What Exactly Is Alpha Lipoic Acid?
At Saratoga Supplements, we are committed to bringing our customers the best and most proven health and wellness supplements available. One of the products we are proud to offer here is our Alpha Lipoic Acid with CoQ10. Many people have heard of alpha lipoic acid and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) but are unsure of what they do. While these words might sound a little “science-y” these two supplements occur naturally not only in the foods we eat, but also in our bodies.
What Is Alpha Lipoic Acid and CoQ10?
Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a natural fatty acid and antioxidant that occurs in our bodies, and is also found in some foods we eat. More and more scientific research has been released that supports alpha lipoic acid’s health benefits. In Europe, ALA is regulated as a drug and is used to treat diabetes, nerve damage, and some liver conditions related to alcoholism.
Coenzyme Q10 is an essential nutrient that acts as an antioxidant and is essential in the functions of our cells. While CoQ10 has been used for decades to fight the signs of premature aging, it is most known for helping protect the heart and blood vessels from harmful free radicals. Coenzyme Q10 works by fueling the conversion of nutrients into usable energy within our mitochondria - the powerhouses of our cells. Additionally, since CoQ10 is a “coenzyme,” it assists other enzymes in breaking down and digesting food.
How Does Alpha Lipoic Acid Work?
ALA has been shown to improve insulin resistance, making it a helpful supplement for type 2 diabetes. This is because ALA is a powerful antioxidant. People with high levels of glucose are prone to oxidative stress, which can produce free radicals that damage tissues. Oxidative stress, in short, is an imbalance that occurs when your body is producing more free radicals than antioxidants, meaning that the antioxidants are unable to neutralize the harmful effects. Free radicals, on the other hand, are molecules that have unpaired electrons. These free radicals steal electrons from other molecules, which destabilizes them. In a search for stability, these molecules go on to steal electrons from other molecules, triggering a harmful chain reaction.
Antioxidants work to fight free radicals and reduce this oxidative stress on the cells. Most fatty acids are only fat-soluble, however, ALA is both water and fat soluble, meaning it is easily absorbed into more parts of the body. Not only this, but it combines with water-soluble only vitamins such as Vitamin C to help these vital minerals and vitamins penetrate cell walls.
Alpha lipoic acid has also been shown to decrease systolic blood pressure, and some studies have shown positive effects on age-related eye health issues, such as macular degeneration and glaucoma.* ALA has also been used in face creams and serums. As we said before, ALA is easily absorbed into our bodies and helps other nutrients be absorbed as well. Because of its ability to reduce oxidative stress and free radical damage, alpha lipoic acid for skin has been shown to reduce signs of aging.
Some Foods Contain Alpha Lipoic Acid
It is possible to get ALA from the foods you eat, but most foods contain the antioxidant in very low amounts. Foods like spinach, yams, potatoes, brussel sprouts, and beets contain ALA. If you’re feeling adventurous, the organ meat of cows, including the kidney, heart, spleen, and brain are all sources of alpha lipoic acid. Unless you’re having a Thanksgiving Feast every night, you most likely are not getting significant levels of ALA from your food.
Are There Risks To Taking An Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplement?
ALA is thought to be safe to take and side effects are uncommon. While alpha lipoic acid can help with maintaining glucose levels, taking ALA in conjunction with prescribed diabetes drugs can make your blood sugar levels drop too low, so be sure to talk with your doctor before you start using alpha lipoic acid.
Choose Saratoga Supplements For Your Fatty Acid Supplements
Saratoga Supplements has several beneficial fatty acid supplements that support heart health and overall well-being. Our Alpha Lipoic Acid with CoQ10 is one of the best online health products we carry, and definitely not one to miss out on. Check out our entire selection of fatty acid supplements and other health products online today.