R-LIPOIC ACID

LIPOIC ACID (Thioctic Acid) is one of the most thoroughly researched and highly regarded antioxidants. (R) Lipoic Acid is the biologically active portion of the molecule and provides maximum antioxidant activity at lower levels. If you are suffering from diabetes (mellitus), atherosclerosis, polyneuritis (inflammation of nerves) and liver cirrhosis, chances are you have decreased levels of thioctic acid. Thioctic acid is beneficial in cases of chemical sensitivity, elevated liver enzymes, renal stone formation, heavy metal toxicity and metabolic acidosis. Free radical damage is a common pathology associated with all of the above conditions. The antioxidant protection of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) works both inside the cell (mutagenic) and at the membrane level. ALA, having both water and fat-soluble characteristics, works synergistically with Vitamin C, E and glutathione to enhance their antioxidant capabilities and ensure complete cell protection. At the membrane level you get protection from ALA before free radicals enter the cell. Ant free radicals that make it past the first line of protection are combated right in the cell itself. ALA functions as a co-factor for a number of vital enzymes, which ate responsible for the conversion of glucose, fatty acids and other energy sources into the body's chemical energy, ATP (adenosine triphosphate). ALA benefits for diabetics include reduced neuropathy due to ALA's antioxidant capabilities. Improved blood sugar metabolism reduces glycosylation of proteins (when sugar in the bloodstream bind to proteins) that stiffen joint, block arteries and cause cataracts. ALA also improves blood flow to nerves and regenerates nerve fibers. Recent research indicates ALA's ability to inhibit human immune deficiency virus (HIV) replication by reducing the activity of reverse transcriptase (the enzyme responsible for carrying the virus into cell DNA).