Alpha LIPOIC ACID

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is the Yamamoto® Research supplement formulated with Alpha-Lipoic Acid, a naturally occurring antioxidant found in the human body and in foods such as spinach, broccoli, and brewer’s yeast. ALA is considered a powerful antioxidant because it can neutralize both water-soluble and fat-soluble free radicals, protecting cells from various types of oxidative damage.

One of the main benefits of ALA supplementation is its ability to improve insulin sensitivity and help lower blood sugar levels, making it highly effective in reducing insulin resistance—a known risk factor for type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders.

ALA plays a vital role in mitochondrial energy metabolism and supports cellular health by reducing oxidative stress, improving cardiovascular and neurological function, and lowering inflammation. Its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier allows it to protect the brain from oxidative damage, while also contributing to the reduction of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and the increase of HDL (“good”) cholesterol, promoting overall heart and vascular health.

In skincare, ALA helps prevent skin aging by protecting against UV-induced damage and enhancing the appearance and texture of the skin.

Clinical studies have shown that ALA improves insulin sensitivity, making it particularly beneficial for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). ALA enhances glucose uptake, supports blood sugar control, and optimizes sugar metabolism, even in individuals with obesity or diabetes.

As a lipid-soluble antioxidant, ALA is uniquely capable of regenerating other antioxidants—including glutathione, vitamin C, vitamin E, and coenzyme Q10—thereby amplifying their protective effects.

In summary, Alpha Lipoic Acid is a nutritional compound that can support metabolic health, reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, improve insulin resistance, and benefit women with PCOS. Its effectiveness can be enhanced when combined with other nutrients like inositol, N-Acetylcysteine (NAC), and Omega-3 fatty acids.

Scientific References:

Rochette L, Ghibu S, Muresan A, Vergely C. Alpha-lipoic acid: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential in diabetes. Can J Physiol Pharmacol. 2015 Dec;93(12):1021-7. doi: 10.1139/cjpp-2014-0353. Epub 2015 Sep 25. PMID: 26406389.

Papanas N, Ziegler D. Efficacy of *α*-lipoic acid in diabetic neuropathy. Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2014 Dec;15(18):2721-31. doi: 10.1517/14656566.2014.972935. Epub 2014 Nov 10. PMID: 25381809.

Packer L, Witt EH, Tritschler HJ. alpha-Lipoic acid as a biological antioxidant. Free Radic Biol Med. 1995 Aug;19(2):227-50. doi: 10.1016/0891-5849(95)00017-r. PMID: 7649494.

Salehi B, Berkay Yılmaz Y, Antika G, Boyunegmez Tumer T, Fawzi Mahomoodally M, Lobine D, Akram M, Riaz M, Capanoglu E, Sharopov F, Martins N, Cho WC, Sharifi-Rad J. Insights on the Use of *α*-Lipoic Acid for Therapeutic Purposes. Biomolecules. 2019 Aug 9;9(8):356. doi: 10.3390/biom9080356. PMID: 31405030; PMCID: PMC6723188.

Jeffrey S, Samraj PI, Raj BS. The Role of Alpha-lipoic Acid Supplementation in the Prevention of Diabetes Complications: A Comprehensive Review of Clinical Trials. Curr Diabetes Rev. 2021;17(9):e011821190404. doi: 10.2174/1573399817666210118145550. PMID: 33461470.