Lipoic acid
Description
Lipoic acid, also known as alpha-lipoic acid, is an antioxidant molecule that is both water-soluble and fat-soluble, which is why it is called a "universal" antioxidant. This property allows it to act easily in the cells to fight against the free radicals responsible for oxidative stress and cellular ageing.Moreover, alpha-lipoic acid is involved in numerous biochemical reactions involved in the production of fatty acids and energy necessary for the functioning of the body's cells.
This molecule is also involved in the renewal of other antioxidant molecules such as vitamins C and E and glutathione, the latter being involved in the detoxification of potentially toxic molecules. Alpha-lipoic acid also facilitates the elimination of metals such as mercury and arsenic.
Alpha-lipoic acid is naturally present in meat and broccoli. It is used in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NASH), diabetes and obesity
Alpha-lipoic acid is a molecule with two structural conformations. The so-called 'R' form is naturally synthesised by the liver. R-alpha-lipoic acid is the biologically active form.
The benefits
Alpha-lipoic acid is a universal antioxidant that fights free radicals.
Scientific publications
Lipoic acid is the subject of more than 5237 scientific publications.
- Rezaei Kelishadi, Mahnaz et al. “The efficacy of alpha-lipoic acid in improving oxidative, inflammatory, and mood status in women with episodic migraine in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.” International journal of clinical practice vol. 75,9 (2021): e14455.
- Yousefi, Mojgan et al. “Effect of alpha-lipoic acid at the combination with mefenamic acid in girls with primary dysmenorrhea: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.” Gynecological endocrinology : the official journal of the International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology vol. 35,9 (2019): 782-786.
- Esposito, Cristina et al. “Safety and efficacy of alpha-lipoic acid oral supplementation in the reduction of pain with unknown etiology: A monocentric, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.” Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie vol. 144 (2021): 112308.
- Isenmann, Eduard et al. “The effects of alpha lipoic acid on muscle strength recovery after a single and a short-term chronic supplementation - a study in healthy well-trained individuals after intensive resistance and endurance training.” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition vol. 17,1 61. (2020)
