The Nutrient Alpha-Lipoic Acid: All Information at a Glance
Alpha-lipoic acid is a unique nutrient with antioxidant properties that can support various metabolic functions in our body.
What is Alpha-Lipoic Acid?
Alpha-lipoic acid, along with some other substances such as choline, L-carnitine, or coenzyme Q10, is referred to as a "vitaminoid." These are substances found in foods that are not vitamins or minerals in the strict sense but perform vitamin-like functions in our body. They are obtained through our diet and, to a limited extent, are also produced by our body itself. In certain situations, supplemental intake can be quite beneficial to support our body in its daily tasks.
How Was Alpha-Lipoic Acid Discovered?
Alpha-lipoic acid, also known as thioctic acid, is a sulfur-containing substance and a true multitasker. It was discovered in 1937 by Esmond E. Snell (1914–2003) and was first isolated and researched in detail in 1951. Chemically, it is a fatty acid that belongs to the large antioxidant network, together with the antioxidants vitamin C, vitamin E, coenzyme Q10, and glutathione.
What Makes Alpha-Lipoic Acid So Special?
The uniqueness of alpha-lipoic acid lies in its two sulfur atoms, which are connected by a ring structure. This makes it unique, as it is both fat and water-soluble. With these properties, it can reach any part of our body and exert its effects there. Furthermore, its sulfur atoms can be both oxidized and reduced. "Used" other antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, can be reverted to their original state and be available again as antioxidants.
Our liver can produce alpha-lipoic acid in small amounts from a fatty acid and the sulfur-containing amino acid cysteine. However, the synthesized amounts are so low that daily supply is mainly ensured through diet. The sulfur-containing fatty acid is found in certain vegetables, but it is so firmly embedded in the food matrix that its bioavailability is quite low, and our body absorbs very little of it. However, once it is freed from this matrix, it is excellently absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and quickly distributed throughout the body, as a multitude of studies have shown.
In Which Foods is Alpha-Lipoic Acid Found?
Our liver can produce alpha-lipoic acid in small amounts from a fatty acid and the sulfur-containing amino acid cysteine. However, the synthesized amounts are so low that daily supply is mainly ensured through diet. The sulfur-containing fatty acid is found in certain vegetables, but it is so firmly embedded in the food matrix that its bioavailability is quite low, and our body absorbs very little of it. However, once it is freed from this matrix, it is excellently absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and quickly distributed throughout the body, as a multitude of studies have shown.
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