Lipoic Acid

Overview

Lipoic Acid is a potent antioxidant found in every cell in your body. Lipoic Acid would have been classified as a Vitamin except for the fact that it can be synthesized within the human body. Lipoic Acid has the ability to neutralize toxins, chelate heavy metals, and protect against DNA damage.

 Lipoic Acid - Health Benefits

Carbohydrates

 Lipoic Acid may act as a coenzyme in the metabolism of Carbohydrates. 

 Lipoic Acid may improve the body''s utilization of Glucose within the Muscles.  ^[1]

 Lipoic Acid may facilitate the conversion of Glycogen into Glucose. 

Enzymes

 Lipoic Acid may protect Catalase from oxidation. 

 Lipoic Acid applied topically may activate Activator Protein 1 in the skin, which in turn may stimulate the production of Matrix Metalloproteinases. 

 Lipoic Acid is an essential cofactor for Pyruvate Dehydrogenase (Lipoamide). 

 Lipoic Acid may protect Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) from oxidation. 

Hormones

 Lipoic Acid may improve the actions of Insulin It mimics the function of Insulin.  ^[2]

Krebs Cycle Chemicals

 Lipoic Acid may increase the body’s production of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) within Muscles. 

Lipids

 Lipoic Acid may function as a coenzyme for the metabolism of Fatty Acids. 

Nucleic Acids

 Lipoic Acid may inhibit damage to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA).  ^[3]

Organic Acids

 Lipoic Acid is essential for the decarboxylation of Pyruvic Acid and other Keto Acids. 

Peptides

 Lipoic Acid may increase intracellular Glutathione levels by 30 - 70%:  ^[4]

 Lipoic Acid (1% cream/lotion applied topically) increases the Glutathione content of the Skin.

Proteins

 Lipoic Acid applied topically beneficially activates Activator Protein 1 (AP-1) in the skin.  ^[5]

 Lipoic Acid applied topically may facilitate the removal of old, damaged Collagen in the skin by its ability to activate Activator Protein 1 which in turn stimulates the production of Matrix Metalloproteinases that digest old, damaged Collagen in the extracellular matrix.  In addition, Lipoic Acid may inhibit the inflammatory Cytokine-induced destruction of normal Skin Collagen.  ^[6]

 Lipoic Acid may function as a coenzyme in the metabolism of Proteins:

 Lipoic Acid may inhibit the Cross-Linking (glycosylation) of some types of Proteins - Endogenous including Albumin.  ^[7]

Quinones

 Lipoic Acid may regenerate Coenzyme Q10.  ^[8]

Vitamins

 Lipoic Acid may help to recycle Vitamin C It facilitates the conversion of Dehydroascorbic Acid to Ascorbic Acid.  ^[9]

 Lipoic Acid as a 1% cream/lotion applied topically may increase the Vitamin C content of the skin.

 Lipoic Acid may prevent the symptoms of Vitamin E deficiency (although Lipoic Acid does not spare or regenerate Vitamin E it exerts a Vitamin E-like effect and counteracts the effects of Vitamin E deficiency):  ^[10]