Alpha-lipoic acid, or ALA, is a naturally occurring compound compound with potent antioxidant properties that play a crucial role in energy metabolism and cellular health. As is the nature of antioxidants, ALA helps neutralize harmful free radicals and reduce oxidative stress – two of the biggest offenders to our longevity!
ALA is a cofactor for two crucial metabolic pathways that affect our energy levels and cellular health: the citric acid cycle (also known as the Krebs cycle) and the glycolysis pathway.
- The citric acid cycle, put simply, is how your body converts food to energy. ALA helps with a process called Pyruvate Decarboxylation. Simply put, this process takes glucose and as it reacts with acetyl-CoA it results in the production of energy through the citric acid cycle, which is what our body uses to function. Alpha-lipoic acid enhances this energy-forming process, while also cleaning up damaging free radicals.
- The glycolysis pathway has a similar objective to power your cells and give you energy but specifically, it is how your body breaks down sugars. ALA is a key cofactor for Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate Dehydrogenase, a metabolic enzyme that turns sugar into energy. This process generates ATP (energy) and NADH (an energy transporter).
When ALA helps the citric acid cycle and glycolysis pathways to work efficiently, it manifests in the body as increased energy levels, improved physical performance, better metabolic health, enhanced recovery, and optimized brain function.
The reason? First, your body is converting food into energy more efficiently. As a result, your muscles have a consistent supply of fuel they need to increase your stamina, strength, and endurance. From here, the chain keeps reacting. Your muscle mass is key to glucose uptake so your blood sugar becomes more regulated and you become sensitive to insulin. As a side note, this fends off many age-related diseases, notably obesity and diabetes.
Next, efficient energy production supports faster recovery times after physical exercise, injury, or illness. Your body quickly replenishes its energy stores and repairs damaged tissues, which allow you to bounce back quickly from workouts or illness. This means less downtime. Exercise is key to promoting ATP – aka cellular energy – and your brain needs a constant supply of ATP to function properly. When energy production is efficient, your brain has what it needs to maintain cognitive function, mental clarity, focus, and memory.
ALA has also been shown to support liver health by enhancing antioxidant defenses and promoting liver regeneration. It may be particularly beneficial for individuals with liver conditions or those exposed to toxins. This makes sense metabolically as well because the liver is a vital organ responsible for detoxification and metabolism.
In addition, ALA may benefit your appearance. As an antioxidant, ALA can help combat the effects of environmental stressors on the skin, for example, UV rays and pollution. It has also been researched for its potential role in promoting collagen production, which reduces the appearance of wrinkles, making it a valuable addition to your skincare routine.
In conclusion, using ALA to support efficient energy metabolism, detoxification, and even your appearance will likely have a very positive domino effect. This underrated antioxidant may be the key to greater vitality, physicality, resilience, and overall well-being.
Always ask a healthcare provider if a supplement is right for you.
