Ultra Lipoic Acid Forte

Structure and Mechanism of Action

Alpha-lipoic acid (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipoic_acid) is a nutritional coenzyme that participates in the energy metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and fats, with a particular role in blood glucose disposal. It is also able to scavenge a number of free radicals. As both a fat and water-soluble, sulfur-containing coenzyme, alpha-lipoic acid functions in the body as part of several multi-enzyme complexes located in the mitochondria. It can donate and transfer acyl or methylamine groups in 2-oxoacid dehydrogenases (2-OADH) and glycine cleavage complexes (GCV), respectively.[2 Perham RN (2000). "Swinging arms and swinging domains in multifunctional enzymes: catalytic machines for multistep reactions". Annu Rev Biochem 69: 961–1004. doi:10.1146/annurev.biochem.69.1.961.]

Furthermore, while a racemic mixture of lipoic acid has been found to increase the expression of GLUT4, responsible for glucose uptake in cells, the R-enantiomer of lipoic acid has been shown to do so by a greater amount than either the S-enantiomer or the racemic mixture. [45] Estrada, D.E. (1996), "Stimulation of glucose uptake by the natural coenzyme alpha-lipoic acid/thioctic acid: participation.", Diabetes 45 (12): 1798–1804, doi:10.2337/diabetes.45.12.1798, retrieved on 2009-04-19Alpha-lipoic acid is essential for metabolizing carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, for the conversion of their energy into ATP. Two of these enzyme complexes, pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) and alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (KGDH) 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, branched-chain keto-acid dehydrogenase (BCKADH), 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 alpha-KGDH, 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 function and cell structure. When this occurs, additional free radicals are produced which, in turn, can result in more extensive damage to cellular structure and function. 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. 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.

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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 alpha-lipoic acid is efficiently absorbed, transported to the tissues, and readily taken up by the cells. Alpha-lipoic acid may be a beneficial dietary supplement for individuals who wish to supplement with lipoic acid (LPA).

Formula

Each scored tablet contains:
Alpha-Lipoic Acid ... 1000 mg

Suggested Use

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

Side Effects

No adverse effects have been reported.

References

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

We at Westlake labs take heavy metal contamination seriously and thus test our products routinely to assure quality. We offer a survey compared to big box store brands randomly obtained over the last year.