Alpha lipoic acid is becoming more and more popular as a dietary supplement, but is it really worth the hype? This powerful compound does a lot and can support your overall health in several ways. So, what is alpha lipoic acid exactly, and what does it do for the body? Keep reading to find out!
What is alpha lipoic acid?
Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant that functions in every cell of your body since it’s both water and fat-soluble. Most antioxidants are only one or the other, so alpha lipoic acid stands out as one of the antioxidant powerhouses. It helps with turning nutrients into energy and has many benefits for blood sugar regulation and chronic disease management.
What are the benefits of alpha lipoic acid?
Much research continues regarding how ALA works and helps the body. Potential alpha lipoic acid benefits include:
- Improve blood sugar control– people with diabetes and insulin resistance may notice improvement with the help of ALA but it is not considered a full diabetes treatment.
- Increase glutathione levels– glutathione is another important compound that complements the work of ALA, supporting the immune system, heart health, and more
- Suppress oxidative stress– inflammation and free radical damage can contribute to heart disease, memory loss, and other chronic conditions, and ALA has been shown to lower certain inflammatory markers.
- Support nerve function– people with diabetic neuropathy may find relief from their symptoms with the help of alpha lipoic acid.
What are good food sources of ALA?
Alpha lipoic acid can be found in red meat, potatoes, and other vegetables like broccoli, spinach, carrots, tomatoes, and beets. The human body can produce small amounts of this compound; however, a supplement can provide a much more potent amount than food alone.
Who should take an ALA supplement?
If you have metabolic syndrome or suffer from a chronic disease like diabetic neuropathy, or chronic inflammation, you may want to talk with your healthcare provider about the pros and cons of taking an alpha lipoic acid supplement. If you have low blood sugar, ALA is not a good option for you.
An Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplement For You
NeurALA CR features a potent blend of alpha lipoic acid and biotin, designed to neutralize free radicals in both the water-based and lipid-based portion of cells, help the body synthesize glutathione, and recharge important antioxidants. In addition, biotin supports the function of alpha-lipoic acid in glucose metabolism.
Recommended Dosing Directions: Take one tablet 30 minutes before breakfast and one tablet 30 minutes before dinner, or as directed by your healthcare professional. Don’t start taking a new supplement without consulting with your doctor to avoid possible interactions with current medications.
Purchase NeurALA CR online or stop in our Overland Park pharmacy location today! If you have any questions about our supplements or whether ALA would be beneficial for you, please feel free to reach out to our expert staff. We are happy to help however we can!
