By Ralph Sanchez, L.Ac.,CNS,D.Hom.
Alpha lipoic acid (ALA), a naturally occurring nutrient found in many foods and available in supplemental form, is also synthesized in humans where it serves in energy metabolism and as a vital antioxidant. ALA is a unique antioxidant in that it is both water and fat-soluble, which enables ALA to confer its antioxidant benefits to all the cells and cell structures of the body. Another important characteristic of ALA is that it is part of the antioxidant team that includes vitamin E, C, coenzyme Q10 and glutathione. ALA regenerates theses antioxidants as they are metabolized in their protective antioxidative roles. As an antioxidant, the protective benefits of ALA are well documented in the research literature. However, just this month (12-08), scientists have been able to describe some of the mechanisms behind ALA’s brain protective (neuroprotective) function with respect to peroxynitrite, (1) a potent oxidant,* nitrative agent** and pro-inflammatory molecule that induces cellular damage and death (apoptosis). (2) Peroxynitrite mediates its toxic effects by reacting with structural and functional proteins and fats of the cell, as well as its DNA.
DNA Helix
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