Doctor's Best, Alpha Lipoic Acid, 600 mg, 180 veggie caps

• Science-based nutrition
• Dietary supplement
• Defends against free radicals
• Recycles antioxidant nutrients such as vitamin C and vitamin E
• Helps maintain healthy blood sugar level when used as part of the diet

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA, thioctic acid) is a naturally occurring vitamin-like nutrient that has been intensely investigated as a therapeutic agent for a variety of conditions involving the body's nervous, cardiovascular, immune, and body cleansing systems. It exists as two enantiomers or stereoisomers: R-(+)-lipoic acid (RLA) and S-(-)-lipoic acid (SLA). It is produced in small amounts in the liver and other body tissues, where it is needed by enzymes to catalyze numerous essential chemical reactions in the body. For instance, ALA is essential inside the mitochondria of cells, where it is needed to metabolize glucose and direct calories into energy production.

ALA is considered to be a multimodal supplement because, aside from its enzymatic role in energy production, it acts by multiple mechanisms and displays diverse pharmacologic and antioxidant properties. Recently discovered is ALA's ability to switch the regulation of several genes linked to cell survival, inflammation and oxidative stress. So in addition to its enzymatic role, ALA is a powerful antioxidant and performs a number of other vital functions related to its ability to modify the expression of various genes. ALA is therefore not so much a direct benefit to cells, but rather an indirect aid that "kick starts" declining function in cells, helping them recover the functions that came more easily and naturally in the young.

Packaging

180 veggie caps

Ingredients

Alpha-lipoic acid is a sulfur-containing fatty acid that performs vitamin-like roles in the body. Also known as lipoic acid (LA) or thioctic acid, it functions as a co-enzyme in the metabolism of carbohydrates, and is in this way similar to B-complex vitamins. LA is required for synthesis of acetyl CoA, a key metabolite in the cellular process that turns glucose (blood sugar) into energy. Because the body produces LA on its own, it is not classified as a true vitamin. As with other so-called "non-essential" nutrients, however, internal LA production may not always be optimal.

Alpha-lipoic acid functions as both a water-soluble and fat-soluble antioxidant. Free radicals are normal by-products of metabolism that, while necessary at normal levels, may damage tissues over time if not properly kept in check by antioxidants. Lipoic acid's ability to neutralize free radicals in both watery and fatty environments makes it a highly versatile antioxidant. In the body, alpha-lipoic acid can be converted (reduced) to DHLA, or dihydrolipoic acid, a potent mitochondrial antioxidant. It is not necessary to take DHLA as a supplement, as the body may readily convert LA to DHLA.

About Doctor's Best

Founded in 1990 by supplement industry veteran Ken Halvorsrude and a wholistic physician, San Clemente-based Doctor's Best, Inc. manufactures and distributes dietary supplements throughout the US and overseas. Doctor's Best is known for high-quality products that are based on sound research in the field of nutritional science.

Safety

Do not use if pregnant or nursing. Keep out of reach of children. Please consult your health care provider if currently under care or treatment. Do not exceed recommended serving. See product packaging for additional safety information.

Disclaimer

Individual results may vary. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The statements on this website and all affiliates have not been evaluated by the FDA. Advice on treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a trained health care practitioner.