Alpha-Lipoic Acid

Alpha-Lipoic Acid tablets contain 100 mg of pure alpha-lipoic acid. Alpha-lipoic acid is a non-vitamin coenzyme that carries out important metabolic and antioxidant functions in the body.†
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
The Universal Antioxidant with Metabolic Functions

DESCRIPTION
Alpha-Lipoic Acid tablets, provided by Douglas Laboratories®, contain 100 mg of pure alpha-lipoic acid.
Alpha-lipoic acid is a non-vitamin coenzyme that carries out important metabolic and antioxidant functions in
the body.

FUNCTIONS
Alpha-lipoic acid is a nutritional coenzyme that is involved in energy metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and
fats, has physiological functions in blood glucose disposal, and is able to scavenge a number of free radicals.
Alpha-lipoic acid is a fat- and water-soluble, sulfur-containing coenzyme. It functions in the body much like a
B-vitamin, since it is involved in energy production. As part of several multi-enzyme complexes located in the
mitochondria, alpha-lipoic acid is essential for metabolizing carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, and for the
conversion of their energy into ATP. Two of these enzyme complexes, PDH (pyruvate dehydrogenase) and
alpha-KGDH (alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase) are part of the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle), and as such
assume a central role for general energy production. Another lipoic acid containing enzyme complex,
BCKADH (branched-chain keto-acid dehydrogenase), is involved in deriving energy from the branched chain
amino acids, leucine, isoleucine, and valine. A related metabolic function of alpha-lipoic acid is its role in blood
glucose disposal. This important coenzyme appears to be necessary for the normal transport of blood glucose
into the cell. This may be explained by its functions in the glucose-metabolizing enzymes, PDH and alphaKGDH,
but some researchers suspect a more direct role in cellular glucose uptake at the cell membrane.
As early as 1959, alpha-lipoic acid was suggested to be an antioxidant, since it could extend the actions of
vitamin C in guinea pigs, and those of vitamin E in rats. It is only recently, however, that the specific actions of
alpha-lipoic acid in free radical quenching, metal chelation, and antioxidant regeneration have been
investigated. Body cells and tissues are threatened continuously by damage caused by toxic free radicals and
reactive oxygen species (e.g., peroxides) which are produced during normal oxygen metabolism, and by toxic
agents in the environment. Free radicals, once formed, are capable of disrupting metabolic activity and cell
structure. When this occurs, additional free radicals are produced which, in turn, can result in more extensive
damage to cells and tissues. The uncontrolled production of free radicals is thought to be a major contributing
factor to many degenerative diseases. Alpha-lipoic acid is unique among biological antioxidants, because it is
soluble in both water and lipids. This allows it to neutralize free radicals just about everywhere in the body,
inside and outside the cells. Due to its unique sulfur-containing structure, alpha-lipoic acid can scavenge
several types of free radicals, such as the highly reactive hydroxyl, and singlet oxygen free radicals. It is also
capable of suppressing the generation of free radicals in the first place, since alpha-lipoic acid chelates
transition metals, such as iron and copper. Because alpha-lipoic acid is involved in so many different
antioxidant functions in virtually all body tissues, it has been called the universal antioxidant.
Besides being a universal free radical scavenger, alpha-lipoic acid can also recharge other antioxidant
systems throughout the body. As mentioned earlier, it can extend the activity of vitamins C and E. In addition,
alpha-lipoic acid can also regenerate glutathione

INDICATIONS
Alpha-lipoic acid may be a beneficial dietary supplement for those concerned about a more complete antioxidant defense system and maintaining proper glucose metabolism. Dietary and supplementary alphalipoic
acid is efficiently absorbed, transported to the tissues, and readily taken up by the cells.
FORMULA (#LPA)
Each scored tablet contains:
Alpha-Lipoic Acid .......................................................... 100 mg
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
The Universal Antioxidant with Metabolic Functions

SUGGESTED USE
One tablet twice daily with meals, or as directed by physician.

SIDE EFFECTS
No adverse side effects have been reported.

STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light. Keep out of reach of children.