash. Alpha lipoic side effects have not yet been studied in pregnant or breastfeeding women.2