Alpha Lipoic Acid Effects, Benefits and Supplement Usage Guidelines

Alpha Lipoic Acid is a fatty acid which is commonly taken in conjunction with nootropic supplements to promote brain health and anti-aging benefits.

This chemical is found naturally inside every human cell and is vital in a number of different bodily functions and processes including the production of energy through the conversion of glucose, or blood sugar, into cellular energy.

As such, you will sometimes see Alpha Lipoic Acid categorized as a metabolic nootropic, able to improve mental energy levels and promote enhanced cognitive performance.

Alpha Lipoic Acid is also a very powerful anti-oxidant. This means that it is capable of neutralizing and removing harmful chemicals known as free radicals from the body.

Some of the more unique functions of this substance include being able to work in both water and fat (most other anti-oxidants normally have a preference for one or the other). It is also thought to be able to recycle vitamin C and glutathione after they have been used up; both of these are important anti-oxidants in their own right.

Alpha Lipoic Acid is also considered one of the best longevity supplements for life extension purposes.

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Anti-Oxidant Supplement

Anti- Oxidant

Blood Sugar

Anti- Aging

How It Works:

• Neutralizes free radicals & oxidative damage
• Regulate blood glucoses levels
• Supports mitochondrial energy metabolism

Dosage:

Between 300 - 1,200 mg per day

Safety:

Generally Well Tolerated

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Alpha Lipoic Acid Effects:

The main mechanism of action for Alpha Lipoic Acid is to bind to proteins and support the activity of several mitochondrial enzymes.

It also plays a significant role in the Krebs cycle which is essentially the process of turning carbohydrates into energy.

The supplement itself is absorbed and then transferred or transported throughout the body, primarily due to the fact that it is both water and fat soluble.

ALA is found in varying concentrations throughout the body including muscles and internal organs.

When there is an excess of ALA production, either through natural means or supplementation, it also acts as an anti-oxidant.

Not only does this so-called ‘free’ state help to scavenge and deactivate a number of free radicals and other toxins, it also is thought to aid in the rejuvenation of other substances like vitamin C and vitamin E.

Alpha Lipoic Acid Benefits:

One of the most interesting benefits potentially attributed to Alpha Lipoic Acid is to help slow the aging process. Although there certainly needs to be more research done on this topic, the thinking is that since the production of this supplement slows as we age ALA can help to fight against this process.

ALA is also thought to act as a brain or neuron protector. Damage that can occur to parts of the brain due to injury, nutritional deficiencies, or even conditions such as alcoholism and thyroid issues may be reduced in their severity or even reversed through supplementation.

If ALA is used ahead of time, then there is even evidence to suggest that it works better in terms of preventing damage from occurring.

Brain function is also supported by ALA use. The supplement is capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier and entering into the central nervous system directly.

In addition to restoring the health of brain and neuronal cells, the action of ALA is thought to improve the communication between neurons.

Protection against oxidative stress is another big benefit of this supplement. This is actually one of the biggest problems associated with diabetes.

The high glucose levels also contributes to this problem. Fortunately, ALA is capable of neutralizing free radicals and oxidative stress.

It also makes the actions of other anti-oxidants like vitamins C and E that much more effective at helping to rid the body of toxins and poisons.

Additionally, it even amplifies the effects of CoQ10 and glutathione which are thought to be essential compounds in the fight against aging, infection, and disease.

Alpha Lipoic Acid Dosage:

The generally accepted dosage range for Alpha Lipoic Acid is between 200 and 600 mg per day. Of course, it also really depends upon the purpose of your use.

For example, as a general anti-oxidant, you might be better off using a much lower dose, somewhere in the range of 50 to 100 mg.

As always, consult with a qualified medical professional before beginning any such supplement routine. When starting out with a new supplement, especially one that is unfamiliar, begin with the lowest effective dosage possible.

Only after you have become better adjusted to the effects and benefits should increasing this level be considered.

Alpha Lipoic Acid Side Effects:

Although Alpha Lipoic Acid is generally safe and considered to be extremely well-tolerated in healthy individuals, there are a few side effects that have been associated with its use.

They are fairly mild and may include skin rashes, stomachache, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.

There has also not been any clear cut determination as to the long term side effects that could result from taking ALA.

So far, no cases of toxicity related to taking too much of this supplement have ever occurred.

Alpha Lipoic Acid Review:

ALA is one of the most interesting brain health supplements currently available on the market. The potential benefits are wide ranging and synergize well with other nootropics.

As an anti-oxidant, Alpha Lipoic Acid can protect your brain cells from damage that occurs due to the metabolic process. This compound can also improve communication between brain cells and potentially increase the speed of cognition.

While you may not notice its benefits if taken on its own, this supplement is worthwhile to include in a stronger nootropic stack especially alongside Choline sources or Racetams.

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