Ingredient information: Alpha-lipoic acid in food supplements
Formerly considered a vitamin, alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant used in some dietary supplements. What is its purpose? Is it effective? What are its uses?
What is alpha-lipoic acid?
Alpha-lipoic acid or thioctic acid is a ubiquitous sulfur acid in the body, naturally produced by the body and necessary for energy production.
What are the benefits of alpha-lipoic acid?
The body is capable of producing alpha-lipoic acid itself, so it is not strictly speaking an essential substance. However, in certain pathological conditions and with age, its production decreases.
Alpha-lipoic acid contributes to energy supply
It is a cofactor in particular of pyruvate dehydrogenase, an enzyme that allows the production of energy from glucose (more precisely it is an enzyme at the interface between glycolysis and the Krebs cycle).
Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant
The mechanism of action of alpha-lipoic acid is still poorly understood. It has an antioxidant effect but may also allow for a specific response of the body to oxidizing substances.
Other effects of alpha-lipoic acid
Alpha-lipoic acid has been shown to exert an anti-inflammatory effect and lead to a decrease in markers of inflammation.
Clinical studies have shown that supplementation with alpha-lipoic acid is likely to slow cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Alpha-lipoic acid is also believed to have the ability to participate in protection against cardiovascular diseases linked to oxidative stress.
Where can I find alpha-lipoic acid?
Alpha-lipoic acid can be found in small quantities in food, particularly in:
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potatoes
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spinach
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tomatoes
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broccoli
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Brussels sprouts
It is also found in some dietary supplements.
What are the health claims of alpha-lipoic acid?
There are no health claims validated by the EFSA for alpha-lipoic acid. However, it is used in some medications.
What are the precautions for use and the side effects of alpha-lipoic acid?
As with all food supplements, food supplements containing alpha-lipoic acid should only be consumed by pregnant or breastfeeding women after medical advice.
Alpha-lipoic acid in Phytocea food supplements
At Phytocea we have chosen to incorporate alpha-lipoic acid into the ReMind formula.
ReMind is a dietary supplement designed to support memory and cognitive abilities. ReMind is a nootropic stack containing vitamins, magnesium, physiologically relevant substances (Phosphatidylserine, Alpha Lipoic Acid), and high-quality standardized plant extracts: Bacopa Monnieri and Ginkgo Biloba.
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Alpha-lipoic acid and science
Akbari M, Ostadmohammadi V, Lankarani KB, Tabrizi R, Kolahdooz F, Khatibi SR, Asemi Z. The effects of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation on glucose control and lipid profiles among patients with metabolic diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Metabolism. 2018 Oct;87:56-69. doi: 10.1016/j.metabol.2018.07.002 .
