Does the “Ideal” Antioxidant Really Exist?

The answer to this important question, in a word, is yes. Touted by researchers as the “universal” antioxidant, there is one free-radical quenching compound that’s both water- and lipid-soluble—able to function equally well in all areas of your body. A powerful antioxidant in its own right, this unique compound is able tomagnify the effectiveness of other essential antioxidant nutrients, such as vitamins C and E. But that’s not all: This potent antioxidant also has the unique ability to regenerate your body’s stores of active glutathione—a powerful detoxifying, tripeptide antioxidant—offering a double-dose of critical protection against health-harming toxins and heavy metals.1

This antioxidant nutrient is alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) and research demonstrates that it’s one of the most valuable and versatile natural supplements you can take. Given its profound effectiveness against free radicals, its emerging role in the fight against numerous health concerns shouldn’t surprise you.

ALA is also a key cofactor that is required for cellular energy production, and studies show that daily doses of ALA can improve nerve health in diabetics, while increasing glucose sensitivity and reducing insulin-dependence.1-2 Researchers have found that this multifunctional molecule boosts glucose disposal by as much as 50 percent in subjects with type 2 diabetes—and that nerve conduction and circulation improve in as little as one month of use.1 Cataracts have also been shown to respond to ALA, with animals studies revealing that alpha-lipoic acid can inhibit their formation by 60 percent.1

Your heart can benefit from a daily dose of ALA, too: Research shows that it protects against damage caused by low oxygen availability or ischemia after a heart attack or stroke, and studies have revealed that animals given ALA experience dramatically lower death rates in the critical period following serious cardiac events.1-2 By increasing the activity and regeneration cycle of vitamin E in your body, ALA also can help to combat artery-clogging LDL oxidation—a key contributing factor in the development of arteriosclerosis.1Animal studies also have shown that ALA can support healthy levels of triglycerides.4

Research indicates that ALA supplementation also counteracts age-related, long-term memory deficits, while protecting brain tissue from oxidative damage, indicating it has important neuroprotective effects.1,3,5And if that wasn’t enough, studies also show that this compound can bolster both immunity and critical antioxidant profiles in AIDS patients.1

The bottom line: For ideal antioxidant protection, ALA (available now through Vitamin Research Products) is one daily supplement you can’t afford to go without.

Reference:

1. Packer L, Witt EH, Tritschler EJ. alpha-Lipoic acid as a biological antioxidant. Free Rad Biol and Med. 1995 August;19(2):227-250. 
2. Pershadsingh HA. Alpha-lipoic acid: physiologic mechanisms and indications for the treatment of metabolic syndrome. Expert Opin Investig Drugs. 2007 Mar;16(3):291-302.
3. Jia Z, Zhu H, Vitto MJ, Misra BR, Li Y, Misra HP. Alpha-lipoic acid potently inhibits peroxynitrite-mediated DNA strand breakage and hydroxyl radical formation: implications for the neuroprotective effects of alpha-lipoic acid. Mol Cell Biochem. 2008 Dec 11. Published Online Ahead of Print.
4. Butler JA, Hagen TM, Moreau R. Lipoic acid improves hypertriglyceridemia by stimulating triacylglycerol clearance and downregulating liver triacylglycerol secretion. Arch Biochem Biophys. 2009 Feb 20. Published Online Ahead of Print.
5. Klaus Hagera, Andres Marahrensa, Marlene Kenkliesa, Peter Riedererb, Gerald Münchc. Alpha-lipoic acid as a new treatment option for Alzheimer type dementia. Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 2001 June; 32(3): 275 - 82.